opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 372 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Service Charges by Restaurants
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: HARISH CHANDRA MEENA, MAHEISH GIRRI

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 372

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## SERVICE CHARGES BY RESTAURANTS

## 372. SHRI HARISH MEENA: SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received complaints from the consumers regarding service charge being levied by the restaurant owners despite it being not mandatory;
- (b) if  so,  the  number  of  complaints  received  by  the  Government  in  the  last  one  year  and action taken against the offenders;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  issued  guidelines  on  fair  trade  practices  related  to  the charging of service charge from consumers by hotels/restaurants to regulate charging of tips/gratuities in the name of service charge, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is planning to set appropriate restrictions on the pricing of the food and beverages to be charged by the hotels, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether  apart  from  forming  Consumer  Dispute  Redressal  Forum,  the  Government  is planning to have alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for speedy disposal of cases on service charge, if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh lh- vkj- pkS/kjh½

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

- (a) : Yes, Madam.
- (b)  :  During  the  last  financial  year  2016-17,  the  National  Consumer  Helpline  received  188 complaints from consumers where they have been asked to pay Service Charge by restaurants/ hotels.  The complaints are taken up with the hotels and restaurants concerned.
- (c) :  The Department of Consumer Affairs issued guidelines on 21 st April, 2017 on fair trade practices related to charging of service charge from consumers by hotels/ restaurants. As per these guidelines, the bill presented to the customer may clearly display that service charge is voluntary, and the service charge column of the bill may be left blank for the customer to fill up before making payment.  A customer is entitled to exercise his/her rights as a consumer, to be heard and redressed under provisions of the Act in case of unfair/restrictive trade practices, and can approach a Consumer  Disputes Redressal Commission/Forum  of  appropriate jurisdiction.
- (d) :   There is no such proposal.
- (e)  :    The  Consumer  Protection  Bill,  2015  seeks  to  establish  a  Central  Consumer  protection Authority, an executive agency, which will look into unfair trade practices.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 370 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Fixation of MSP for Agricultural Produce
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO JADHAV, JITENDRA CHAUDHURY, DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.370 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## FIXATION OF MSP FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

370. SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV: SHRI JITENDRA CHAUDHURY: SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the recommendation of the M.S. Swaminathan Report in which it is stated that the MSP for agricultural produce should be fixed at 50% profit over production cost including the interest on the loan taken for agriculture is not being followed in letter and spirit and MSP is being given often less than the cost of production;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor and the action taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government has analysed the report of the Swaminathan Committee;
- (d) if  so,  the details thereof and the reasons for not implementing all the recommendations of the Committee; and
- (e) the steps being taken by the Government to fix the MSP for agriculture produce according to M.S. Swaminathan Committee Report?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) to (e): National  Commission  on  Farmers  (NCF)  headed  by  Dr.  M.S.  Swaminathan  had recommended  that  the  Minimum  Support  Price  (MSP)  should  be  at  least  50%  more  than  the weighted average cost of production. This recommendation, however, has not been accepted by the Government  because  MSP  is  recommended  by  CACP  based  on  objective  criteria,  considering variety of relevant factors and prescribing an increase of at least 50% of cost may distort the market.

Government  fixes  MSPs  for  major  agricultural  produce  on  the  recommendations    of  the Commission for Agricultural  Costs  &  Prices  (CACP),  the  views  of  concerned  State  Governments and Central Ministries/Departments.

While recommending MSPs, the CACP considers, inter alia, a number of important factors which include cost of production, trends in market prices, demand and supply situation, inter-crop price parity etc.

Government ensures remunerative price to the growers by offering to procure their produce at MSP. However, farmers are free to sell it to Government agencies or in the open market as is advantageous to them.

The National Commission on Farmers (NCF) submitted its report to the Government in 2006. After  due  examination,  Government  accepted  many  of  the  recommendations  of  the  NCF  and basedon these Government approved the 'National Policy For Farmers, 2007' (NPF 2007).

The NPF-2007 aims to improve economic viability of farming and increases net income of farmers. The Ministry has adopted various schemes/programmes based on the NPF, 2007.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 369 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Production of Pulses
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNPURIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.369

