opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1412 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: EPS-95 Scheme
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1412 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## EPS-95 SCHEME

## 1412. SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  proposes  to  hike  minimum  pension  to Rs. 7500 per month under EPS-95 scheme;
- (b)if so, the time by when it is likely to be done;
- (c)whether the Government  proposes for interim relief prior to finalization of minimum pension per month therein;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d):
- No, Madam. There is no such proposal.
- (e): The  Employees'  Pension  Scheme  (EPS),  1995  is  a  selffunded  Scheme  with  contribution  @  8.33  per  cent  of  wages  from employer. Further, Government contributes 1.16 per cent of wages in EPS, 1995  upto a salary limit of Rs. 15,000/per month.  The Government has also fixed minimum pension to Rs. 1000/- per month under EPS, 1995 by providing budgetary support keeping in view the widespread demand with effect from 01.09.2014.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1411 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Closure of DGS&D
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1411 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  MARCH,2018

## CLOSURE OF DGS&D

## 1411.  SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has started the process of shutting down the nearly 100 year old procurement  arm  of  the  Government,  the  Directorate  General  of  Supplies  and  Disposals (DGS&D);
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the public procurement is being managed by the Government's e-market platform since last year and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has to decide upon issues relating to manpower, land and office spaces of the said Directorate before its closure; and
- (e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## 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. Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals (DGS&D) Headquarter including its regional offices & its field offices have been closed on 31.10.2017 in accordance with the Cabinet decision dated 12.4.2017.

(c): Yes Madam. GeM was launched on 9 th August,2016 as a end-to-end electronic market place for procurement of goods & service by Government organizations.

(d)&(e): The process of closure of DGS&D has been completed. DGS&D owned land and office spaces have been handed over to Land & Development Officer, Government of India and DGFT & the rented premises surrendered to landlords. Grade A, B & C officials of erstwhile DGS&D have been declared surplus. A large number of officials have already been redeployed.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: EPFO Funds in Stock Market
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1410

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

EPFO FUNDS IN STOCK MARKET

†1410. SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  proposes  to  invest  the  provident  fund amount in stock market or in any other investment schemes;
- (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether  certain  organizations  have  expressed  concerns  in  this regard; and
- (d)if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along  with  the  remedial  steps  taken  by  the  Government  in  this
- regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Investments  by  Employees'  Provident  Fund  Organisation (EPFO)  are  made  as  per  the  Pattern  of  Investment  notified  by  the Government.

Presently,  as  per  direction  of  Central  Board  of  Trustees (CBT), Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), 15 per cent of EPFO corpus is being invested in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and the balance 85 per cent in other securities and debt instruments as per the pattern of investment.

- (c) & (d): The  pattern  of  investment  is  as  per  guidelines  of  the Government.  Generally,  there  has  been  no  concerns  raised  in  this context.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Shortage of Funds for Higher Education
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KRISHN PRATAP SINGH

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1409 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## Shortage of Funds for Higher Education

## † 1409. DR. KRISHAN PRATAP:

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

(a) whether there is a shortage of funds for disseminating and improving the quality of higher education in the country; (b) if so, the details of the shortage of funds and expenditure incurred by the Government in this regard; and

(c) the share of private sector in the total expenditure incurred in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)

a)   to  (c):  The  central  institutions  of  higher  learning  are  currently  dependent  on  Government budgetary  support  totally  as  they  impart  education  with  minimal  fees.  While  Government continues its support for these institutions, however those are not sufficient for the requirements of these institutions in adequate manner and in quick time. Premier institutions with high level of intellectual capital suffer for want of good quality research infrastructure required to channelize these capabilities into meaningful research. As a result, these institutions are performing below par in the world rankings.

Hence, Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) has been set up to leverage funds from the market  using  market-based  instruments  duly  securitizing  the  future  flows  that  the  institutions command. The Government equity Rs.250 crore has been allocated to HEFA during 2017-18. The Government equity Rs. 250 crore has been made to HEFA during 2017-18.  Further, the Government equity Rs. 2750 crore has been provisioned to HEFA during 2018-19.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1405 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Reservation in Private Sector to Scheduled Tribes
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION DY NO. † 1405

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/03/2018

## RESERVATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR TO SCHEDULED TRIBES

## †1405. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government contemplates to provide reservation in promotion along with the reservation in private sector to Scheduled Tribes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  State-wise  details  of  number  of  people  belonging  to  Scheduled  Tribes  employees  in private sector;
- (d) whether the number of women belonging to scheduled tribes is extremely scarce in private sector and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  enhance  the  contribution  of  women belonging to scheduled tribes in both Government and private employment?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANTSINH BHABHOR)

(a) to (b):  Government of India has not formulated new policy on Reservation in promotion for Scheduled  Tribes.  However,  as  per  the  directions  of  the  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court  in  Contempt Petition  No.  314/2016,  instructions  in  pursuance  were  issued  by  DoPT  on  30.9.2016  not  to  rely upon Office Memorandum of 10.08.2010 for implementation of own merit concept in promotion for Scheduled Tribes.

