opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3012 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Satellite Phones
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: RANJANBEN BHATT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3012 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 th  MARCH, 2018

## SATELLITE PHONES

†3012. SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  procure  satellite  phones  for  quick conversation;
- (b) if so, the steps being taken/ proposed in this regard in near future; and
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not, the  reasons therefor along with the time by which the said procurement is likely to be done?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) Procurement  of  Satellite  Phones  is  not  done    by  the  Department  of Telecommunications(DoT)  itself.  However,  Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited  (BSNL)  a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) of DoT has been granted a license  under 'suigeneris'  category  and  has  been  issued  frequency-assignments/Wireless  Operating License (WOL)  for 'Provision and Operation of satellite based service using Gateway installed in India' with all India service area on non-exclusive basis.

BSNL as a service provider and other Government agencies as end users can procure  Satellite  Phones  as  per  their  requirements  after  obtaining  permission  from Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  (MHA)  and  import  license  from  Wireless  Planning  and Coordination (WPC) Wing of DoT.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3011 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Spying Activities
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: ASHWINI KUMAR, ASADUDDIN OWAISI, PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3011

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2018

## SPYING  ACTIVITIES

3011.  SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR:

SHRI  ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

SHRI  PRAHLAD SINGH  PATEL:

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

- (a) whether any spying activity, honey trapping and leaking of classified information by officials has come to the notice of the Government in the armed forces;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the number of cases reported / registered and the details of person including armed forces officials found involved in this regard during the last three years and the current year;
- (c) the action taken by the Government in this regard including the number of persons punished or arrested etc.;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  found  out  the  agencies  involved  in  such  spying activities and if so, the details thereof including the action taken against them; and
- (e) the details of damage done to armed forces after leaking classified documents and steps  taken  or  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  make  its  security  establishment  and documents foolproof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

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(a) & (b): Yes, Madam.  The Details of armed forces personnel involved in cases of spying, honey trapping & leakage of classified information during the last three years and the current year are as under:

- (i) 2015

- 02

- (ii) 2016

- Nil

- (iii) 2017 -

02

- (iv) 2018

- 01

:  2  :

(c) One  serving  Army  personnel  and  one  serving  Air  Force  personnel have been arrested in 2015 for alleged involvement in espionage activities. Army personnel is presently in police / judicial custody and case is under trial  and  Air  Force  personnel  has  been  dismissed  from  service  and  is presently under judicial custody.  Two Army personnel were punished by Army  in  2017  for  alleged  involvement  in  espionage  activities.    One  Air Force  personnel  is  arrested  in  2018  and  handed  over  to  Civil  Police  for investigation, and is under judicial custody and lodged at Tihar Jail, Delhi. (d) & (e): Some inimical intelligence agencies  have been reported to be allegedly  involved  in  these  activities.    Service  personnel  are  regularly educated about the modus operandi being adopted by inimical agencies / agents.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3010 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Bharat Darshan Tours
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3010 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## BHARAT DARSHAN TOURS

3010. SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that IRCTC, which organises Bharat Darshan tours by train, has not been able to achieve desired popularity of said tours among the tourists; and
- (b) if so, the details of Government's plan to make improvements in the  facilities/services  and  publicity  to  increase  popularity  of Bharat Darshan tours?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a): No, Madam. Bharat Darshan is a very popular budget tourist train covering  important  religious  and  tourist  places  across  the  country. IRCTC  operated  61  trips  of  Bharat  Darshan  train  with  average occupancy of 74 per cent during the current financial year  2017-18 (till January, 2018) carrying around 38000 passengers. (b): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3007 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Diplomatic Relations with Palestine
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3007

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH PALESTINE

3007. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether in view of the improved diplomatic relations with  Israel,  the Government   has   conceived   of   any   strategy   to   play   the   role   of   an intermediary to effect a long lasting peaceful resolution to the raging conflict between Palestine and Israel and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether India has any specific agenda for upgrading its diplomatic ties with Palestine and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI M. J. AKBAR]