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## PRODUCTION OF PULSES

369. SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps which the Government proposes to take to increase the production of pulses and to check rising price of pulses;
- (b) whether  the  Committee  headed  by  the  Chief  Economic  Advisor  has  advised  to  give subsidy to the farmers and additional allocation to the Government's procurement agencies and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is considering to implement the recommendations of committee;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Government is also considering to impose restriction on export and keep unlimited stock of pulses and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a): In order to enhance the production and productivity of pulses, Government of India has been  implementing  National  Food  Security  Mission-Pulses  (NFSM)-Pulses.    Apart  from  the normal  initiatives  covered  under  NFSM-Pulses,  Government  has  initiated  various  additional steps  to further boost the  production  of  pulses  in  the  country from  the  year  2016-17.   These initiatives  include  creation  of  seed  hubs  through  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural  Research (ICAR)/State  Agricultural  Universities  (SAUs)/Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs);  breeder  seed production  through  ICAR  institutes;  distribution  of  seed  minikits  of  pulses  free  of  cost  to  the farmers, incentives for seed production, etc.  Similarly, in order to check the  prices of pulses, steps like creation of buffer stocks; enhancing the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of pulses, etc have also been taken.
- (b) to (e): Yes,  Madam,  the  Committee  headed  by  Chief  Economic  Adviser  constituted  to address  the  policy  issues  relating  to  mismatch  between  demand  and  supply,  rising  prices  of pulses and straining the purchasing power of consumers, gave several recommendations which includes  providing  subsidy  to  the  farmers  and  additional  allocation  to  Government's  various procurement  agencies.    These  recommendations  are  under  implementation.    Government  of India has built a dynamic buffer of 19.18 lakh MT as on 12.07.2017 under the Price Stabilization Fund  (PSF).    In  order  to  keep  unlimited  stock  of  pulses,  the  Government  has  imposed restrictions  on  export  of  pulses  except  Kabuli  Chana  and  50,000  MTs  of  organic  pulses  and lentils per annum.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 366 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Tiger Habitats
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: BALKA SUMAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 366

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## Tiger Habitats

## 366. SHRI SUMAN BALKA:

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

- (a) whether the  National  Tiger  Conservation  Authority  (NTCA) has  asked  all  the  tiger range States not to confer forest rights on any tribal or forest dwelling communities in critical tiger habitats under the Scheduled Tribe and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act, 2016; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a) & (b) The National Tiger Conservation Authority has advised the States to refrain from conferring rights in Critical Tiger Habitats which is duly notified under section  38  V  (4)  (i)  of  the  Wildlife  (Protection)  Act,  1972,  till  such  time Critical  Wildlife  Habitats  are  notified.    However,  this  is  only  a  temporary measure  until  Critical  Wildlife  Habitats  are  notified  under  the  Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 365 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Cost of Foodgrain under FCI
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: VEENA DEVI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 365

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## COST OF FOODGRAIN UNDER FCI

## 365.  SHRIMATI VEENA DEVI:

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  economic  cost  of  wheat  and  rice  procured  under  the Food Corporation of India has constantly been increasing over the years;
- (b) if so, the economic cost of the above products during the years 20142015 and 2016-2017; and
- (c) the support price at which wheat and rice were procured during the above period?

## A N S W E R

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

(a)&(b):  Yes,  Madam.  The  economic  cost  of  wheat  and  rice  procured  under the Food Corporation of India has constantly been increasing over the years.

The economic cost of wheat and rice during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 are given below:

## Economic cost of Wheat and Rice

Rate Rs./Qtl

| Particulars   |   2014-15 |   2015-16 |   2016-17 (RE) |
|---------------|-----------|-----------|----------------|
| Wheat         |   2051.24 |   2127.39 |        2242.4  |
| Rice          |   2943.58 |   3125.47 |        3191.64 |

(c): Minimum Support Price as fixed by GoI for wheat and paddy is given below:

## Minimum support price of wheat and paddy

Rate Rs./Qtl

| Rabi Marketing Season (RMS)   |   Wheat |
|-------------------------------|---------|
| 2014-15                       |    1400 |
| 2015-16                       |    1450 |
| 2016-17                       |    1525 |

## Rate Rs./Qtl

| Kharif Marketing Season (KMS)   | Paddy   | Paddy     |
|---------------------------------|---------|-----------|
|                                 | Common  | Grade 'A' |
| 2014-15                         | 1360.00 | 1400.00   |
| 2015-16                         | 1410.00 | 1450.00   |
| 2016-17                         | 1470.00 | 1510.00   |
Lok Sabha Question No. 361 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Forensic Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Y. S. AVINASH REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 361.

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017/ ASHADHA 27, 1939 (SAKA)

FORENSIC LABORATORY IN ANDHRA PRADESH

361. SHRI Y.S. AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  as  a  promise  made  in  the  10th  Schedule  of Andhra  Pradesh  Reorganisation  Act,  2014  has  proposed  to  establish Forensic Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  any  proposal  from  the  State  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh has also been received in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of actual execution of the work?

ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d)  :  An  umbrella  scheme  for  'Modernisation  of  Police  Forces'  of Ministry of Home  Affairs has been envisaged. The proposal for establishment  of  a  new  hi-tech  State  Forensic  Science  Laboratory  at Amaravati with a proposed outlay of Rs.253.40 Crore, with Rs. 152 Crore as central  assistance  to  State  Govt.  of  Andhra  Pradesh  is  part  of  the  said umbrella scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 360 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Strength of Police
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MALLIKARJUN  KHARGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 360.

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017/ ASHADHA 27, 1939 (SAKA) STRENGTH OF POLICE

360. SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the police set up in the country is heavy at the top and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether there is a pressing need to strengthen the police set up at the 'thana''  level  with  more  constables  and  inspectors  to  cope  up  with  the increased workload;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to address the staff imbalance in the police force?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d)  : As on 1.1.2017, there are 3905 IPS officers in position against an authorized  strength  of  4843.    According  to  Bureau  of  Police  Research  & Development  (BPR&D),  as  on  1.1.2016, against authorized strength of 22,80,691,  there are  17,31,666 police personnel  in position.

