opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1509 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Easing of Burden on Telecom Service Providers
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1509 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH      DECEMBER, 2017

## EASING OF BURDEN ON TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS

1509.   SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether TRAI has recommended the Government to favorably consider its recommendations to cut levies and relax payment period for auctioned spectrum and if so, the details thereof and the decision taken by the Government thereon;
- (b) whether  the  said  recommendations  will  help  ease  the  financial  burden  of  telecom companies and keep services affordable and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the TRAI has suggested to reduce the GST on telecom service to 5% from 18% and treat telecom sector as core infrastructure sector; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The TRAI vide its D.O No. 301-1/2017-F&EA dated 29.03.2017and subsequent D.O. No. 14-03/2017-F&EA dated 23.06.2017 had mentioned the issues as under:
- (i) reduction in the license fee and USO levy
- (ii) reduction in Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC)
- (iii) relaxation in spectrum pay-out terms keeping in view the existing debt burden on the telecom companies

The issues are under examination.

- (b) The TRAI vide its D.O. letter referred in para (a) above had suggested for favourable consideration which would help in minimizing the financial stress of the Telecom company and enable them to offer quality services to consumer at affordable prices.
- (c) The  TRAI  vide  their  D.O.  letter  dated  23.06.2017  had  noted  that,  as  regards  the suggestion of TSPs about treating the telecom sector as core infrastructure sector and reduction of GST rate is concerned, the TRAI finds considerable merit in their proposition as this would be in  the  interest  of  end  consumers  of  telecom  service  and  would  help  in  realizing  the  goal  of Digital India. DoT may consider actively taking up these issues with the Ministry of Finance.
- (d) In this respect, the DoT vide its D.O. No. 37-1/2017-LFP-I (Part) dated 01.12.2017 had recommended to the Department of Revenue during the process of the Budget exercise that a standard rate of GST @12% for telecom service should be fixed in place of existing 18%. Now the subject matter is with the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance for necessary action as per the 'Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.'

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1508 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Welfare Schemes
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1508

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## WELFARE  SCHEMES

1508.  SHRI  JUGAL KISHORE:

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

- (a) whether the Government allots petrol pumps, gas agencies etc. to the families of martyrs for their livelihood;
- (b) the number of families of martyrs of different parts of Jammu and Kashmir who have been provided these facilities so far;
- (c) the steps being taken by the Government to provide such facilities to the rest of the families;
- (d) whether the Government has announced any package or employment scheme for the dependents of the martyrs in the avalanches in Siachin; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

<!-- formula-not-decoded -->

(a) & (b): Yes,  Madam.   As per  the  existing  Government  policy  there  is provision  of  reservation  of  8%  for  distributorship  of  LPG  Agency  under Government Personnel (GP category) and Retail outlets (Petrol and Diesel) under Combined Category 1 (CC1 category) for Defence Personnel, Central Para Military Forces / Special Forces, Central Government / State Government  employees  and  Central  /  State  Government  PSU  employees which  also  includes  the  dependants  of  the  persons  who  are  killed  in various military operations.

The retail outlet dealerships and LPG distributorships allotted to the families of martyrs in Jammu & Kashmir are 42 and 19 respectively.

- (c) Details of the schemes available at Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) for widows / Next of Kin of Ex-servicemen are as under:-
- (i) Allotment of Class V 'B' Surplus Vehicles Scheme.
- (ii) Tipper Attachment Scheme.
- (iii)  Allotment of Mother Dairy Milk Booth.
- (iv)  Allotment of Safal Fruit & Vegetable Booth.

