opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 445 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: NSEL
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: JAY PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OI,- INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.44s

ANSWERED ON 3,d FEBRUARY,2OIT

## I\SEL

## 445. SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN  YADAV:

Will the Minister  of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Govemment is aware that large scale misappropriation  of funds and bungling has taken place in NSEI. in last few years and the case was investigated  by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the EOW filed the final chargesheet,  if so, the present status thereon;
- (c) whether the EOW has attached the properties  of arrested brokers under the Maharashtra Protection  of Interest of Depositors  (MPID)  Act; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof,  if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF S'TATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHzu ARJLIN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a): On a complaint registered on 30.09.2013  against key management persons of National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL),  Financial Technology (India) Ltd., borrowers and brokers, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW),  Mumbai Police started investigating  into the offence vide EOW CR No.89/13 under sections  120(8), 409,465,467,468,471,474,477A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) pertaining  to NSEL related payment and settlement  crisis case involving Rs. 5600/- crores approximately of about 13000 investors. During  the course of investigation,  when it was observed that NSEL had acted as a Non-Banking Financial Company  and it had assured fixed returns on the investment,  various provisions of the Maharashtra  Protection  of Interest of Depositors (in Financiai  Establishments) Act, 1999 (MPID Act) were invoked on24,10.2013 to further strengthen the seizure of properties  to recover the loss caused to investors. EOW, Mumbai Police has attached properties worth Rs. 8583.05 Crores of alleged defaulters. The Deputy Collector, Mumbai City has been appointed  as the Competent  Authority under the provisions of MPID Act for the attachment and disposal of attached  properties.

During the course of the said investigation,  which is still in progress,  3l accused  persons have been arrested.

(b): EOW, Mumbai Police has filed 3 charge sheets in this case and the investigation  is in progress.  It would become  possible  to file the final charge sheet when the ongoing investigations  are completed.

(c): EOW, Mumbai Police has not attached the properties  of the 3 arrested brokers  with whom investors invested their money.

(d): fhe properties  of 3 arrested  brokers have not been attached,  as molley trail has not been Itrund in their bank accounts.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 444 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Tax Treaties
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 444

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 3 rd  FEBRUARY, 2017 14 MAGHA, 1938 (SAKA)

## Tax Treaties

## 444. ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR;

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Government is contemplating to revise the tax treaties with partner countries to enable the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to use the data for prosecution of those who have stashed black money abroad and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether all the partner countries have agreed to the proposal; and
- (c) if so, the time by which the proposed tax treaties will be finalised?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) Yes, Madam. Treaty partner countries have been requested to modify the tax treaties, so as  to  explicitly  include  provisions  that  will  enable  information  exchanged  for  tax purposes  to  be  utilized  for  other  purposes,  including  criminal  proceedings  in  non-tax matters. 40 treaties for avoidance of double taxation have been revised accordingly. In addition,  India  has  also  signed  the  Multilateral  Convention  on  Mutual  Administrative Assistance  in  Tax  Matters,  which  also  similarly  facilitates  exchange  of  information. These  developments  enable  use  of  such  information  by  non-tax  agencies,  subject  to agreement by the Competent Authorities of the Requested Contracting State.
- (b) No, Madam. All treaty partner countries have not agreed to the proposal.
- (c) Since  a  bilateral  treaty  cannot  be  modified  unless  both  treaty  partners  agree,  it  is  not possible to provide any time frame for this purpose.
Lok Sabha Question No. 443 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Printing Cost of Currency
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.443

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 RD  FEBRUARY 2017/14 TH  MAGHA SAKA, 1938 PRINTING COST OF CURRENCY

## 443. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

## QUESTION

## Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  those  currency  notes  whose circulation  has  been  limited  due  to  low  printing  cost  as  result  of  using  new technology; and
- b)  If so, the details thereof and steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY FOR FINANCE

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) to (b)  The Reserve Bank of India monitors the requirement of notes on a regular basis and places the indent on the printing presses accordingly.
- --------
Lok Sabha Question No. 442 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Committee to Review Civil-Mlitary Relations
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.442

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2017

## COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS

## 442. SHRI  RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

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

- (a) whether the Government had set up an expert committee to review civil-military relations in the recent past;
- (b) if so, the composition and Terms of Reference of the Expert Committee;
- (c) whether  the Expert Committee has submitted its report; and
- (d) if so, the salient recommendations and the response of the Government thereto?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (d): No  such  expert  committee  has  been  set  up  to  review  civilmilitary relations in the recent past.  However, the Government has set up a Committee of Officers to look into equivalence between Service Officers and Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ  CS) officers and to comprehensively examine the rules, regulations, instructions, etc. of the Government  on  the  issue  of  equivalence.    The  Committee  has  not  yet submitted its report.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 441 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Uniform Nutritious Food Systems in AWCs
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 441

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2017

## UNIFORM NUTRITIOUS FOOD SYSTEMS IN AWCs

## 441. SHRI NAGAR RODMAL

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce any scheme for providing a uniform nutritious food system in Anganwadi centres all over the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the steps being taken by the Government to provide uniform and sufficient nutritious food to the children in Anganwadi centres?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ)