Further, as 'Police' is State subject falling in List-II of seventh schedule of the Constitution of India, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to ensure adequate provision and launch a special recruitment drive to fill  the  vacant police posts.  In this regard, the Centre advises the States from time to time.

## LS.US.Q.NO.360 FOR 18.07.2017

As far as Indian Police Service is concerned, approximately 150 IPS officers are recruited every year. Further, as per rule 4 (2) of IPS Cadre Rules, 1954, the Central Government, ordinarily at the interval of every five years, reviews the  strength  and  composition  of  each  such  cadre  in  consultation  with  the State  Government(s)  concerned  and  revises  the  authorized  strength  of  the IPS for each Cadre. Since 2014, Cadre Review of 11 Cadres has already been notified by the Central Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 357 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Cyber Wing Police Forces
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ANOOP MISHRA, KIRRON KHER, PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 357.

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017/ ASHADHA 27, 1939 (SAKA)

## CYBER WING POLICE FORCES

357.

SHRI ANOOP MISHRA: SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER: SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is implementing the programme for modernisation of police forces with the capacity for handling cyber related crimes in the country;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has instructed the State Governments to create a separate cyber wing police forces and purchase modern technological weapons under the scheme of modernisation of police forces;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and  the  fiscal  allocation  made  by  the Government for this purpose; and
- (d) the other steps being taken to encourage modernisation of Central/State Police forces in the country during the last three years?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Under Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF) Scheme, with a view to strengthen State Police Forces, assistance is provided to the State Governments  in  the  form  of  grant-in-aid  towards  purchase  of  equipment, including equipment for handing Cyber Crimes, as per strategic priorities of the States incorporated in the respective State Action Plans.  Several states

## LS.US.Q.No.357 FOR 18.07.2017

have included cyber related equipment in their State Action Plans as per their  requirements for  which  funds  have  been  released.    Law  &  order  and crime investigation,  being  state  subjects,  are  addressed  by  State  specific mechanisms including for cyber crimes.

Details of funds allocated to states under MPF scheme during the last three years and the current year are as follows :

| Year    | Allocation   | Allocation   | Allocation   |
|---------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
|         | Plan         | Non- Plan    | Total        |
| 2014-15 | 860          | 537.50       | 1397.50      |
| 2015-16 | Nil          | 595.00       | 595.00       |
| 2016-17 | Nil          | 595.00       | 595.00       |
| 2017-18 | Nil          | 769.00       | 769.00       |

In addition, Rs. 87.60 Crore were released to incentivize better performing states to take up identified modernization activities including establishment of District level Cyber Centres during the year 2016-17.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 354 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Plantation Drive
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MANOJ KUMAR TIWARI

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 354

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## Plantation Drive

## 354. SHRI MANOJ TIWARI:

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

- (a) whether any plantation drive has been launched in all the States of the country on the occasion of Environment Day and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of trees planted across the country during the above programme; and
- (c) whether the State Government of Haryana has given its nod to cut down trees in the hills of Aravali and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a) &  (b): National Afforestation &  Eco-Development Board (NAEB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme "National Afforestation Programme" Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through large scale plantation involving people's participation in the country. The  scheme is implemented through a decentralized mechanism  of State Forest Development Agency at State level, Forest Development agency at Forest Division level and Joint  Forest  Management  Committees  at  Village  level.  On  the  Environment  day  i.e.  5 th June, 2017, the MoEFCCand several other states distributed large number of saplings to the public.

(c):  As  per  the  information  received  from  the  State  Government  of  Haryana,  no  blanket permission  to  cut  down  trees  in  Hills  of  Aravallis  has  been  issued.  However,  in  areas  in Aravallis hills which are notified under General Section 4 of Punjab Land Preservation Act 1900,  where  prior  permission  of  Forest Department  is  required  for felling of trees, permissions are given from time to time in accordance with rules by the competent authority.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 352 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Writing-off Farmer’s Debt
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.352

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  JULY, 2017

## WRITING-OFF FARMER'S DEBT

352. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to write-off the debt of farmers;
- (b) if so, the action taken thereon;
- (c) whether  the  Union  Government  seeks  opinion  from  State  Governments  to  protect  the interest of farmers;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  implement  package  for  those  farmers  who  are suffering from agricultural debt; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a) to (f): There is no proposal at present under consideration of the Government to writeoff the debt of farmers.

The Government has been operating various Schemes for providing benefits to farmers. Inputs are sought from the State Governments at the time of formulation of these Schemes and their periodical reviews.

To  ensure  availability  of  concessional  credit,  the  Government  is  providing  interest subvention to make short-term crop loans upto Rs. 3 lakh for a period of one year available to farmers at the interest rate of 7% per annum and in case of timely repayment, the same gets reduced to 4%.

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