opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3903 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Cleaning and Restoration of Historical Monuments
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: RAMSINH PATALYABHAI RATHWA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3903 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.3.2018

## CLEANING AND RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

## 3903. SHRI  RAMSINH RATHWA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken / proposes to take any initiative for cleaning and restoration of historical monuments in the country on the lines of Swachch Bharat campaign;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the action taken by the Government in this regard along with the achievement made so far?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a)&(b) Hon'ble  Minister  of  Culture,  Government  of  India,  launched  Swacch  Bharat Abhiyan on 25 th September, 2014 from the premises of Red Fort, New Delhi under  Clean  India  Campaign.  Launch  focused  on  the  initiative  to  clean  all monuments premises and ensure:
- (i)  no garbage would be seen in the premises;
- (ii)  provision of adequate amenities for visitors to ensure no litter is thrown inside monuments; and
- (iii)  to  sensitize  visitors  as  well  as  staff  in  maintaining  the  cleanliness  of monuments

Conservation  and  preservation  including  necessary  restoration  of  centrally protected  monuments is a  regular phenomenon taken up as per the priority and need basis.

- (c) The Campaign is followed for all protected monuments in the country so that they are maintained in good state of preservation and cleanliness.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3902 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Test for School Principals
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3902 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  MARCH 2018

## Test for School Principals

## 3902. SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government/Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) proposes to  hold  a  test  mandatory  for  school  Principals  including  Principals  of Government schools;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the  details  of  amendments  proposed  in  relevant  rules/laws/by-laws  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

****

- (a) to ( c): Education, being a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution and a substantial majority of schools being under  the jurisdiction of the State/Union  Territory  Governments,  it  is  for  the  respective  State/UT Government to make a policy in this regard.  So far as Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated school are concerned, there is no such proposal under consideration.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3901 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Vacancy in National Library
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3901 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## VACANCY IN NATIONAL LIBRARY

## 3901. SHRIMATI K. MARAGATHAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  abolish  20%  of  the  sanctioned  posts  at  the National Library and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether  the  posts  remaining  vacant  for  five  years  or  more  have  to  be  abolished before recruitment is done for other vacant posts and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)   whether 130 posts have been lying vacant in National Library for more than five years; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

## Minister of State (Independent Charge) For Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change

## ANSWER

- (a) to (d) Yes, Madam. 130 posts out of 561 posts of National Library, Kolkata have been identified  for  abolition  as  the  same  are  vacant  for  more  than  five  years.  D/o Expenditure vide O.M. No.7(1)/E.Coord-I/2017 dated 12.04.2017 has issued instructions  that  existing  posts  vacant  for  more  than  5  years  are  to  be  abolished immediately.  Also,  posts  which  are  lying  vacant  for  more  than  2  years  are  to  be deemed abolished. While referring any proposal for creation/revival of  posts  to  D/o Expenditure, a certificate indicating that all posts vacant for more than 5 years on the date of referring the proposal, have been abolished is required to be enclosed. The group wise details of posts lying vacant in National Library for more than 5 years is as under:-

Group 'A' - 2 posts

Group 'B' - 60 posts

Group 'C' - 68 posts

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Use of Cloud Technology by MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3900 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## USE OF CLOUD TECHHNOLOGY BY MSMEs

## 3900.  SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has devised/ proposes  to devise a scheme for MSME which is cost effective and a viable alternative by using Cloud Technology and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  encourage  MSMEs  to  use  cloud computing for information and communications technology applications;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  establish  such  technological  centers  for MSME's growth and development; and
- (d) the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a)to(d):        Yes,    Madam.  The  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises (MSME) has a scheme to encourage MSMEs to use Cloud Computing and other ICT applications. The Ministry of MSME also implements a project aimed at upgradation of  existing  Technology  Centers  (TCs)  and  establishment  of  15  new  Technology Centers.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3899 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Allocation of Scholarships
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SHASHI THAROOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3899 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## Allocation of Scholarships

## 3899. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

## Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## be  pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government is aware that the 'SAKSHAM' scheme, which provides merit and need based scholarships for differently abled students has met its target during the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not,  the reasons therefor;
- (c) the State-wise allocation of scholarships under the scheme; and
- (d) the number of students from Kerala who have been beneficiaries of the scheme ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)

- (a)  &  (b) Saksham  Scholarship  Scheme  was  launched  in  2014-15,  with  the  objective  of encouraging  economically  weaker  differently  abled  students  to  pursue  technical  education  at Diploma  and  Degree  levels.    Scholarship  amount  of  Rs.  30,000  is  provided  towards  tuition  fee reimbursement and Rs. 20000 as contingency allowance.  Under the scheme, 1000 scholarships per annum are available.  Number  of  application  received  from  eligible  candidates  under  the  scheme every  year,    remained  low  despite  wide  publicity.  Year-wise  details  of  applications  received  are given in the table below:

| Year    |   Number of applications received under the scheme |
|---------|----------------------------------------------------|
| 2014-15 |                                                179 |
| 2015-16 |                                                169 |
| 2016-17 |                                                362 |

A committee of experts was set up,  to suggest measures for improving the performance of the scheme.  The committee recommended that a provision be made under the scheme to support differently abled student for purchase of Aids and Assistive Devices, in cases where  tuition fee was either exempted or  less than Rs.30,000/-

As the number of application received during 2016-17 still remained low,  the  scheme was again  amended  in  2017,  to  remove  the  restriction  of  Centralized  Counselling  as  a  criterion  for selection, making differently abled students,  who were directly admitted to All India Council for Technical Education approved institutions,  also eligible to apply for the scholarship.

