opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3464 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Assistance to States for Promotion of Yoga
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: MOHANBHAI KALYANJIBHAI KUNDARIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 3464 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH MARCH, 2018

## ASSISTANCE TO STATES FOR PROMOTION OF YOG A

## 3464. SHRI KUNDARIYA MOHAN BHAI KALYANJI BHAI:

Will  the  Minister of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of activities undertaken during the recent Yoga day along with the funds pr for the same;
- (b) whether the Government provides funds and other assistance to the States for promot Yoga and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any complaints have been received from some States regarding lack of facilitie youth participating in yoga festivals/competitions; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) : The details of activities undertaken during 3 rd International Day of Yoga (IDY) are as under:
- i. Mass Yoga Demonstration at Lucknow on 21.06.2017
- ii. Mass Yoga Demonstration at 7 places in Delhi at Rohini, District Park Dwarka, Yamuna Sports Complex, Nehru Park Chanakyapuri, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Connaught Place.
- iii. Health Editors Conference
- iv. Curtain Raiser for IDY
- v.Yoga Training Program by CCRYN at 624 districts

The expenditure for IDY - 2017 by the Ministry is 24.18 crores. Further, the State/UTs were also requested to promote and celebrate ID Y on voluntary basis.

- (b) : Ministry of AYUSH provided financial assistance of 8.50 crores to Government of Utta Pradesh  for  organizing  of  main  event  of  3 rd International  Day  of  Yoga  in  Lucknow  on 21.06.2018.

- (c) & (d) : No, as far as Ministry of AYUSH is concerned.

………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 3463 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Curbing Government Expenditure
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: HARI NARAYAN RAJBHAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUSTION NO.3463

## ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, 16th MARCH, 2018 PHALGUNA 1939-40 (SAKA) 25th

## CURBING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE

## +3463 . SHRI HARINARAYAN RAJBHAR

Will the Minister of FINANCE be please to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any steps to save the money on advertisement,  entertaining   guests, catering;  inaugural   ceremonies, seminars, conferences, tours, STD/ISTD bills of telephone and other official expenditure and
- (b) ifso, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon as on date?

## ANSWER

## (SHRI P. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a) to (b): Yes Sir: Ministry of Finance issues detailed guidelines/instructions 0n fiscal prudence   and economy measures to curtail  non-developmental  expenditure and releasing of additional resources for priority schemes from time to time which are available on its website.

The last economy instruction with the objective to promote fiscal discipline, without restricting the operational efficiency of the government was issued vide Department of Expenditure OM No. 7(1)E.Coord/2014 dated 29.10.2014. This OM, inter-alia, imposes ban on holding   seminars/conferences in five-star   hotel, restriction on purchase of vehicles and   regulates Domestic and International Travel etc. Department of Expenditure vide OM No. 7(3VE.Coord/2013 dated 06.05.2015 has also fixed the rates for   hosting lunch /DinnerMHigh tea etc. Department of Expenditure vide OM No. 24(5V/E.Coord/2012 dated 11.05.2012 has fixed the maximum monthly reimbursable amount towards charges on residential telephonelmobile phone/broadband/data card use (for internet purposes).
Lok Sabha Question No. 3461 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Self Help Group
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: BHARAT SINGH

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Financial Services

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. † 3461

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 th  March, 2018 /Phalguna 25, 1939 (Saka) Self Help Group

† 3461 .  SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Self Help Groups in northern district of Bihar are unable to obtain loan from the Public Sector Banks (PSBs);
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the reaction of the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

## (MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE) (SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

(a): No Madam.

(b): Does not arise in view of (a) above.

