opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3691 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Disease Surveillance Network
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3691 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH MARCH, 2017

## DISEASE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK

## 3691. SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  World  Health  Organisation  has  called  for  strengthening  India's  diseases surveillance  network  especially  on  account  of  frequent  seasonal  breakout  of  vector diseases in the country; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a) : World Health Organization has  in its Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016 - 2030, emphasized the need for universal coverage of core malaria interventions for all populat risk and highlighted the importance of using high quality surveillance data for decision in order t o derive tailored responses consistent with national or sub national goals.
- (b) : The Government of India has taken proactive steps for controlling vector borne disea the country and all States have been advised to make malaria a notifiable diseas e and a so report all cases from private and other formal and non -governmental sources. The States/UTs and their respective districts have also been advised to reduce Annual Parasite Incidence (API) to 1 case per 1000 population at risk and susta i  zero deaths due to malaria while maintaining fully functional  malaria  surveillance  to  track,  investigate  and  respond  to  each  case  through country.

Routine surveillance is being reduced in high malaria transmission areas and establ case - bas ed surveillance as a core intervention for elimination areas.

Sentinel  Surveillance  for  management  of  severe  cases  and  preventing  deaths  due malaria  has  been  strengthened  by  identifying  more  sentinel  sites  and  to  make  all  of functional.  571  Sentine l  Surveillance  Hospitals  (SSHs)  with  laboratory  support  have  been identified for augmentation the diagnostic facility and surveillance for Dengue and Chiku across  the  country.  130  JE  Sentinel  Sites  have  also  been  established  in  Endemic  Dis Besides,  Integrated  Disease  Surveillance  Programme  (IDSP)  is  being  implemented  in States/UTs  with  the  objective  of  early  detection  and  response  to  disease  outbreaks epidemic prone diseases. Further, under IDSP, Surveillance Units have been establis hed at all 36 States/UTs and at District headquarters.

………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 3690 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Higher Usage of AYUSH Treatment
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 3690 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH MARCH, 2017

## HIGHER USAGE OF AYUS H TREATMENT

## 3690. SHRI J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether despite the Government's attempt over the years to popularise AYUSH, the people at large are still inclined towards allopathy treatment both in rural and urban areas;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether a higher usage of AYUSH treatment by urban males than their rural counterparts noted, while less usage of the same by urban females as compared to rural females was observed; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a)&(b):      As per key indicators of the NSSO 71 st round onSocial Consumption on Health in Indiaconducted during January - June 2014, it was found higher inclination towards allopathy treatment around 90% , only 5 to 7 percent usage of 'other' including AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga or Naturopathy, Unani,  Siddha and Homoeopathy) has been reported both in rural and urb area. Further, taking treatment from Allopathy or Indian Systems of Medicine is the choice e people.

- (c):     In this survey, it has been noted that higher usage (1.5 percentage point) of such 'Other' treatment by urban male than its rural counterpart while less usage of the same (0.8 pe point) by urban female than rural female. Moreover , un - treated spell was higher in rural (both for male and female) than urban.
- (d):      Government of India has launched integrated Centrally Sponsored Scheme Nati AYUSH Mission (NAM) which envisages better access to AYUSH services; strengthening of AY USH  educational  institutions,  facilitate  the  enforcement  of  quality  control  of  Ayu Siddha and Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs and sustainable availability of ASU & H raw- materials in the States/UTs. In addition, this Ministry has also taken various initiatives under the International Education and Communication (IEC) Scheme for propagation and promotion AYUSH systems for treatment of common ailments through various media channels and other publicity activities like organizing  Arogya  fairs, conf erences, seminars on AYUSH System.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3685 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Transferring Charges for Card Payments
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: KIRIT SOMAIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No\_ 3685

th TO BE ANSWERED ON 24t MARCH, 2017 (FRIDAYYCHAITRA 3, 1939 (SAKA)

## Transferring Charges for Card Payments

## 3685. DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes any mechanism for transferring charges for card payments being made at petrol pumps from oil companies to banks;
- (b) if the details thereof; and SO,
- (c) if not; the reasons therefor along with the revenue loss to banks as on date?