(d) & (e): No, Madam.  However, the above schemes are applicable for all and beneficiaries can apply as per the eligibility and guidelines.  Further, monetary benefits / compensation are paid to the Widows / Next of Kin of soldiers.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1506 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Laying Railway Tracks
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PRATHAP SIMHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  1506 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## LAYING RAILWAY TRACKS

1506. SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government of Karnataka has sent a proposal to the Railways for laying railway tracks from BangaloreChamarajanagar-Satyamangalam, Chikmangalur-Sakleshpura and Shimoga-Harihar on equal cost sharing basis; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  decision  taken thereon by the Railways?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) and (b): Based on the proposal/consent received from the Government of Karnataka, Hejjala(Bangalaore)-Chamarajanagar portion  of  Bangalore-Chamarajanagar-Satyamangalam,  ChikmagalurSakleshpur  portion  of  Kadur-Chikmagalur-Sakleshpur  and  ShimogaHarihar  new  line  projects  have  been  taken  up  on  50%  cost  sharing basis with the Government of Karnataka.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1503 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Unsanitary Conditions in Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MAULANA BADRUDDIN AJMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1503 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## UNSANITARY CONDITIONS IN TRAINS

## 1503. SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  is  aware  that  passengers  of  most  of  the trains specially long route trains are facing trouble due  to unsanitary conditions in trains;
- (b)
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof;
- the details of the models and ways to keep the trains clean;
- (d) whether any officer is deputed in trains to whom passengers may complain about sanitation; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) &  (b)  A  few  complaints  are  received  from  the  train  passengers, including long route trains, regarding cleanliness in coaches, cleanliness of toilets etc.
- (c)  to  (e)    Some  of  the  major  initiatives  taken  by  Indian  Railways towards improvement of cleanliness in trains are as follows:
- (i) Cleaning of coaches  of  trains at both ends  including mechanised cleaning. (ii) On Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS) have been provided in more than 950 pairs of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other important long distance Mail/Express trains for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles  and  passenger  compartments  during  the  run  of  the trains. (iii) 'Clean  My  Coach'/  'Coach  Mitra'  service  is  provided  to attend to cleaning/sanitation related requirements on demand in nearly 900 pairs of important Superfast/Mail/Express long distance trains having On Board Housekeeping  Service.  The  compliance  data  pertaining  to requests received is monitored. Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme has also been prescribed for  limited  mechanised  cleaning  attention  to  identified trains  including  cleaning  of  toilets  during  their  scheduled
- (iv) stoppages enroute at nominated stations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1499 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Superfast Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RABINDRA KUMAR JENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1499 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## SUPERFAST TRAINS

1499. SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of trains categorised as superfast trains;

(b) whether certain mail and express trains have been upgraded to superfast trains in 2017 and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there has been an increase in fares of those trains categorised as  superfast  trains  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  speed  at which the superfast trains operate;

(d) whether any superfast trains have been unable to attain average 55 Kmph speed on broad gauge and if so, the details of the same;

(e)  whether  any  delays  in  the  running  of  superfast  trains  have  been  noted during the months of July 2017 to October 2017; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a): As on date, 1082 trains have been categorized as Superfast trains.

(b): Yes, Madam. During the year 2017-18, 48 trains have been upgraded as Superfast trains.

(c): As per policy, the trains whose average speed in the entire run in both Up and Down direction is minimum 55 Kilometre per hour on the Broad Gauge and minimum 45 Kilometre per hour on the Metre Gauge are designated as Superfast trains. Nominal premium amount is charged as Superfast charge in such Superfast trains.

(d) to (f): Yes, Madam. During the period from 01.07.2017 to 31.10.2017, out of 70577 train trips of Superfast trains, 19452 train trips reached destination late by more than 15 minutes. However, some trains out of the delayed trains may not have been able to attain average speed of 55 Kilometre per hour on Broad  Gauge.  These  trains  got  delayed  due  to  the  factors  related  to Railways' internal working as well as external factors, of which Railways are not  in  control.  Other  than  asset  failures,  various  constraints/difficulties which  adversely  affect  punctuality  are  numerous  such  as  -  line  capacity constraints on account of increasing passenger and freight traffic, adverse weather  conditions  (fog,  rains,  breaches),  intermittent  natural  calamities such  as  floods,  cyclones,  heavy  rains,  heavy  road  traffic  at  level  crossing gates  across  the  Indian  Railways  network,  multi  faceted  law  and  order problems, miscreant activities such as theft of Railway assets, mid-section run  over  cases  involving  cattle  and  humans  etc.  Large  number  of  track maintenance works and infrastructural works are being undertaken all over Indian Railways leading to excess speed restrictions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1498 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Appointment on Sports Quota
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: SAKSHI SWAMI MAHARAJ