(c): Government  have  taken  various  steps  to  provide  easy  access  of  credit  and encourage women Self Help Groups (SHGs). These include, inter alia, the Women SHGs  Development  Fund  being  operated  by  National  Bank  for  Agriculture  and Rural Development (NABARD), Interest Subvention under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY - NRLM) to NRLM SHGs on credit upto a maximum of Rs 3 lakh per SHG. Grant and other support to NGOs and  other  Self  Help  Promoting  Institutions  for  promotion  and  nurturing  of SHGs formed by poor women in rural areas, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3459 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Committee for Research on Climate Change Issues
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3459

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2018

## Committee for Research on Climate Change Issues

## 3459.  SHRI RAJU SHETTY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government  proposes  to  constitute  a  Committee  to  undertake  research and initiate measures to deal with the ill effects of climate change;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the terms of reference of the Committee along with its tenure and Members;
- (d) whether the Committee has submitted its recommendations; and
- (e) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  time  by  which  these  recommendations  are likely to be submitted?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (e):  The research on climate change is undertaken through scientific institutions and it is an ongoing process.  The Government of India set up the Prime Minister Council on Climate Change  (PMCCC)  in  2007  under  the  chairmanship  of  Hon'ble  Prime  Minister  for  evolving  a coordinated  response  to  issues  related  to  climate  change;  provide  oversight  for  formulation  of action plan in the area of assessment, adaptation, technology support and mitigation of climate change;  and  periodically  monitor  key  policy  decisions.  Further,  an  Executive  Committee  on Climate Change (ECCC) has been set up under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary to Prime Minister to assist PMCCC in evolving a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at  the  national  level  and  to  monitor  the  implementation  of  the  eight  National  Missions  under National Action Plan on Climate Change.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3458 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Restarting of Closed Public and Private Industries
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: GOWDAR MALLIKARJUNAPPA SIDDESHWARA

Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Economic Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3458

TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 16, 2018

## RESTARTING OF CLOSED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INDUSTRIES

3458. SHRI G.M. SIDDESHWARA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of private and public industries which have incurred losses and closed down in the country during the last two years along with the reasons therefor; (b) whether the Government has received any proposals to restart these industries or to make them profitable and if so, the action taken on those proposals; (c)  the number of people whose employment got directly or indirectly affected due to closing of such industries; and (d) the details of other efforts made by the Government to make such industries
- profitable and to restart them?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a) to (d) As per records available with Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, a total of 22,669 companies in 2014-15 and 18,194 companies in 2015-16 had closed  down.  A  total  of  2,66,294  private  companies  and  17,974  public  companies  in 2014-15 and 2,32,122 private companies and 16,611 public companies in 2015-16 had incurred losses. Information on the number of people whose employment got directly or indirectly affected due to closing of these companies is not available. Any decision to restart a closed company is entirely that of its promoters.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3454 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-16
Subject: Seizure of Properties by ED
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: LALLU SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 3454

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

PHALGUNA 25, 1939 (SAKA)

## Seizure of properties by ED

3454. SHRI LALLU SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any information regarding the seizure of properties of the officers of All India Civil Services and other  equivalent services allegedly involved in corruption by   agencies like Enforcement Directorate; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof during the last two years, State/UT-wise?

'` `

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)

- (a) to (b) Directorate of Enforcement has registered 11 cases under the Prevention 0f' Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 against the officers of All India Civil Services and other equivalent  services   Investigation by the Directorate in these cases has  resulted in attachment/ seizure of assets worth around Rs.62 crore.

***+*
Lok Sabha Question No. 300 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Renewable Energy Projects
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO-300

TO BE ANSWERED ON-15.03.2018

## RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

300. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  proposed  Internal  Rate  of  Return  (IRR)  of  major  renewable energy projects to be in the range of 9-11 per cent and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the assumptions are based on zero Government incentives, reflecting return rate in a zero subsidy scenario and if so, details thereof;
- (c) whether the small hydro plants are seem to fetch IRR between 9 and 10 per cent and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the estimates are based on the assumption of 10.5 per cent of cost of debt and 34.61 per cent income tax rate for all types of renewable projects and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (I/C) (SHRI R.K. SINGH)

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

*****

## STATEMENT

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 300 for ANSWER ON 15/3/2018