The Industry Associations viz Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Associated  Chambers  of  Commerce  and  Industry  of  India  (ASSOCHAM)  and  Confederation  of Indian  Industry  (CII)  have  developed  their  respective  Voluntary  Code  of  Conduct  (VCC)  for member  companies  wherein  stress  has  been  laid  on  equal  opportunities  in  employment  for  all sections of society, removing bias in employment to disadvantaged sections of society, increasing employability of socially disadvantaged sections through skill upgradation, continuous training and providing scholarship, etc.

- (c). No centralized data regarding number of people belonging to Scheduled Tribe employees in private sector is maintained.
- (d) does not arise in view of 'c' above.
- (e) Women  are  provided  equal  opportunity  in  employment  under  the  Government.    Some special facilities like maternity benefits, child care leave, child adoption leave, creche facility for children, priority to Government Accommodation to single woman employee etc. are also provided to the women employees.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: New Educational Rules for Admission
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY, Y. S. AVINASH REDDY

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1404 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## New Educational Rules for Admission

1404. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA: SHRI Y.S. AVINASH REDDY:

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

- (a) whether the AICTE has laid down new rules for admission and approval of educational institutions;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)

(a)  &  (b): Yes,  Madam.  In  order  to  grant  approval  to  new  Technical  Institutions  and extension of approval to existing Technical Institutions, detailed Approval Process for the Academic Year 2018-19 have been notified in the Official Gazette of India on 05.12.2017. The Approval Process Hand Book for 2018-19 is available on AICTE  Website https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/APH%202018-19.pdf. The revisions incorporated in the latest edition of APH 2018-19 include revision of intake in Pharmacy Courses and Fellowship Program in Management, reduction of approved intake to 50% for Institutions  having  admission  less  than  30  for  five  continuous  years,  conversion  of  Post Graduate Diploma in Management to MBA Courses, introduction of Built up Area concept instead of Land Area in Metro and Mega Cities and revision of penal actions in case of violation of AICTE Regulations and Approval Process Norms.

- (c): Does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Visiting Hours of Taj Mahal
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, JANARDAN MISHRA, RODMAL NAGAR, OM PRAKASH YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1401 TO BE ANSWERED ON 5.3.2018

## VISITING HOURS AT TAJ MAHAL

- +1401. SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI:

SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA:

SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

SHRI OM PRAKASH YADAV:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has changed the visiting hours of Taj Mahal;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of such tourist places/sites  in  the  country  where  visiting  hours  are  proposed  to  be changed;
- (c) whether the Government has fixed/proposes to fix the opening and closing time  of  tourist  places  located  across  the  country  particularly  Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  existing  opening  and  closing  time  of prominent tourist places in the country, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER

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

## (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a)&(b) No, Madam. The opening / closing timing of visit to Taj Mahal has not changed. However, the ticket window would open 45 minutes before sunrise  and  close  30  minutes  before  sunset  to  facilitate  the  entry  of visitors to Taj Mahal.
- (c)&(d) Monuments  namely  Ajanta  Caves  and  Red  Fort  are  closed  on Monday, Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday and Taj Mahal is closed on Friday for visitors. Opening and closing time for the site Excavated remains  of  Nalanda  Mahavihara  and  supposed  site  of  the  Ashoka place, Kumrahar is 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For remaining monuments/sites in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar there is no change in timing which is from sunrise to sunset.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1398 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Industrial Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: C. MAHENDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1398 ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## INDUSTRIAL TOURISM

## 1398. SHRI C. MAHENDRAN:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  mechanism  to  promote industrial tourism in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any of the State  Governments  has  taken  such initiative;
- (d)
- if so the details thereof; and
- (e) whether  this  will  help  to  explore  new  avenues  of  income generation and tie ups and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): No, Madam. However, the Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination and as part of its on-going activities, releases  print,  electronic,  online  and  outdoor  media  campaigns  in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line,  to  promote  tourism  products  and  destinations  of  the country. MoT also promotes the tourism destinations and products through its websites and publicity and promotional material produced by it from time to time.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Pay Commission Recommendations for Central Universities
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SUSHMITA DEV

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1395 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## Pay Commission Recommendations for Central Universities

## 1395.  KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV;

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

(a) whether Seventh Pay Commission recommendation have fully been implemented in all the Central Universities and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Universities have been asked to generate 30 per cent additional funding to cover the salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff, as per the seventh pay commission recommendation and if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  any  steps  have  been  taken  to  improve  the  working  conditions  of  the  sanitation workers including protection against toxic and harmful environment; and