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1498

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017)

## APPOINTMENT ON SPORTS QUOTA

## †1498. DR. SWAMI SAKSHIJI MAHARAJ:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any policy in central Government for appointment under sports quota;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  number  of  recruitments  made  in  Government  departments  and  public sector undertakings under sports quota during the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

## 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):  Yes  Madam.  Consolidated  instructions  on  incentives  for  sportspersons  including recruitment under sports quota have been issued vide Department of Personnel & Training's Office Memorandum No 14034/01/2013-Estt. (D) dated 3 rd  October 2013.  As per extant instructions Ministries and Departments can recruit meritorious sportspersons to Group 'C' posts under the Government of India up to 5% of the vacancies in any year subject to the condition that these including all other reservations do not exceed 50% of the total number of vacancies proposed to be filled up by direct recruitment.

(c): The  data  regarding  recruitment  made  under  sports  quota  vacancies  in  the  Government Departments and public sector undertakings is not centrally maintained.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1497 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Casual/Temporary Employees
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: OM BIRLA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1497 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## CASUAL/TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

1497.   SHRI OM BIRLA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of casual/temporary employees employed by the Government in the Railways in the last three years; (b) the average wages provided to these temporary employees in the Railways across different zones; (c)    whether the Government has taken any step for the betterment of the casual workers employed in the Railways; and (d)      if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) :    No  casual/temporary  employee  employed  in  Railways  in  the last three years. (b) to (d) : Do not arise.

## *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1495 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Bio-Toilets in Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VINCENT H PALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1495

TO BE ANSWERED ON  27.12.2017

## BIO-TOILETS IN TRAINS

1495.  SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  will  complete  installation  of  biotoilets in all the trains by December, 2018 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the percentage of trains where bio-toilets have been installed as of now;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any study on the use and advantages of bio-toilets; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  Railway  has  set  in  house  target  to  complete  the  work  of installation of bio-toilets in coaches by March 2019.  To achieve this, all railway workshops have been instructed to compulsorily install bio-toilets in all existing in-service eligible  coaches undergoing mid life rehabilitation & periodical overhaul.  Retro-

Contd....2/-

fitment of bio-toilets in existing in-service coaches is also being done to a limited extent in coaching depots. (b)  Approximately 55% of the total passenger carrying coaches over Indian Railways have been installed with bio-toilets. (c)  and  (d)    Bio-toilets  is  an  important  step  towards  'Swachh Bharat'.  It keeps tracks clear of human excreta.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1494 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Monthly Progress Reports in MPLADS
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1494

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 27 TH  DECEMBER, 2017

## MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS IN MPLADS

## 1494.   SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether monthly progress report of the works being done through MPLADS of the members of 16th Lok Sabha is not being submitted to the members and the Ministry by the concerned officials;
- (b) if  so,  the  number  of  the  members  regarding  whom  the monthly  report  is  not  being  received  regularly  and  the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  seeking/propose  to  seek monthly progress report online;
- (d) whether any mechanism has been set by the Government to redress complaints or control in case of nonadherence to rules in the works of MPLADS; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the time by which it is likely to be done?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION  AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  MINISTRY  OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS [SHRI VIJAY GOEL]

(a) & (b): Implementation of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development  Scheme  (MPLADS)  in  the  field  is  undertaken  by  the District  Authorities  in  accordance  with  the  State  Government's technical, administrative and financial rules and in accordance with the Guidelines on MPLADS.