- (a) The  Government  has  not  proposed  any  Internal  Rate  of  Return  (IRR)  for  renewable energy projects. IRR is kept in mind by the Regulators [Central Electricity Regulatory Commission  (CERC)  and  State  Electricity  Regulatory  Commissions  (SERCs)]  while determining / approving different tariffs. Also, IRR is one of the factors considered by the financial institutions while processing application for loan. IRR varies from project to project depending upon cost of project and revenue stream.
- (b) Financial Institutions  carry  out  evaluation  of  project's  IRR  after  considering  the Government subsidies and incentives such as VGF, etc., which may vary from scheme to scheme.
- (c) The Detailed Project Reports submitted by the Small Hydro Projects (SHP) developers to the financing institutions/ banks usually show IRR in range of 12-15% depending upon their location and rate of power proposed to be purchased by utilities. However, cost and time overrun of SHP projects may adversely affect its IRR.
- (d) Prevailing rate of interest on debt and applicable income tax rate is considered at the time of appraisal of project by the financial Institutions/ Banks.
Lok Sabha Question No. 293 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Privatization of Air India
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: M. B. RAJESH

*293.

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION .

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 293 March 2018)

8 (To be answered on the 1sth

## Privatization of Air India

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has all the options to keep Air India as a 'State run national carrier before taking a decision to privatize it; explored
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- whether the Government would ensure that the physical assets of Air India aad,eparking and bilateral flying rights to globai cities will be protected; and
- (d) if s0, the details thereof;

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) to (d): A statement is laid on the table of the House.

` . . ` `

' `

## ANSWER

` .

'

(Shri Suresh Prabhu)

^

Statement in reply to (a) to (d) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No: 293 for 15.03.2018 regarding 'Privatization of Air India' tabled by Shri MB. Rajesh, MP parts

(a) (b): Government had approved a Turnaround Plan (TAP) 1 Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) in 2012 for operational and financial turnaround of Air India. The TAP/FRP provides equity infusion of Rs.30231 crore upto 2021 subject to achievement of certain m ilestones as laid down in the TAPIFRP Out of this amount; the Government has released a total Equity Support of Rs 26545.21 crore 48,876.81 crore\_

| Year    |   Net Loss Rs. in (crore) |
|---------|---------------------------|
| 2013-14 |                   6279.6  |
| 2014-15 |                   5859.91 |
| 2015-16 |                   3836.77 |
| 2016-17 |                   5765.16 |

Air India has been incurring continuous losses and the details of the Net Losses made by Air India from FY 2013-14 to FY 2016-17 are as follows:

NITI Aayog in its recommendations, on Strategic Disinvestment of the Central Public Sector Enterprises on 12, 2017 had given the rationale for the disinvestment of Air India and has referred to the fragile finances of the company, among various other reasons. Air India has been incurring continuous losses and has huge accumulated losses Further, NITI Aayog in its report o Air India has stated that further financial support in a mature and com petitive aviation market would not be the best use of scarce financial resources of the Government: May

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA); in its meeting held on 28.06.2017,has given in principle approval for considering strategic disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries.

(c) & (d): CCEA constituted an Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM) to guide the process on strategic disinvestment from time to time and decide on issues which; inter-alia, include hiving off of certain assets to a shell company, the quantum of disinvestment and the universe of bidders etc: The contours of the bid would be contained in the bid documents as approved by AISAM:

'
Lok Sabha Question No. 284 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Benefits of Low Crude Oil Prices to Air Passengers
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: VINOD CHAVDA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 284 (To be answered on the March 2018) Isth

## Benefits of Low Crude Oil Prices to Air Passengers

## *284. SHRI VINOD LAKHAMASHI CHAVDA

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to give the benefits of low crude oil to the people travelling by Air India; and prices
- (b) if s0, the details thereof?

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Suresh Prabhu)

- (a) and (): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House:

## ANSWER

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) and (b) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.284 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2018 REGARDING BENEFITS OF CRUDE OIL PRICES TO AIR PASSENGERS TABLED BY SHRI VINOD LAKHAMASHI CHAVDA, MP.

