opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2023 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Operation Green Hunt
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2023

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 23, 1938 (SAKA)

## OPERATION GREEN HUNT

2023. SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  'Operation  Green  Hunt'  started  in  2009  for  curbing  Naxalite groups is still in operation;
- (b) if so, the details of the major steps taken towards further implementation of this strategy;
- (c) the concrete measures taken to expand the operations towards States other  than  the  'Red  Corridor'  (Jharkhand,  Chhattisgarh,  Uttar  Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana);
- (d) the steps taken to tackle the problem of naxal groups with Neighbouring countries such as Nepal or Bangladesh; and
- (e)  the  details  of  the  fresh  political  economic  initiatives  being  planned towards eliminating naxalite operations in the country?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c):  There  is  no  operation  by  the  name  of  'Operation  Green  Hunt'. However, Security Forces have been conducting intelligence based operations against Left Wing Extremists which has resulted in reduction of violence and increased apprehensions and surrenders of armed cadres.
- (d). Presently, as per available information there is no known collaboration  between  Left  Wing  Extremist  groups  in  India  and  naxal groups of Nepal and Bangladesh.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.2023 FOR 14.3.2017

(e). The Central Government will consider engaging in talks with the Left Wing  Extremists  only  if  they  renounce  violence  and  express  faith  in  the democratic process and Constitution of India.

As  regards  developmental  initiatives,  the  Government  has  made development as one of the main pillars of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with  Left  Wing  Extremism.  Apart  from  flagship  schemes  of  the  Central Government in infrastructure, education, health, skill development, agriculture etc several initiatives have been taken specifically for development  of  Left  Wing  Extremism  Affected  areas.  These  include focused schemes for development of roads, setting up of mobile towers, skill development and financial inclusion.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2021 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Vermin Animals
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2021

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2017

## Vermin Animals

## 2021.   SHRI R. DHRUVA  NARAYANA

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering the culling of certain wild animals in specific geographic areas over specific period in view of the huge losses incurred by the farmers due to destruction of their crops by such animals;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the action propose by the Government to deal with the aforesaid problems; and
- (c)  the details of wild animals under consideration by the Government to be declared as vermin, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) No, Sir. There is no proposal under the consideration of the Ministry  regarding culling of  certain  wild  animals  in  view  of  the  huge  losses  incurred  by  the  farmers  due  to destruction of their crops by such animals.
- (b) The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Schemes  of  'Integrated  Development  of Wildlife  Habitats',  'Project  Tiger'  and  'Project  Elephant'  for  management  of  wildlife and  its  habitats  in  the  country.  The  activities  supported  under  the  Schemes inter alia include construction /erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered  electric  fence,  bio-fencing  using  cactus,  boundary  walls  etc.  to  prevent  the entry of wild animals into crop fields; improvement of wildlife habitat of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals  from  forests  to  habitations  and  setting  up  of  anti-depredation  squads  to  drive away problematic animals.

Keeping  in  view  the  losses  to  crops  inflicted  by  the  wild  animals,  this  Ministry, on 24 th December, 2014 issued an advisory to the States highlighting the legal provisions under  the  Wildlife  (Protection)  Act,  1972  to  deal  with  the  human-wildlife  conflict situations.

The  Ministry  of  Agriculture  in  consultation  with  MOEF  has  issued  an  Advisory  in March 2012 for the management of Blue Bulls in the country. This Advisory, inter-alia , indicates  the  various  strategies  and  options  for  the  mitigation  of  blue  bull  conflict situations.