- (c) There is no state-wise allocation of scholarship under the scheme.
- (d) The number of students from Kerala who have been beneficiaries of the scheme are:

| Year    |   Students |
|---------|------------|
| 2015-16 |         02 |
| 2016-17 |         02 |
| Total   |         04 |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3898 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Facilities to Tourists at Religious Sites in Tibet
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: MEENAKASHI LEKHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3898 ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## FACILITIES TO TOURISTS AT RELIGIOUS SITES IN TIBET

## 3898. SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  facilitate
- (a) tourists to the Hindu religious sites in Tibet; and
- (b) the safety/security provided to pilgrims during such journeys?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) and (b): Ministry  of  External  Affairs  organises  the  Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet in cooperation with the State Government  of  Uttarakhand,  Delhi  and  Sikkim  along  with  IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP). In addition to the existing Yatra route via  Lipulekh  (Uttarakhand),  an  additional  route  via  Nathu  La  Pass (Sikkim) was opened in 2015 for the benefit of Yatris. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (KMVN), and Sikkim Tourism Development  Cooperation  (STDC),  make  logistical  arrangements including accommodations, food and transport on the Indian side for the Yatra. The Yatra is organised in cooperation with the Government of China which provides logistical facilities on the Tibet side.

Government of India takes various steps to facilitate the Yatra which include a dedicated website to further simplify and expedite the registration and selection process, communication with Yatris, and a helpline based on interactive Voice Response System which provides  information  in  Hindi  and  English  to  the  Yatris.  Medical tests are also conducted for Yatris to ensure their fitness for high altitude  endurance.  Provision  for  air-lift  of  Yatris  by  helicopter  is also  available  in  coordination  with  concerned  agencies  in  case  of emergency.  Liaison  Officers  are  appointed  for  each  batch  for coordination  with  Indian  and  Chinese  authorities  concerned,  and seeks assistance in case of any emergency for the safety and wellbeing  of  Yatris.  The  Indo-Tibetan  Border  Police  (ITBP)  provides security cover and basic medical assistance to Yatris on the Indian side. Facilities are upgraded on a continuous basis along the entire route of the Yatra.

The  Government  of  India  arranges,  on  self-payment  basis, facilities  like  transportation,  accommodation,  fresh  food,  medical tests, guides, Chinese visa, foreign exchange, porters and ponies for carrying  goods  and  belongings  of  Yatris.  The  Government  of  India does not extend any direct cash subsidy to pilgrims of the Kailash

Manasarovar Yatra.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Smart Card Scheme
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA

- (a):
- (b):

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3896 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## SMART CARD SCHEME

## 3896. SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether the Government has started/proposes to implement a smart card scheme for the workers engaged in unorganised sector to enable them and  their  family  members  to  avail  the  benefits  of  National  Health Insurance  Scheme,  Atal  Pension  Yojana,  Aam  Aadmi  Bima  Yojana  and
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana;
- (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)the total number of workers in the country targeted to be linked under this  scheme  in  the  first  phase,  State/UT-wise  including  Gujarat  and Karnataka; and
- (d)whether any time limit has been set to issue smart cards to all workers in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- No, Madam.
- Question does not arise in view of reply to Part (a) above.
- (c) & (d): However, a  proposal to create a national platform to facilitate issue of a Unique ID i.e Unorganised Workers Identification Number (UWIN) seeded with Aadhar,  has been approved by the Central Government  with an  estimated cost of 402.7 crore  to be implemented in two years during 2017-18 and 2018-19.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3893 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Demands of Gems and Jewellery Sector
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3893 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  MARCH,2018

## DEMANDS OF GEMS AND JEWELLERY SECTOR

## 3893. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  gems  and  jewellery  sector  has  demanded  to  reduce  import  duty  on yellow metal to 4.5 per cent from 10 per cent;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to review the gold import policy and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) & (b) Yes, Madam.  The gems and jewellery sector has demanded to reduce import duty on yellow metal (gold).  The request for reduction in import duty on gold was examined in this year Budget.  However, taking note of the fact that despite 10% import duty, imports of gold have remained high and reduction in import duty on gold would have resulted in substantial loss of revenue, no change was made in import duty on gold.
- (c) At present, there is no proposal to review the gold import policy.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3884 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL, MALLIKARJUN  KHARGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3884 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## MATERNITY BENEFIT (AMENDMENT) ACT