(a) and (b): The monthly average Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices over the two years have shown upward trend; Presently, the taxes o ATF consist of Excise duty @14% and State VAT ranging from 0 to 30%, and. Green Cess @0.5% (at Goa only):. past

Under the provision of Sub Rule (1) of Rule 135, Aircraft Rules 1937, airlines are free to fix reasonable tariff having to all relevant factors; including the cost of operation, characteristics of services; reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff. Air fare so established by the airlines is published on their respective website under the provision of Sub Rule (2) of Rule 135, Aircraft Rules 1937. regard

Air fares are not determined on basis of fuel alone: Airline pricing is highly flexible. The pricing f air tickets by Air India is pegged their competitors O the given route, keeping in view relative product strengths; fares offered by competitors, seasonality, flight frequency; timings and traffic flows etc. The extent of competition ensures that variation in ATF prices is price against
Lok Sabha Question No. 283 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.283 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-03-2018

Target Olympic Podium Scheme

- *283. SHRI V. ELUMALAI:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the high profile committee has expressed its concerns regarding the tardy implementation of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the said committee has also asked the Government for a status report on the scheme; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)]

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) OF STARRED QUESTION  NO.  283  TO  BE  ANSWERED  ON  15-03-2018  REGARDING 'TARGET  OLYMPIC  PODIUM  SCHEME'  ASKED  BY  SHRI  V.  ELUMALAI, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

(a) & (b): Madam, Former Chairman of the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme Elite Athletes Identification Committee, had sent a letter dated 28.11.2017 regarding constitution of a Sub-Committee for implementation of  the  protocols  recommended  for  identification  and  review  of  Athletes selected under TOP Scheme.

The TOPS Sub Committee recommendations cover a wide range of issues not only relating to selection of athletes and review of performance, but training plan, financial support, scientific support, medical review etc.

Based  on  the  recommendations  of  the  Task  Force  for  preparation  of comprehensive action plan for effective participation of sportspersons in the next three Olympic Games, Government approved constitution of an Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) with the mandate to formulate and implement  effective  measures  for  preparation  of  our  sportspersons  for future Olympic Games. In the interim, mandate of ESC is competently and effectively being carried out by TOP Scheme Elite Athletes Identification Committee. So far, 220 athletes are covered under TOP Scheme.

(c): The Committee has not asked for a status report on the Scheme.

(d): The Question does not arise in view of para (c) above.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 282 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Electric Vehicle Policy
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P., GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether many car making companies in the country are against the electric vehicle policy of the Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the present status of the said policy;
- (d) whether the Government has dropped the idea of formulating the policy; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

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

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 282

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  MACRH, 2018

## ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY

- *282.  SHRI P. NAGARAJAN: DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## lM+d ifjogu vkSj jktekxZ ea=h

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  to  (e)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  282  ANSWERED  ON  15.03.2018  ASKED  BY  SHRI  P. NAGARAJAN  AND  DR.  C.  GOPALAKRISHNAN  REGARDING ELECTRIC  VEHICLE POLICY

(a)  and  (b)  No,  Madam.  Nothing  in  this  regard  has  come  to  the  notice  of  the  Government  of India.

(c)  to (e) In accordance with the decision taken in the meeting of Committee of Secretaries(CoS) headed by Cabinet Secretary, held on 8 th June, 2017, NITI Aayog has circulated a draft Cabinet Note  for  inter-ministerial  consultation  on  developing  a  strategy  to  scale  up  transformative mobility for uptake of zero emission vehicles and ancillary technologies.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3449 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-15
Subject: Bio-Toilets
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: DILIP PATEL

## Government of India

## Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3449 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-03-2018

## Bio-Toilets

## 3449. SHRI DILIP PATEL:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  set  up  bio-toilets  in  a  large  number  of Village Panchayats in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State/UTwise;
- (c) whether it is proposed to expand the scheme throughout the country;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the time by which all the Village Panchayats are likely to be covered under the scheme?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

- (a)  to  (e)    The  Ministry  of  Drinking  Water  and  Sanitation  has  been  implementing  Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, to facilitate States in accelerating rural sanitation coverage. Under the Scheme, the States are free to choose any technology for safe disposal of excreta, including bio-toilets.