(a) to (c):   Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, Supplementary Nutrition is provided to Pregnant & Lactating Mothers and Children below six years as per following nutritional norms provided under Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act in order to bridge the gap between the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Average Dietary Intake (ADI).

| Sl. No.   | Category                                     | Nutritional Norms (per beneficiary per day)   | Nutritional Norms (per beneficiary per day)   |
|-----------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
|           |                                              | Calories (K Cal)                              | Protein (g)                                   |
| 1.        | Children (6-72 months)                       | 500                                           | 12-15                                         |
| 2.        | Severely malnourished children (6-72 months) | 800                                           | 20-25                                         |
| 3.        | Pregnant women and Nursing mothers           | 600                                           | 18-20                                         |

ICDS is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. States/UTs are responsible for the implementation of Scheme  including  provision  of  supplementary  nutrition  to  children  (6  months  to  6  years),  pregnant women and lactating mothers as per the nutritional norms and guidelines of the Scheme. While the food provided under the ICDS may vary from place to place depending upon the locally available foods and the food preferences/habits of the local population, the food served has to be in conformity with the above nutritional norms.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 440 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Clinical Trials Involving Birds and Animals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 440 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03 RD FEBRUARY , 201 7

## CLINICAL TRIALS INVO LVING BIRDS AND ANIMALS

## 440. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  clinical  trials  using  birds  and animals  at  academic  institutions  need  no clearance from the Drug Controller General of India and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Ethics Committee at the respective academic institution gives the permission for the clinical trials; and
- (c) the recommendations of the Ranjit oy Committee in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a): The termClinical t rial refer s to the systematic study in human beings. Clinical trials can be conducted only after obtaining permission from the Drugs Controller General (India) (DCGI) and approval of the respective Ethics Committee. However, in case of clinical trials inte academic purposes, no approval from DCGI is necessary. P reclinical studies are conducted on animals for development of new d rugs.Permission from the DCGI for conduct of preclinical studies in animals is not required. The Committee for thePurpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change controls the conduct of experiments involving use of animals.
- (b): In  addition  to  seeking permissionfrom  the  DCG (I)  approval of the respective  ethics committee(s) is also required to be obtained before conducting clinical trials.
- (c): The Ranjit Roy Chaudhury Comm ittee recommended that academic clinical research may be approved by institutional ethics committee. However, it also recommended that if a new or a new use for an existing drug is being evaluated, approval of the DCG(I) should be obt
Lok Sabha Question No. 439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Early Warning System in High Altitude Areas
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: SHASHI THAROOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.439

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2017

## EARLY WARNING SYSTEM IN HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS

439. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

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

- (a) whether  an  Early  Warning  System  (EWS)  has  been  installed  in  high  altitude areas,  where  soldiers  are  susceptible  to  avalanches  and  extreme  weather  conditions that often result in loss of life;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  number  of  locations  in  which  EWS  is being used;
- (c) whether the Government has taken measures to improve existing technology or reinstate  newer  technology  to  detect  and  enhance  readings  of  extreme  weather conditions; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): For  avalanche warning, 56 High  Altitude Observatories  and 55 Automatic Weather Stations have been set up by DRDO  in Uttarakhand, Himachal  and  J&K. Further,  mountain  weather  and avalanche  related  forecast  specific  for  Army  personnel  is  drawn  by DRDO from its five Avalanche Mitigation Centres.
- (c) & (d): Presently, DRDO is working on four projects to develop new technologies for more accurate prediction of avalanches.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 437 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Indirect Taxes
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: AJAY (TENI) MISRA

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONS NO. 437

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017 MAGHA 14, 1938 (SAKA)

## INDIRECT TAXES

## 437: SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  revenue  received  from  Indirect  Taxes  other  that  Customs  Duty during the last three years and current year;
- (b) whether a large part of the currency issued in the form of Rs. 1000 and 500 notes  prior  to  demonetisation  has  been  deposited  and  has  come  into  the system;
- (c) if so, the amount deposited so far;
- (d) the extent to which the said deposit have boosted the Direct and Indirect Taxes; and
- (e) whether the increase in the taxes is likely to decrease the fiscal deficit, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) The  revenue  collection  from  Indirect  Taxes  during  the  last  three  years  and current year is as under:

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

| Head           |   2013-14 |   2014-15 |   2015-16 (P) |   2016-17 (April-Dec.)(P) |
|----------------|-----------|-----------|---------------|---------------------------|
| Central Excise |    170197 |    188787 |        287149 |                    279917 |
| Service Tax    |    154778 |    167969 |        211396 |                    183800 |

| Total   | 324975   | 356756   | 498545   | 463717   |
|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------|
Lok Sabha Question No. 435 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Tax Relaxation under NPS
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2017

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 435 14, MAGHA, 1938  (SAKA)

## TAX RELAXATION UNDER NPS

## 435. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to  give  a  tax  relaxation  to  the  maturity value of the amount deposited under National Pension System (NPS) like PPF and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also recommended for this tax relaxation in the recently held Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting, if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) The Finance Act, 2016 amended the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) to provide that 40% of the amount payable to the employee subscriber of NPS on his closure of account or his opting out of the scheme, shall be exempt from tax.