## 3884. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL: SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether  majority  of  the  women  in  the  country  are  not  able  to  avail maternity  leave  under  the  Maternity  Benefits  Act,  2017  due  to  their working in the unorganized sector and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government is considering any proposal to include women working in the unorganized sector to enable them to avail the benefits under the Act, and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether the Government is anticipating decline in rate of labour force participation of female population due to discriminatory hiring practices by the employers in order to prevent maternity benefits available under the said Act; and
- (d)if so, the details thereof along with the corrective steps taken/proposed
- to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) & (b): No, Madam.  Maternity  Benefit Act, 1961  is applicable to establishments employing 10 or more women irrespective of whether it is organised or unorganised sector.
- (c) & (d): No,  Madam.  The  Government  is  of  the  opinion  that  with enforcement  of  the  Maternity  Benefit  (Amendment)  Act,  2017,  more  and more  women  workers  would  be  inclined  to  seek  employment  which  will lead to increase in women labour participation rate.  There are stringent provisions under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961  for prevention of discriminatory practices against women work force.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3883 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Setting up of Sharana-Dasa-Sufi Study Centre
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: NALIN KUMAR KATEEL, DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3883 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.3.2018

## Setting up of Sharana-Dasa-Sufi Study Centre

## 3883.  SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL: SHRI D.K. SURESH:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Central University situated at Gulbarga in Karnataka seeking approval to set up Sharana-Dasa-Sufi Study Centre;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the proposal is pending before the Government for the last four years and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the response of the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)

- (a) to (d):     No such proposal has been received from the Central University of Karnataka.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3881 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Impact of Demonetisation on MSME Sector
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: MOHAMMAD SALIM, MD. BADARIDDOZA KHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3881 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 19.03.2018

## IMPACT OF DEMONETISATION ON MSME SECTOR

3881.

SHRI MOHD. SALIM:

SHRI MD. BADARUDDOZA KHAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  MICRO,  SMALL  AND  MEDIUM  ENTERPRISES  be pleased to state:

(a) whether  there  has  been  decline  in  revenue  of  the  key  Micro,  Small  and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) post demonetization ion in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the  Government  to  revive  the  said  MSMEs  in  the  country  including  West Bengal;

(c) whether the Government  proposes to provide any compensation to protect the interest of the labourers who have lost their jobs due to demonetization in MSME sector; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): As per the Paper on preliminary assessment of the impact of demonetisation,  brought  out  by  the  RBI  in  March,  2017,  demonetisation  had impacted various sectors of the economy in  varying degrees; however, in the affected  areas,  the  adverse  impact  had  been  only  transient,  and  felt  mainly  in November and December 2016. The impact moderated significantly in January 2017 and dissipated by and large by mid-February, 2017, reflecting the fast pace of remonetisation.

(b): To reinvigorate the MSME Sector all over India including West Bengal, steps  have  been  taken  to  improve  access  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium Enterprises (MSMEs ) to credit & other support services.

(c)&(d): There  is  no  compensation  package  for  labourers    planned  by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3878 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Training Programme in India and Abroad
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: R.K. BHARATHI MOHAN, PR. SENTHILNATHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3878 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2018

## TRAINING PROGRAM IN INDIA AND ABROAD

3878.  SHRI BHARATHI MOHAN RK: SHRI PR SENTHIL NATHAN:

## Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state ?

- a)  the  detailed list of training programs conducted in both India and Abroad which were attended by the Officials of the Ministry in the last three years;
- b)  whether  the  Government  has  signed  any  MoU  with  foreign  countries  to impart  skill  trainings  to  youths  and  make  them  job  ready  and  suite  the industry needs;
- c)  if so, the details thereof; and
- d)  the list of courses conducted and persons trained annually in the last three years, year/State-wise ?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI ANANTKUMAR HEGDE)

- a) The  number  of  Training  programs  in  India  and  Abroad  attended  by  MSDE officials are as under:
- b)  &  c)  The  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  has signed  a  Memorandum  of  Cooperation  (MoC)  with  Ministry  of  Justice,  the Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs  and  the  Ministry  of  Health,  Labour  and  Welfare (Collectively referred  as  Ministry  of  Japan)  on  17 th October,  2017 in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of this MoC is to transfer technical skills from Japan to India by advancing the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP).
- d) MSDE has  recently  empanelled  11  Sending  Organizations  (SOs)  to  select candidates  and  send  candidates  for  the  TITP.  So  far  no  candidates  have been sent for these training in Japan.

| Year     |   No of Training programme in India |   No of Trainings programme in Abroad |
|----------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| 2015- 16 |                                   3 |                                     6 |
| 2016- 17 |                                   7 |                                     8 |
| 2017- 18 |                                   6 |                                     6 |

***