- (a) The Government have always remained supportive of peaceful resolution of   the   Palestinian   issue.   India   has   been   unwavering   in   its   support   for   the Palestinian cause. India has been actively participating in various international initiatives   on   Middle   East   Peace   Process.   Recently,   India   participated   in   the Second Conference on Middle East Peace Process in January 2017 in Paris. India hopes for early resumption of peace talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive resolution.
- (b) Recently, India was one of the 128 countries that voted in favour of the UNGA Resolution on the status of Jerusalem on December 21, 2017. The first ever meeting of India-Palestine Joint Commission held in November in Ramallah, exchange of high level visits including the first ever visit of Prime Minister Modi to Palestine have taken India-Palestine to a new level where India continues to support Palestine in its nation building efforts in diverse fields such as human resource development, capacity building, setting up of hospitals and schools.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3006 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Pollution at Rail Siding and Goods Shed
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RITI PATHAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3006 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## POLLUTION AT RAIL SIDING AND GOODS SHED

† 3006.  SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any committee has been constituted for investigating the process of controlling pollution in handling the polluting rail siding and goods shed;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the work done by the said committee so far; and
- (d)
- the results achieved therefrom?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  &  (b)  Yes,  Madam.  Ministry  of  Railways  have  constituted  a Committee of two Officers to study and submit report on the extent of pollution in handling of pollution intensive commodities at sidings and goods-sheds and actions to be taken.
- (c)  &  (d)  The  Committee  has  examined  the  extant  instructions, related documents and existing practice. Statutory regulations have been referred. The Committee has completed the work and submitted  its  report.  The  report  is  under  consideration  of  the Railway Board.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Extension of Mumbai CentralAhmedabad Duronto Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MOHANBHAI KALYANJIBHAI KUNDARIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3005 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## EXTENSION OF MUMBAI CENTRAL-AHMEDABAD DURONTO EXPRESS 3005. SHRI KUNDARIYA MOHAN BHAI KALYANJI BHAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representations  for extension of onward and return journey of Train No. 12267 and 12268, Mumbai  Central  -  Ahmedabad  Duronto  Express  upto  Rajkot  on  daily basis and if so, the details thereof;

- (b)  whether it is a fact that both trains on reaching their destination are parked in the yard for more than 11 hours, which clearly paves way for  extension  of  its  service  upto  Rajkot  without  any  operational  or resource  constraints  nor  lack  of  maintenance  facilities  is  there  at Rajkot;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) Yes,  Madam.  Request  including  from  the  Hon'ble  Member  of Parliament  has  been  received  for  extension  of  12267/12268  Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Duronto Express upto Rajkot.
- (b) to  (d)  12267/12268  Mumbai  Central-Ahmedabad  Duronto  Express has a lie-over period of  17 hours at Ahmedabad, where it undergoes primary  maintenance.  However,  the  time  left  after  undertaking  its primary maintenance at Ahmedabad is in-sufficient for extending the train upto Rajkot.  Moreover, there is no pit slot available at Rajkot  to undertake maintenance of the train.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3004 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: CPGRAMS
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: PARVESH SAHIB SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS & PUBLIC GRIEVANCES)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3004

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018)

## CPGRAMS

## 3004. SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  complaints  received  and  disposed  of  under  the  Centralized  Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) in the period 2014-2018, yearwise and State-wise, including Delhi and the number of senior citizens who have used the system during the said period, State-wise;
- (b) the number of complaints raised by senior citizens and those disposed of during the said period, State-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  steps  to  raise  awareness  about  the  system, particularly among the elderly and making the system user-friendly for them; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) & (b):   Year-wise and State-wise number of complaints received and disposed of under the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for the period 20142018 till 08-03-2018 is annexed.

Age or Date of Birth of the complainant is not captured in the system.