- (c) The Ministry has received the  proposals for declaring  vermin in the following states for species noted against each State:

| State            | Species            |
|------------------|--------------------|
| Bihar            | Nilgai, wild Boar. |
| Uttarakhand      | Wild pig           |
| Himachal Pradesh | Rhesus Macaque     |
| Gujarat          | Nilgai             |
| Maharashtra      | Nilgai, wild Boar  |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2020 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Assistance to Animal Husbandry, Dairy And Fishery
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING  AND  FISHERIES LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2020

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2017

## ASSISTANCE TO ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRY AND FISHERY

## 2020.        SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to give greater importance to animal husbandry, dairy and fishing sectors, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) wether it has become necessary to take extra attention towards milch animals in view of the irregular rainfall and scarcity of water in several parts of the country; and
- (c) if so, the steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT )

- (a) to  (c)  Considering  the  important  role  of  livestock  sector  in  national  economy  and  socioeconomic development of the country, the Government of India is implementing various schemes  to  supplement  the  efforts  of  the  State/  Union  Territory  Governments  for  the sustainable development of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries sector in the country as under:
- I. National Dairy Plan
- II. National Programme for Dairy Development
- III. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
- IV. Supporting State Cooperative Dairy Federations
- V. Assistance to Cattle Institute
- VI. Indigenous Breeds
- VII. National Programme for Bovine Breeding
- VIII. National Mission on Bovine Productivity
- IX. Assistance to Animal Husbandry Institute
- X. National Livestock Mission
- XI. Assistance to Animal Health Institute
- XII. Livestock Health and Disease Control
- XIII. Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries

To ensure availability of feed and fodder for animals including milch animals, the Department of Animal  Husbandry,  Dairying  and  Fisheries  is  supplementing  the  efforts  of  States  and  Union Territory  Governments  through  Sub-Mission  on  Fodder  and  Feed  Development  under  National Livestock Mission.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2017 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Capping Price of Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: VISHNU DAYAL RAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2017

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 th  March, 2017

## Capping Price of Drugs

## 2017.  SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

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

- (a) whether Government has recently capped the prices of some drugs used in treatment of various ailments, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  details  of  the  impact  thereof  in  terms  of  price  reduction  for  each  scheduled formulation; and
- (c) the details of efforts made by Government to ensure that all essential drugs, including antibiotics, are made available to the general public at cheaper price?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. After the Drugs (Prices Control), Order 2013 (DPCO, 2013) was notified  on  15/05/2013,  National  Pharmaceutical  Pricing  Authority  (NPPA)  has  notified  the ceiling prices of 530 formulations which appeared in Schedule -I of DPCO, 2013. Subsequently the Government amended the Schedule - I of the above said Order on 10/03/2016 by bringing in medicines in National List of Essential Medicines 2015 (NLEM 2015) under price control and the NPPA has fixed prices of 664 formulations till date. This has resulted in savings of about Rs. 2519 crore to the patients.

After the inclusion of coronary stents in Schedule - I of DPCO, 2013 on 21/12/2016, the prices of coronary stents were fixed by NPPA on 13/02/2017 which will result in approximate annual savings of Rs. 4450 crore to patients.

- (c): The  National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy (NPPP),  2012  was notified on  7 th December, 2012, with the objective to put in place a regulatory framework for pricing of drugs so  as  to  ensure  availability  of  required  medicines  -  'essential  medicines'  at  reasonable  prices even while providing sufficient opportunity for innovation and competition to support the growth of pharma industry, thereby meeting the goals of employment and shared economic well-being for all.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2016 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Declining Wildlife
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: YOGI ADITYANATH