Para 6.4 (viii) of the Guidelines on MPLADS stipulates that the Nodal District  Authority  should  submit Monthly Progress Report (MPR) to Government of India, State Government / UT Administration and the MP concerned for each MP separately on or before the 10 th  of the succeeding month. In cases of delay coming to notice, this Ministry follows-up with the concerned nodal districts (this is a continuous dynamic process). Details  of  honourable  Members  of  Parliament  who  do  not  receive MPRs regularly are not centrally maintained by Ministry of Statistics

& Programme Implementation.

(c): Yes, Madam. The Government is seeking online MPRs from the nodal districts. For facilitating the same, a new integrated website is operational since April, 2015.

(d) & (e): Instances of violation of guidelines or rules come to notice from time to time. In such cases appropriate action is taken by the District Authorities / State Governments, including penal and departmental  action  and  recovery  /  recoupment  of  Members  of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds (this is a continuous process).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1492 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Satellite Phones
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1492 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH      DECEMBER, 2017

## SATELLITE PHONES

1492.   SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has asked all the satellite phone users in the country to migrate to the network provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) by July 31, 2017 and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to phase out the satellite phone service and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the BSNL is well equipped to provide Global Satellite Phone Services and if so, the details thereof along with the time by which the said services are likely to be launched?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Madam, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was granted a license on 25.08.2014 for 'Provision and operation of satellite based service using Gateway installed in India' with all India service  area  on  non-exclusive  basis.  BSNL  has  installed  and  commissioned  Gateway  at Ghaziabad, India to provide satellite phone service. The services from the Gateway installed by BSNL  were  inaugurated  on  24.05.2017.  Prior  to  BSNL  Gateway,  satellite  phone  services  in India  were  being  provided  by  M/s  Tata  Communications  Limited  (TCL).  These  services  were nearing the End of Life (EOL) as declared by TCL and were to be phased out. Further, there are some Inmarsat Satellite Phone - IsatPhone Pro and IsatPhone2 users who are using satellite phone services in India through Inmarsat Gateways located abroad.

As  the  BSNL  Gateway  is  now  operational  in  India  having  Lawful  Interception  and Monitoring  facilities,  BSNL  asked  all  the  customers  availing  satellite  phone  services  through TCL gateway and Inmarsat Satellite Phone - IsatPhone Pro and IsatPhone2 users to migrate to BSNL network by July 31, 2017.

- (b) The Mini-M and GAN satellite phone service being provided by M/s Tata Communications Limited  have  reached  End  of  Life  (EOL)  and  hence  have  been  stopped  on 31.10.2017.
- (c) Yes,  BSNL is  well  equipped  to  provide  Global  Satellite  Phone  Service  and  is  already providing satellite phone  service  to various  Government  agencies  since  its launch on 24.05.2017.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1491 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Status of Special Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAHUL KASWAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1491

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## STATUS OF SPECIAL STATIONS

## †1491. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Ratangarh, Churu and Sadulpur junction railway staions in Bikaner division of North Western railway have been accorded the status of special stations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the facilities provided therein;
- (c) whether clearance has been given for the construction of additional platform at Sadulpur junction station;
- (d) if so, the current status thereof; and
- (e) the time by which construction of the said platform is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  &  (b):  No,  Madam.  Ratangarh,  Churu  and  Sadulpur  junction  are  'D' category railway stations. Essential passenger amenities as per norms are available at these stations.

(c): No, Madam.

(d) and (e): Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1489 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Works under Digital India Programme
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: NABA KUMAR SARANIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1489 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH      DECEMBER, 2017

## WORKS UNDER DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME

†1489. SHRI NABA KUMAR SARANIA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the works undertaken in the State of Assam under the Digital India Programme as on date, district-wise; and

(b) whether  the  Government  has  achieved  the  target  fixed  under  the  Digital  India Programme and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): Information  is  being  collected  and  will  be  laid  on  the  Table  of  the House.

********