(c)  &  (d):      Centralized  Public  Grievance  Redress  and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online web enabled system.  CPGRAMS primarily aims at enabling submission of grievances by the citizens from anywhere and anytime (24x7) to Ministries/Departments/Organisations which scrutinise  and  take  action  for  speedy  and  favourable  redressal  of  these  grievances.    Tracking grievances is also facilitated on this portal through system generated unique registration number. The system has been made user friendly for all citizens including senior citizens.

A new Mobile App which is more user-friendly for lodging of public grievances has been developed.  The Action Status can also be viewed on the mobile itself. This has been integrated with  Unified  Mobile  Application  for  New-age  Governance  (UMANG).  This  initiative  also facilitates lodging of grievances anywhere anytime.

The  Media  is  briefed  from  time  to  time  by  the  Government  about  the  availability  of CPGRAMS system for grievance redressal.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Introduction of Passenger Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAMA DEVI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3003 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## INTRODUCTION OF PASSENGER TRAIN

† 3003.  SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  for introducing  a  passenger  train  on  Sitamarhi-Raxaul  section  with  a morning  running  schedule  from  Raxaul  to  Sitamarhi  and  in  the evening running schedule from Sitamarhi to Raxaul;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of action taken on the said representation along with the results thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (c)  Yes, Madam. Requests/representations including that from the Hon'ble Member of Parliament have been received in this regard. The  matter  has  been  examined  but  not  found  feasible  due  to operational and resource constraints.  However, presently, 03 train services are available leaving Raxaul for Sitamarhi in morning hours and  leaving  Sitamarhi  to  Raxaul  in  evening  hours,  in  the  return direction.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3002 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Vigyan Prasar
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK

## 3002. SHRI B.V. NAIK:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ A´ÉÆ |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ pleased to state:

(a) whether  Vigyan  Prasar  is  supposed  to  take  up  activities  that  promote  and  propagate  large-scale science  popularisation  and  develop  scientific  and  rational  approach  among  population  at  large  especially younger generation and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether this is included in the Constitution as scientific temper development;

(c) the ways and means through which this activity is made measureable and tangible;

(d) whether there are any surveys done periodically to assess popularisation of scientific and rational outlook; and

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

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ, {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {ÉªÉÉÇ´É®hÉ, ´ÉxÉ A´ÉÆ VÉãÉ´ÉÉªÉÖ {ÉÉÊ®´ÉiÉÇxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

(bÉì. c-ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)

(a) Yes, Madam, Vigyan Prasar has been promoting and propagating Science popularisations,  through creation  of  knowledge  products  such  as  popular  science  books,  monthly  bilingual  science  magazine (DREAM 2047),  TV serials,  radio  programs,  hands-on  activity  kits,  training  &  workshops,  Vipnet  clubs (school/out of school science clubs) and thematic exhibitions.

## (b) Yes Madam, in Article 51A (h).

(c) A large number of publications, radio programmes, telecasts and hands on activities carried out by Vigyan  Prasar  that  highlight  the  pervasiveness  of  science  and  method  of  science  in  all  walks  of  life, technology developments and their immediate value for quality of life, are quite tangible outputs. The large number of institutions,  individuals  and  networks engaged with,  by  Vigyan Prasar, in  outreach  as  part  of science  popularization  across  the  country  substantiate  this  further  is  another    measurable  parameter signifying the wide reach of  Vigyan Prasar programmes.

## (d) Yes, Madam.

(e) Surveys  are  carried  out  by  the  National  Council  for  Science  and  Technology  Communication (NCSTC) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), National Institute of Science Communication and  Information  Resources  (NISCAIR)  and  National  Institute  of  Science,  Technology  and  Development Studies  (NISTADS)  of  Council  of  Scientific  and  Industrial  Research  (CSIR)  and  the  National  Council  of Applied Economic Research(NCAER).