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2016

TO BE ANSWERED ON  14.03.2017

## Declining Wildlife

## 2016.  SHRI YOGI ADITYA NATH:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  declining  number  of  wild  life  animals  in  the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for protection of endangered species?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) and (b) As per the  information  available  including  by  way  of  census,  there  are  no reports indicating decline in number of wildlife in the country.  On the other hand,  the population  of  several species like lion, tiger, elephant  and rhinoceros is on the rise.
- (c) Steps    taken  by  the  Government  for  protection  of  endangered  species  of wildlife  include:
- i. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- ii. Protected  Areas,  viz.,  National  Parks,  Sanctuaries,  Conservation Reserves and Community  Reserves  covering  important  wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
- iii. Special programmes like 'Project Tiger' and 'Project Elephant' have
- been launched for conservation of these endangered species  and their habitats.
- iv. A specific  component of 'Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats' is provided in the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' for  focused  conservation  action  on  selected  critically  endangered species.
- v. In addition to provision of stringent punishment for the offenders, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 also provides for forfeiture of any equipment,  vehicle  or  weapon  that  is  used  for  committing  wildlife offence(s).
- vi. Financial  and  technical  assistance  is  provided  to  the  State/  Union Territory  Governments  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Schemes  for providing better protection to wildlife including endangered species and improvement of its habitat.
- vii. The  Central  Bureau  of  Investigation  (CBI)  has  been  empowered under  the  Wild  Life  (Protection)  Act,  1972  to  apprehend  and prosecute wildlife offenders.
- viii. The  Wildlife  Crime  Control  Bureau  has  been  set  up  to  ensure  coordination among various officers and State Governments in connection with the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2014 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Proposal for ITIs with Hostel Facility for Divyangs
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: ALOK SANJAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DIVYANGJAN)

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2014 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2017

## Proposal for ITIs with Hostel Facility for Divyangs

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

- (a ) whether there is any proposal to set up ITIs with hostel facility for 'Divyangs'
- (c) whether any scheme has been prepared in this regard and if s0, the details thereof ; and
- (d) the number of 'Divyangs' proposed to be associated with skill  development during the current year ?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Sir; No,
- (b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
- (c) Sir: No,
- (d) The National Action Plan for skill development of persons with disabilities (PwDs) envisages skill training of 1.5 lakh PwDs the current year (2016-17). during

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2007 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Black Marketing of Urea
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: (SMT.) RATNA DE(NAG)

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2007 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 14.03.2017

## Black marketing of Urea

## 2007  DR. RATNA DE (NAG):

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

- (a) whether it is true that the supply of subsidized urea/fertilizers goes in the hand of black marketers on a large scale and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the counter measures thereon; and
- (c) the details of the steps taken in this regard in terms of the raids conducted and arrests made, if any?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, SHIPPING AND CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L.  MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (c):    No Madam, there is no report of supply of subsidized urea/fertilizers going in the hand of black marketers on a large scale from any State/UT in the current year.

Fertilizer  has  been  declared  as  an  essential  commodity  under  Essential Commodities  Act,  1955.    Government  of  India  has  notified  Fertilizer  Control  Order, 1985 under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 which prohibits sale of any fertilizer at a price  exceeding  the  maximum  retail  price.    Under  Essential  Commodities  Act,  1955 State Governments have been empowered to take appropriate punitive action against the violators of this Act.

Further, Department of Fertilizers, regularly directs the State Governments to activate the enforcement agencies under their jurisdiction to take appropriate action to curb illegitimate sales of fertilizers.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2004 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Spread of Harmful Algal Blooms
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2004 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 th  MARCH, 2017.

## SPREAD OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

2004: DR. GOKARAJU GANGA RAJU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  small  pelagic,  Indian  oil  sardine,  mackerel  and  anchovies, contribute almost 55 per cent of the marine fish catch and almost 90 per cent of the artisan  fishermen  directly  or  indirectly  rely  on  these  fishes  for  their  livelihood  and therefore the inter-annual variations in the availability of these fishes have a considerable impact on the economy of the common men;
- (b)  if so, whether it is true that increasing frequency and extent of harmful algal blooms in the  coastal  and  oceanic  area  of  the  Indian  Exclusive  Economic  zone  is  a  cause  for concern,  as  it  disrupts  bio-geochemical  cycles  and  possibly  enhances  the  oxygen minimum zones, which in turn affects marine ecosystem processes such as energy flow and prey availability for mid- and upper-trophic predators;
- (c)   whether it is also true that the harmful algal blooms are spreading rapidly; and
- (d)  if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) The  small  pelagic  species,  Indian  Oil  sardines,  mackerels  &  anchovies  contribute substantially, that is more than 50% of the marine fish catch in the country, and therefore, inter-annual  variation  in  their  catches  has  considerable  impact  on  the  economy  of  the coastal community.
- (b) to (d) It has been reported by some of the scientific organizations that harmful algal blooms (HAB's) have increased in recent years. However, oxygen deficient conditions occur naturally along the west coast of India in connection with the upwelling during southwest monsoon. Observations over the western Indian shelf and sustained measurements over the last  two  decades  do  not  show  any  record  of  harmful  algal  blooms  during  the  oxygen deficient period. Rapid increase in harmful algal blooms in the coastal and oceanic area of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone has not been scientifically established.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Gallantary Award for CAPF Personnel
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2003

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 23, 1938 (SAKA)

GALLANTRY AWARD FOR CAPF PERSONNEL

2003. SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to award gallantry medal for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) Personnel including CRPF personnel;

(b) if so, the details therof;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  request  for  award  of gallantry medal to such personnel including CRPF; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Madam,  Government    administers    following  gallantry  awards for  State  Police  personnel  and  Central  Armed  Police  Forces  (CAPFs) personnel including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):-

- (i)    Ashoka Chakra.
- (ii)   Kirti Chakra.
- (iii)  Shaurya Chakra.
- (iv) President's Police Medal for Gallantry.
- (v) Police Medal for Gallantry.

On the occasion of Republic Day, 2017, the Government has awarded 22 Police Medals for Gallantry to CAPFs personnel including CRPF.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1999 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Meditech Park
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: DEVAJIBHAI GOVINDBHAI FATEPARA

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1999

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 th  March, 2017

Meditech Park

## 1999. SHRI DEVAJIBHAI G. FATEPARA

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

- (a) whether the Government of India has received any proposal from the  State  Governments  for  assistance  to  develop/establish  Meditech Park;
- (b) if so, the details and status of such proposals, State-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has any policy/schemes for assistance to promote/establish Meditech Parks in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, whether the Government proposes to introduce a scheme in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, ROAD TRANSPORT  &  HIGHWAYS  AND  SHIPPING  (SHRI  MANSUKH  L. MANDAVIYA)

(a  to  d):  Proposals  for  assistance  for  setting  up  of  Medical  Device  Parks from the State Governments of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were received. The  State  Government  of  Gujarat  requested  in-principle  approval  and financial assistance. Central Government has informed the State Government  of  Gujarat  that  no  in-principle  approval  is  required.  State Government of Andhra Pradesh had also requested a grant of INR 75 Crores for setting up Common Facilities in the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone being established in Vishakhapatnam. Government has a proposal for a scheme for 'Development of Common Facilitation Centre for Medical Devices' under the umbrella scheme for 'Development of Pharmaceuticals Industry'. However, no budget allocation has yet been made for the proposed scheme.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1997 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Providing Food Subsidy
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: C. MAHENDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1997 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 TH  MARCH, 2017 PROVIDING FOOD SUBSIDY

## 1997. SHRI C. MAHENDRAN:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to move towards a new system of providing food subsidy through the normal food supply shops (including the Fare  Price  Shops),  supplemented  by  new/  additional  Fare  Price  Shops  in remote and inaccessible regions where such shops do not exists and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  this  could  be  achieved  through  the  introduction  of  food stamps or the food credit card system and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  customers  could  use  food  credit/debit  cards  to  buy subsidized  foodgrains  from  the  market  and  the  retailers  can  claim  the subsidy from the Government in the system and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)
- the steps taken in this regard; and
- (e) whether any discussions with the State Governments are conducted in  his regard, if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

- (a) to (e): The States/UTs are implementing the National Food Security  Act,  2013  through  5.26  lakh  fair  price  shops  (FPS)    across  the country.    There  is  no  proposal  to  provide  food  subsidy  through  shops  other than  FPS.    However,  Central  Government  in  August,  2015  notified  'Cash Payment  of Food  subsidy Rules, 2015'. Under  the Rules, the Central Government,  with  the  consent  of  State/UT  Government,    transfer  the  food subsidy  direct  to  the  bank  account  of  identified  beneficiaries  subject  to certain conditions. At present this scheme  is being implemented  in Chandigarh & Puducherry and in urban areas of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

****