(d) whether the Government has studied the implications of such a move on the fees the students have to pay and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The orders regarding pay revision in respect of Central Universities have been issued as per the recommendations of the 7 th Central Pay Commission.  As regards pay revision of the non-teaching  employees  of  the  Central  University  which  is  not  generating  adequate  internal resources to meet the additional financial impact, the extent of Government support may be more than  70%  of  the  additional  impact,  provided  the  nature  and  fund  position  of  the  concerned Central University so warrant.  Accordingly, the Central Universities which are not in a position to meet either 30% or any lesser amount from their internal resources, the revised pay scales are allowed  after  adjusting  the  amount  realized  from  internal  resources.    T Th hi is s i is s t th he e c co on ns si id de er re ed d d de ec ci is si i o on n    o of f t th he e   G Go ov ve er rn nm me en nt t a an nd d    t th he e   C Ce en nt tr ra al l   U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ti ie es s   c ca an n    i in nc cr re ea as se e    t th he ei ir r    i in nt te er rn na al l r re ec ce ei ip pt ts s    f fr ro om m o ot th he er r    s so ou ur rc ce es s a ap pa ar rt t    f fr ro om m   f fe ee es s c ch ha ar rg ge ed d   f fr ro om m   s st t u ud de en nt ts s. .

As regards improving the working conditions of the sanitation workers, the Central Universities being the statutory autonomous bodies established under the respective Acts of Parliament are competent to take such decisions.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1394 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Engineering and Technical Courses
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SAUGATA ROY

## ?/.GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1394 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## Engineering and Technical Courses

1394. PROF. SAUGATA ROY:

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

- (a) whether  the  AICTE  has  approved  new  curriculum  for  engineering  and  technical courses;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  there  is  any  mechanism  to  impart  training  for  teachers  as  per  the  new curriculum; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (DR. SATYA PAL SINGH)

(a)  &  (b): Yes,  Madam.  The  All  India  Council  for  Technical  Education  (AICTE)  has prepared outcome based Model Curriculum for Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) Programme in Engineering and PGDM/MBA  Programme in Management. The Model Curriculum for Engineering revises the credit points from 180 to 160, facilitates students to opt for electives from their disciplines as well as cross disciplines, provides opportunity for students to take up induction programme & internships and includes non-credit course on value education for holistic development of students.

The  focus  of  curriculum  for  PG  Programme  in  Engineering  is  advanced  study  of specialization through core subjects, flexible and diverse program specific electives, open electives to widen skills, collaborating and interactive learning to ensure talent development.

The model curriculum for  MBA/PGDM Courses has been designed with an objective to provide  in  depth  knowledge  of  the  academic  disciplines  and  applied  fundamental  areas necessary to meet the requirement of business enterprises. Courses on Indian ethos and business ethics and compulsory internship/ field work have been made an integral part of course curriculum

(c) & (d): Training Programme for teachers through AICTE Quality Improvement Centres set up in leading academic institutions in various parts of the country and Academic/Staff Colleges  of  UGC/  Universities  will  be  arranged.  AICTE  has  already  started  consultative process with all stakeholders in this regard.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1390 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Japan`s Assistance in Skill Training
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1390 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.03.2018

## JAPAN'S ASSISTANCE IN SKILL TRAINING

## 1390. SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government has decided to send three lakh youths to Japan for on job training for 3-5 years as part of the skill development programme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  Japan  has  offered  to  bear  the  financial  cost  of  the  skill  training  of Indian technical interns in that country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

- (a) & (b) The  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  &  Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  has signed  a  Memorandum  of  Cooperation  (MoC)  with  the  Ministry  of  Justice,  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan on  17 th October,  2017  at  Tokyo,  Japan.  The  purpose  of  this  MoC  is  to  transfer technical  skills  from  Japan  to  India  by  advancing  the  Technical  Intern  Training Programme (TITP).
- (c) & (d)    No, Madam. However, there is a provision of payment of stipend to the interns during the internship period from the implementing/ supervising organizations in Japan.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1387 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-05
Subject: Pollution by Steel Plants
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1387 FOR ANSWER ON 05/03/2018

## POLLUTION BY STEEL PLANTS

1387.  SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether public and private sector steel plants are polluting the environment in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the plants where pollution control systems have been installed and expenditure incurred thereon during the last three years;
- (c) the  details  of  the  Steel  plants  where  pollution  control  systems  are  yet  to  be installed; and
- (d) the time by which these systems are likely to be installed in rest of the Steel plants?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL

(SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a)to(d): Ministry of  Environment  &  Forest  and  Climate  Change  has  notified environment  norms  under  Environment  (Protection)  Act,  1986.  The  Iron  and  Steel Plants  in  Public  and  Private  Sector  are  to  comply  with  these  norms.  These  norms determine whether units are polluting the environment or not.

Iron  &  Steel  Plants  are  required  to  obtain  Environmental  Clearance  from Central Government and from the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) concerned, as per procedure prescribed.

To ensure regular operation of Pollution Control Systems, SPCBs and CPCB conduct  inspection  and  in  case  of  violations  of  norms  Show  Cause  Notices  are issued and in severe cases immediate closure orders are issued to stop manufacturing  activities  till  the  industry  ensures  up  gradation  of  pollution  control devices to meet the norms.

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