Further, Finance Bill, 2017 has proposed to amend the Act to provide exemption from tax at the  time  of  partial  withdrawal  by  an  employee  from  National  Pension  System  Trust  in accordance  with  conditions  specified  under  Pension  Fund  Regulatory  and  Development Authority  Act,  2013  and  regulations  made  there  under,  to  the  extent  it  does  not  exceed twenty five per cent of the contributions made by him.

(b) There  was  no  such  proposal  from  Securities  and  Exchange  Board  of  India  in  the agenda of 16 th Financial Stability Development Council meeting held on 5 th January 2017.

- -------
Lok Sabha Question No. 434 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Setting up of NFRA
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 434 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 3 rd  FEBRUARY, 2017/ MAGHA 14, 1938 (SAKA)

## SETTING UP OF NFRA

## QUESTION

434.  SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  setting  up  a  National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) to regulate the quality of audits and auditors;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the proposed functions of the body; and
- (c) the time by when the NFRA established and starts its functioning?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE MEGHWAL)

(SHRI ARJUN RAM

IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

( श्री अर्जयन राम मेघवाल )

कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्रालर् में राज्र् मंत्री

- (a)  to  (c):-  Section  132  of  the  Companies  Act,  2013  provides  for establishment of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) with powers such as recommending accounting and audit policies, monitoring  compliance  of  accounting  and  auditing  standards  with certain enforcement functions including dealing with cases of professional  misconduct.    The  said  provision  has  not  yet  come  into force.  Consultations have  been  held  with  Institute of  Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on implementing the provisions contained in the section. Recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance on section 132 have been received which are under consideration.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 432 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Defence Cooperation with Kenya
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.432

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2017

## DEFENCE COOPERATION WITH KENYA

432. SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  signed  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  on defence cooperation with the Government of Kenya and taken steps for early convening of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence and maritime co-operation; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation  was  signed  with  Government  of  Republic  of  Kenya  on  11 th July  2016.    The  scope  of  defence  cooperation  under  this  MoU  includes Training and Exercises, Military Medical services, Military cultural, sports and adventure activities and any other field as may be agreed upon by both sides.  As per MoU, such mechanisms as may be mutually agreed to, may be  set  up  for  the  purpose  of  furthering  the  objectives  of  this  MoU.    At present,  there  is  no  proposal  to  set  up  a  Joint  Working  Group  (JWG)  on defence and security cooperation.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 431 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-03
Subject: Decline in Remittances
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUEST10N NO.431 TO BE ANSヽVERED ON FRIDAY 03,2017/Magha 14,1938(Saka)

## Decline in Remittances OUESTION

## 43T. SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister  of FINAIICE  be pleased  to state:  -

- (a) whether according  to a World Bank Report remittances to India fell by 5%o in 2016, ifso, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the Govemment is studying  the said report of the World Bank to take appropriate  action to ascertain the reasons for the decline in remittances to India; and;
- (c)  if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MIMSTER OF STATE IN THf,,  MIMSTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ARJI'N RAM MEGTIWAL)

- (a) Yes Sir. In the data released  in October 2016, the World Bank projected a decline  of 5 percent  in remittance  flows in 2016. However, the latest World Bank data has ofiicially  recorded  that remittance inflows to India during JanuarySeptember 2016 declined by 10.6 percent compared  to the same period  in the previous year.
- (b) & (c): The projected fall in the remittances  is due to various global cyclical and structural  factors. Subdued income conditions in source cormtries, particularly in the gulf region due to downward  spiral in oit prices have continued to weigh

down on remittances. The world  Bank data and press release have also attributed the decline in remittances in India to the following  structural  factors: -

- i. de-risking behavior  of large htemational commercial  banks (that is, closure of bank accounts of money transfer operators) to avoid moneyJaundering and other financial  crimes;
- ii. labor market 'nationalization'  policies in some GCC countries  to generate more employment  for native workers  and discourage  recruitment  of migrant workers;  and
- iii. high cost of sending  remittances.

Most of the factors cited above are global in natufe' However,  Govemment  of India along with the Reserve Bank of India has taken several measures  to streamline the process offlow  of remittances to India, thereby reducing  the cost of sending remittances  to India. Some ofthese  measures  are as follows:  -

- i. Removal of the exclusivity  clause under MTSS, as it was impeding the ability  of other Money  Transfer  Operators  to expand  their agent network in India.
- ii. tncreasing the number ofremittances  from 12 to 30 in a year under MTSS'
- iii. Expanding  the scope of the RDA to include all FATF cotmtries  (as against the earlier permitted  jurisdiction  ofGCC, Singapore  & Malaysia)'
- iv. Crediting into the KYC compliant  bank accounts  of any bank under the RDA (as against the earlier stipulation of Partner Bank)'
- v. Facilitating  the RDA channel  for payment ofvarious utility bills'
- vi. Relaxation of collateral  requirements  for RDA arrangements under speed Remittance procedure.