## Answer Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

## The (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) to (c) Public sector oil  marketing companies have reported that have a mechanism for transferring transaction charges on debit card payments at petrol pumps from the oil marketing company to banks. they
Lok Sabha Question No. 3684 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Investment of Pension Fund and Insurance Companies
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

*****

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 3684 TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 24, 2017/CHAITRA 3, 1939 (SAKA) INVESTMENT OF PENSION FUND AND INSURANCE COMPANIES

3684. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state

- (a) whether the Government is considering to allow the pension funds and insurance companies to invest in start-ups; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar)

(a)  &  (b)  The  Pension  Fund  Regulatory  and  Development  Authority  (PFRDA)  has  permitted investment  in  Alternate  Investment  Funds  (Category  I  and  Category  II  only)  for  the  National Pension  System  (NPS)  schemes  (other  than  Government  Sector  Funds).  These  category  I  and  II Alternate  Investment  Funds  (AIFs)  include  Infrastructure  Funds,  Small  and  Medium  sized Enterprises (SME) Funds, Venture Capital Funds and Social Venture Capital Funds. PFRDA has intimated that these AIFs are well regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and  in  order  to  protect  the  subscriber  interest  to  maximum  possible  extent  following  safeguards have been stipulated by PFRDA:-

- Investments in AIFs are permitted with a ceiling of 2% of the Pension Fund Corpus for private sector NPS.
- Pension Fund shall only invest in AIFs whose corpus is equal to or more than Rs. 100 crores.
- The Pension Funds shall invest in only those AIFs having a minimum rating of AA and above, from at least one rating agency except in case of Govt. owned AIFs.
- The exposure to single AIF shall not exceed 10% of the AIF size.
- The  sponsors  of  the  AIFs  should  not  be  the  promoters  in  Pension  Funds  or  be  the  promoter group of the Pension Fund.
- Pension Funds to ensure that funds should not be invested directly or indirectly in securities of the  companies  or  Funds  incorporated  and  operated  outside  the  India  as  per  section  25  of  the PFRDA Act 2013.

As  per  the  Insurance  Regulatory  and  Development  Authority  of  India  (Investment)  Regulations, 2016, there is no provision for insurance companies to invest in start-ups.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3683 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Illegal Cigarettes
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MNNISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3683

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY 24th MARCH2012 3 Chaitra, 1939 [SAKA]

## Illegal Cigarettes

## 3683. DR BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of flooding of illegal cigarettes into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and if S0, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware of ITC report  indicating fall in sale of domestic cigarettes in view of flooding of illegal foreign cigarettes and if s0, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent of illegal cigarettes into the country? entry

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) No such study has been conducted by the Government of India in this regard.

(6) No.

- & Customs (CBEC) constant   vigil at   ports, airports,  land Customs   Stations,  Inland Container Depots, Foreign Post Offices and Courier Terminals to thwart any attempt of smuggling/illegal  imports. On  detection of cases, action is taken in  accordance with the keep

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3682 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Joint Inspection of Pharma Manufacturing Units
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: K. GOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3682 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH MARCH, 2017

## JOINT INSPECTION OF PHARMA MANUFACTURING UNITS

## 3682. DR. K. GOPAL:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the European Union (EU) has agreed for joint inspection of pharma manufactu units in India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is true that the EU has b anned several drugs and, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether India has stressed on interactions to address cultural misunderstandings; and
- (e) if so, the response of the EU in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a): No such agreement has been signed between European Union and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.
- (b): Does not arise.
- (c): EU has asked several exporters across the globe, including India, to withdraw ce drugs  that  are  manufactured  and  exported  based  on  clinical  trials  conducted  by Biosciences,  India  due  to  data  integrity  issues  in  the  clinical  trials  conducted  by said company.
- (d) & (e): The related issues have been discussed between Indian and European authorities a series of meetings.