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3002 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14/3/2018

## VIGYAN PRASAR
Lok Sabha Question No. 2999 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Use of Artificial Intelligence to Counter Cyber Crime
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: RAKESH SINGH

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  make  the  data  of  several  departments available through artificial intelligence;
- (b) if so, the phase-wise details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is taking steps to curb the cases of cyber crimes related to AADHAAR through this;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government is inviting international agencies to encourage the artificial intelligence; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI K. J. ALPHONS)

(a) and (b): Technology relating to AI such as Machine Learning, Data Analytics etc. are evolving and they can be very useful to improve services delivery in government and private sectors. An essential requirement for development of such technologies is availability of large volume of data on which the AI engines can work and thereafter develop applications. The Government is cognizant of the fact that data within government with various departments and  data  available  with  the  private  entities  will  help  development  of  AI  applications.  A committee  of  representatives  from  industry,  academia  and  government  agencies  has  been constituted to  recommend steps to be taken to enable the availability of data from various sources for AI keeping in mind the requirements of privacy and data protection.

(c) and (d): No Sir, UIDAI acts as per the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and Regulations framed there under which contains legal and penal provisions to address violations, if any

(e) and  (f):  It  is  felt  that  efforts  to  promote  AI  initiatives  should  involve  the  Industry  and Academia in addition to Government agencies. Accordingly, as indicated at (a) above, the representatives  of  private  industry  have  been  involved  in  committees  to  recommend interventions  relating  to  AI.  A  copy  of  the  constitution  of  committees  for  promoting  AI  is kept at Annexure.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2998 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Blue Economy
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2998

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2018

## BLUE  ECONOMY

2998. SHRI D.K. SURESH:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  utilize  the  country's  long  coastline,  numerous islands, and large exclusive economic zone and continental shelf to reap the benefits of a 'blue economy';
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  engage  maritime  forces  of  friendly nations at multiple levels, in training, in technical areas and hydrography and conduct maritime security operations; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken  /  being  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

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(a) to (d): Government  is  implementing  a  Central  Plan  Scheme  on  'Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries' with a vision to achieve economic prosperity of the country and the fishermen through utilization  of  full  potential  of  water  resources  for  development  of  fisheries  in a sustainable manner.

Besides,  in  April  2017,  Government  has  notified  the  'National  Policy  on Marine  Fisheries,  2017'  (NPMF),  which  provides  guidance  for  promoting  'Blue Growth  Initiative'  which  focus  on  ushering  'Blue  Revolution'  (Neeli  Kranti)  by sustainable  utilization  of  fisheries  wealth  from  the  marine  and  other  aquatic resources of the country for improving the lives and livelihoods of fishermen and their families.  The 'Blue Revolution' encompasses elements of the 'Blue Growth Initiative'.

Friendly foreign countries are being engaged  extensively by Indian Navy through material  support,  training,  EEZ  surveillance,  provisioning  of  platforms, hydrographic  assistances,  joint  exercises  and  offering  slots  in  professional training courses, etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2997 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-14
Subject: Economic Advisory Council
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2997 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2018

## ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL

## 2997. DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has revived the Economic Advisory Council (EAC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the terms of reference of the EAC; and
- (c) the extent to which the downturn in the economy has contributed to this decision?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a) to (c): Vide Notification dated 26 th September 2017, the Government has constituted Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), with Chairman, Member Secretary and three Part Time Members for a period of two years or until further orders.  Subsequently, one more Part Time Member was appointed w.e.f. 1 st November 2017.

Following are the Terms of Reference of the EAC-PM:

- (i) Analyze any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Prime Minister and advising him thereon.
- (ii) Addressing  issues  of  macroeconomic  importance  and  presenting  views  thereon  to  the Prime Minister. This could be either suo-moto or on reference from the Prime Minister or anyone else.
- (iii) Attending to any other task as may be desired by the Prime Minister from time to time.

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