………………..

difference
Lok Sabha Question No. 3681 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-24
Subject: Illegal Imports of Fireworks
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: KIRRON KHER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3681

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY 24h MARCH 2012 3 Chaitra, 1939 [SAKA]

## Illegal Imports of Fireworks

## 3681. SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether a number of cases of illegal  imports of fireworks from China have been reported during the last three years;
- (6) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken to prevent smuggling of fireworks from China?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- (a) & (6) Some cases of illegal  import of Chinese fireworks have been  detected by the Department during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and the current financial year 2016-17 (upto wherein the  Department has confiscated fireworks valued at Rs. 3884.76 lakh:
- (c) The Customs field formations have been sensitized to constant vigil. keep
Lok Sabha Question No. 319 (STARRED), answered on 2017-03-23
Subject: Aviation Hub
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

STARRED QUESTION NO. : 319

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

(To be answered on the March 2017) 23rd

## AVIATION HUB

## *319 SHRI R GOPALAKRISHNAN

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has assessed Indian Aviation sector globally and if s0, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the existing number of flights; airports, policy framework, airport infrastructure would be adequate to achieve this and if s0, the details thereof; and goal
- (b) whether the Government proposes to make India a global aviation hub by 2020 and if s0, the details thereof;
- (d) if not; the steps taken/being taken by the Government to make India a aviation hub in reality? global

## ANSWER

(Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the table of the House:

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO\_ 319, REGARDING "AVIATION HUB" TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2017. (a) to (d): Globally, India stands at 9th position in 2016 based on the total number of air passengers per India Aviation Report, 2016. The Government with a view to promote the growth of Indian Aviation sector in a significant manner has approved the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 o 15.06.2016. The aim of the Government is to provide an ecosystem for the harmonised growth of various aviation subsectors, i.e Airlines, Airports, Cargo, Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul services (MRO), General Aviation, Aerospace Manufacturing, Skill Development, etc: The broad features of the NCAP are as under: key

- i) Viability Funding (VGF) for operation under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)Gap
2. iii) Introduction of a new Category Schedule Commuter Operator' under Commercial Air Transport Operations.
3. ii) Revival of un-served or under-served routes under RCS:
4. iv) Rationalization of Category-I routes under Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs) on the basis 0f criteria given in NCAP 2016.
5. vi) Liberalization 0f domestic code share points in India within the framework of Air Service Agreements (ASA):
- v) The requirement of 5 years and 20 aircrafts for international operation has been modified to 0 years and 20 aircrafts or 20% of the total capacity (in terms of average number of seats on all departure together) whichever is higher for domestic operations. put

The present infrastructure capacity of most of the airports is generally sufficient for handling existing air traffic: However, keeping in view the rapid growth of domestic airlines, expansion of infrastructure at airports including runway; terminal building and air space harmonization has been undertaken: In addition new airports at Navi Mumbai; MOPA in Goa, Dholera in Gujarat and Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh have been sanctioned.
Lok Sabha Question No. 316 (STARRED), answered on 2017-03-23
Subject: Operation of Air India Flights
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTIONNO. : 316 (To be answered on the March 2017) 23rd

## OPERATION OF AIR INDIA FLIGHTS

## *316. DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL "NISHANK"

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIIL AVIATION

be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether adequate have been taken to operate flights from non-metro cities and also from new destinations and if SO, the details thereof; steps
- (c) whether any subsidy is provided by various State Governments to the company and if s0, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether any agreement has been signed between Air India and the State Governments for operating flights on small and non-profitable routes and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether Air India has any plan to introduce flight services from new or non-operational airports and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

(Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

- (a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House:

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) of LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO\_ 316 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2017 REGARDING OPERATION OF AIR INDIA FLIGHTS TABLED BY DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK"

- (a) Madam.  Recently, Air India have started the following new flights as well as additional frequencies: Yes,
- ~Mumbai-Chandigarh flights
- ~Mumbai-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Mumbai flights
- ~Chandigarh-Leh flights
- ~Kolkata-Agartala-Kolkata flights
- ~Delhi-Bhopal-Delhi morning flights

AI operates 1408 flights per week which connect to non metro cities:

- (b) Madam\_ No,
- (d): Government of India has laid down Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG) with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different of the country: It is up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability. As such, the airlines inciuding Air India are free to operate anywhere in the country subject to compliance of RDG issued by the Government: regions
- (c): Does not arise in view of (b) above:
Lok Sabha Question No. 315 (STARRED), answered on 2017-03-23
Subject: Foreign Investment in Domestic Airlines
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTIONNO. 8 315 (To be answered on the March 2017) 23rd

## FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN DOMESTIC AIRLINES

*315. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the salient features of the Government's policy with regard to permitting foreign airlines to operate and invest in India;
- c) if s0, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Government has examined the proposal to allow foreign airlines to invest in domestic airlines;
- (d) whether allowing investment of foreign airlines is likely to be a threat/ disincentive to the Air India; and
- (e) if s0, the details thereof and the reaction 0f the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

(Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

Statement in respect of Lok Sabha Starred (*) Question No. 315 dated 23.03.2017 regarding Foreign Investment in Domestic Airlines.

(a) to (c): As per the extant FDI policy, Foreign airlines are allowed to participate in the equity 0f companies operating Cargo airlines, helicopter and seaplane services, as per the specified limits and entry routes:

Further, Foreign airlines are also allowed to invest in the capital %f Indian companies, operating scheduled air transport services, up to the limit of 49%

Moreover, FDI policy as contained in the 'Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2016' as amended from time to time, is subject to the conditions of the extant policy on specified sectors and applicable laws/ regulations security and other conditionalities. Accordingly FDI policy on Civil Aviation sector is also subject to sectoral and security conditions However, the Government has not received any proposal recently from any foreign airline for investment in Indian carriers.

(d) and (e):Air India regularly reviews the impact of such tie-ups and accordingly re-engineers its fleet planning, route network and other commercial decisions.
Lok Sabha Question No. 311 (STARRED), answered on 2017-03-23
Subject: CSR Activities for Road Safety
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: POONAM  MAHAJAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 311 ANSWERED ON 23 RD  MARCH, 2017

## CSR ACTIVITIES FOR ROAD SAFETY

## *311.  SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of activities/facilities of his Ministry covered under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR);
- (b) whether the Government proposes to include facilities such as ambulance, emergency services, public amenities such as toilet complex, construction of hospitals along national highways under the purview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the time by which these activities/facilities are likely to be included under CSR?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) to (c) A statement is laid on the table of the house.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 311 ANSWER ON 23.3.2017 ASKED BY SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN REGARDING CSR ACTIVITIES FOR ROAD SAFETY

(a)  None of the entities under this Ministry qualify for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). However, the Ministry has taken up for promotion of Road Safety activities under CSR with Corporate Groups during the Road Safety Week 2017.

- (b) & (c) No such proposal is under consideration of this Ministry.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 305 (STARRED), answered on 2017-03-23
Subject: Viability Gap Funding under RCS
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: KAVITHA KALVAKUNTLA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. : 305 (To be answered 0n the March 2017) 23rd

## VIABILITY GAP FUNDING UNDER RCS

## *305. SHRIMATI KAVITHA KALVAKUNTLA

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to provide 25 per cent Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for sub-20 seater planes flying to unserved and underserved airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCSHUDAN at a fare of Rs. 2500/- for one hour flights and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has fixed a VGF cap for operation through category-1 fixed aircraft ranging from Rs: 2470/- for 150 kilometres to Rs. 3730/- per RCS seat upto 500 kilometres and if $0, the details thereof; and (c) whether any private/Government flight operator has been provided this VGF funding so far and if s0, the details thereof? upto wing

## ANSWER

(Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the table of the Lok Sabha:

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO\_ 305, REGARDING "VIABILITY GAP FUNDING UNDER RCS" TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2017.

(): The VGF to be provided depends upon the stage length and VGF cap for operation through category-L fixed wing aircraft (aircraft with seating ranges from Rs. 2470/- for 150 kilometers to Rs. 5730/per RCS seat upto 500 kilometer:

(a): Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to stimulate regional Air connectivity by making it affordable\_ Government intends to make regional air connectivity affordable by supporting selected airline operaters by providing concessions by Central State Governments and by providing financial support in the form of Viability Funding (VGF) to meet the gap between the cost of airline operations and expected revenue on such routes. There is no fixed percentage of VGF in the Scheme at present: Gap

(c): No private / Government flight operator has been provided this VGF funding under the RCS, s0 far: