opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: WTO's ruling on Solar Cells
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI, MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVNTHI)

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4225 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## WTO'S RULING ON SOLAR CELLS

## 4225.   SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI: SHRI MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI):

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

- (a) whether  the  WTO  has  upheld  its  earlier  ruling  and  has  rejected  India's  appeal  against domestic content requirements for manufacturing solar cells and modules if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  WTO  has  also  agreed  that  the rules discriminated against the U.S. manufacturers; and
- (c) if  so,  the  remedial  steps  the  Government  is  taking  to protect  indigenous  manufacturers through the 'Make in India' initiatives?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a)  to  (c):  In  the  WTO  dispute  DS456  filed  by  the  United  States  against  India,  India  appealed before the WTO Appellate Body, against the Panel findings and rulings. Based on the recommendations  of  the  Appellate  Body,  the  WTO  Dispute  Settlement  Body  (DSB) ruled  that  the  Domestic  Content  Requirement  (DCR)  under  Phase  I  and  Batch  I  & Batch  II  of  Phase  II  of  India's  Jawaharlal  Nehru  National  Solar  Mission  (JNNSM) programs is inconsistent with WTO Agreement as it discriminates between the products manufactured domestically and the imported products.

Government of India has provided a number of schemes for the purpose of extending support to the domestic manufacturers.  Some of them are related to extension of concessional excise and custom duties, provision of capital subsidies for setting up of manufacturing units for solar cells and modules and the entire value chain under Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS) programme etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4224 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Cairn-ONGC-JV Export Gas Pipeline
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: SANTOSH AHLAWAT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4224 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## CAIRN-ONGC JV EXPORT GAS PIPELINE

## 4224:  SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

## पेट्रोलियम एवं प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्री

## Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has accorded approval  to Cairn-Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) consortium for export of gas from Rajasthan Field to Palanpur, Gujarat;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that there is a need in Rajasthan for the development of City Gas Distribution projects in smart cities as well as for other industrial uses; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## पेट्रोलियम एवं प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्रािय में राज्य मंत्री ( स्विंत्र प्रभार ) ( धमेन्द्र प्रधान )

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE  MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN):

(a) & (b) The contractor, while submitting Revised Field Development Plan (RFDP) of Raageshwari Deep Gas (RDG) field, had proposed to construct a 200 km pipeline to Palanpur Gujarat as there was no gas demand centre and evacuation facility near Rajasthan block. However, RFDP was approved by the Management Committee excluding the Gas Export pipeline, considering the delivery point at Raageshwari Gas Terminal (RGT) within Contract area of the block.

(c) & (d) Government has given priority in allocation of domestic gas  for development of City Gas Distribution  (CGD)  projects.    GIGL  is  developing  Mehsana-Bhatinda-Jammu-Srinagar  Pipeline (MBJSPL) project of about 2100 km length.  This pipeline traverses through various states including Rajasthan. The scheduled date of completion is December, 2017.  On completion of this pipeline and development of CGD network, domestic gas will be allocated to concerned authorised CGD entity for meeting the requirements of CNG-transport and PNG-domestic in the cities of Ajmer, Udaipur and Jaipur as per the prevailing policy.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Funds to Universities
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: PARAYAMPARANBIL KUTTAPPAN BIJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4223 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2016

## Funds to Universities

4223. SHRI P.K. BIJU: (a) whether the State Government of Kerala has requested the Central Government

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: seeking release of funds from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to tide over the financial crisis in the education sector in the State; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY) (a) to (c): No, Madam. The University Grants Commission(UGC) has informed that it has  not  received  any  request  from  Kerala  State  Government  for  release  of  funds from it to tide over the financial crisis in the education sector in the State. However, as per the extant provisions, UGC provides financial assistance to State Universities including Universities in the state of Kerala each year under its General Development  Assistance  Scheme.  As  per  the  information  provided  by  UGC,  six State  Universities  in  Kerala  have  received  Rs  33.99  crores  during  XIIth  Five  Year

Plan (2012-17).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Performance of Manufacturing Sector
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: V. SATHYABAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4222. TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2016.

## PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING SECTOR

## 4222.  SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज् यवव द्यग ं ्री

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  initiated  projects  under  SPV/SPE  during  the 12th plan;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds earmarked therefor during each of the last three years, project-wise;
- (c) the reasons for the decline in performance of Indian Manufacturing sector in the  recent years;
- (d) whether  the  level  of  current  account  deficit  and  corresponding  adverse balance  of  payments  position  need  immediate  remedial  measures  by  the Government; and
- (e) if so, the measures taken by the Government in this regard during the last two years?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यवव द्यग ााज् यं ्रीस् वतं ््रभााा(स्रींतंरीिरंमलााीरीतंाांि( THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) & (b): The  details  of  the  projects  and  funds  allocated  under  Special  Purpose Vehicle  (SPV)  during  the  12 th Plan  are  not  maintained  centrally  by  the Government of India.
- (c): As  per  the  National  Accounts  Statistics,  Gross  Value  Added  (GVA)  in Manufacturing Sector (at constant 2011-12 prices) in India has registered a  growth  of  5.6  per  cent,  5.5  per  cent  and  9.3  per  cent  (provisional estimate) during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.
- (d) & (e) : India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed from 4.8 per cent of GDP in 2012-13 to 1.1 per cent of GDP in 2015-16.  In the first quarter (AprilJune) of 2016-17, it was just 0.1 per cent of GDP. The emerging external position, including Current Account Deficit, is closely monitored by Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on an on-going basis.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4220 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Appointment of Teachers under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4220 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## Appointment of Teachers under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

## †4220. SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that a number of teachers have been appointed under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan on temporary basis across the country;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has received any representation for regularization of such teachers appointed on adhoc basis under the said Abhiyan; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a) to (c): The recruitment and  service conditions of regular and contractual teachers come under  the  domain  of  respective  State  Governments  and  UT  Administration.    The  Central Government,  through  the  flagship  programmes  of  Sarva  Shiksa  Abhiyan  (SSA)  provides financial  assistance  to  State  Governments  and  UTs  for  additional  teachers  to  maintain appropriate Pupil Teacher Ratio as per the prescribed norms of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Accordingly, complaints on the issue are forwarded to the respective State Governments and UT Administrations for appropriate action.

.*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Export of Fruits and Vegetables
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: K. GOPAL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4219 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## EXPORT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

## 4219. DR. K. GOPAL:

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

- (a) whether India is targeting markets in Australia, South Africa and South Korea for mangoes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  also  looking  at  the  United  States,  Japan  and  Vietnam  for grapes, while China for rice, fruits and vegetables and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the country's agri-exports fell during April-February of 2015-16 compared to the same a year ago; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) Yes, Madam. Australia has granted market access for export of mangoes from the pest free areas of Uttar Pradesh with Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) as post-harvest quarantine mitigation measure. India has requested Australia for  allowing  mangoes from  other states and also for  the alternative  mitigation  measures.  South  Korea  has  also granted market access for export of Indian mangoes in the month of June 2016. South Africa is yet to grant market access for Indian mangoes.
- (b) Yes, Madam. For export of grapes, the finalization of import risk analysis is awaited from the USA. In case of Japan and Vietnam, the import risk analysis with post-harvest mitigation measures is yet to be finalized by them. The matter is being pursued through the Indian Embassies in the respective countries.  India has already submitted priority  list  for  market  access  for  fruits  and  vegetables  to  the  Chinese  General  Administration  of  Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), as per their request. The matter is being pursued. Based on field verification  carried  out  during  September  2016,  AQSIQ  China  has  approved  14  rice  production  enterprises  for export of rice from India to China
- (c) Yes, Madam.
- (d) India's export of Agricultural &  Allied  Products,  during  the period April  2015  -  February  2016,  was Rs.1,45,315.73 crore as  compared  to Rs.1,68,918.94 crore  over the same period  in  the previous  financial year, showing a  decline  of  13.97%.  The  primary  reasons for  decline  are:  low  commodity  prices  in  the  international market; shrinking of global demand; high domestic prices, as compared to the international prices, which has made our exports uncompetitive; unfavourable currency rate movements as compared to the competing countries etc.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Non-utilisation of Funds for Promotion of Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4217 ANSWERED ON 12.12.2016

## NON-UTILISATION OF FUNDS FOR PROMOTION OF TOURISM

## 4217. SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that majority of the funds for the promotion of  Tourism  under  Directorate  of  Advertisement  and  Visual Publicity (DAVP) remained unutilised during the last year;
- (b)
- if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the major bookings with  DAVP was done towards the end of financial year and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the  details  of  impact  analysis  studies  conducted  to  quantify the expenditure done on promotions?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) and (b): The Ministry of Tourism annually releases domestic advertisements/campaigns in various media, including Print, Television, Radio,  Online,  Outdoor, etc., through the Directorate of Advertisement and Visual Publicity (DAVP). Funds for such campaigns/advertisements  are  released  on  case-to-case  basis  by way of Letter of Authorisation (LoA) issued in favour of DAVP. During the  last  financial  year  LoAs  amounting  to  Rs.85,81,25,184/-  were issued to DAVP for various campaigns undertaken during the year. Out of this amount, DAVP in February 2016, while conveying details of  expenditure  incurred  on  the  campaigns,  had  indicated    savings amounting to Rs.13,86,31,232/-. These savings were partly used by DAVP to settle pending bills of the previous year and the remaining amount  was  brought  back  to the Ministry for meeting other committed expenditure related to domestic promotion and publicity.

(c): The  campaigns  were  released  and  LoAs  issued  to  DAVP through the year, from June to December 2015 and not at the end of the financial year.

(d): Domestic  promotion  is  undertaken  under  the  Scheme  of Domestic Promotion and Publicity Including Hospitality (DPPH). This Scheme  was  evaluated  through  a  study  undertaken  in  2013.  The findings of the study suggest that the DPPH scheme has been able to  fulfill  its  goals  of  creating  awareness  about  domestic  tourism during the 11 th  Five Year Plan. The continuation of the scheme was recommended  during the 12 th Five Year Plan, with focus of promotion to cover the new potential areas.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Tribal Culture
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4216 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2016

## TRIBAL CULTURE

## †4216 . SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the approximate number of tribal cultures and languages, existing in the Country;
- (b)   whether  the  Government  has  noted  that  tribal  culture  and  languages  are  getting extinct;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  protect  tribal  cultures  and languages?

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

## ANSWER

(a) to (d):  The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Service Export from India Scheme
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: BAIJAYANT "JAY" PANDA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4214 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## SERVICE EXPORT FROM INDIA SCHEME

## 4214. SHRI BAIJAYANT JAY PANDA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has replaced the 'Served from India' Scheme with the 'Service Export from India' Scheme (SEIS) in the new Trade Facilitation Policy and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether this Scheme applies to Service providers located in India instead of Indian service providers;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  rationale  for  not  extending  such  provisions  to industries other than services;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to extend the SEIS to businesses located in India, employing Indian workers and paying Indian taxes, since there is no difference between such firms and the ones who are covered under the Scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a): Yes, Madam. The Government has introduced the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) w.e.f. 01.04.2015 under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2015-20 replacing the earlier  scheme  'Served  from  India  Scheme'  under  the  FTP,  2009-15.   Under  SEIS,  the service providers of notified services are incentivized in the form of Duty Credit Scrips at the rate of 3 or 5% on their net foreign exchange earnings.  These SEIS scrips are transferrable and can also be used for payment  of a  number of  Central  duties/taxes including the  basic customs duty.

(b) & (c): Yes,  Madam.  Apart  from  services,  there  is  also  a  scheme  for  incentivizing export of merchandise/goods. The Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) in the Foreign  Trade  Policy  (FTP)  2015-20  operating  since  April  1,  2015  rewards  export  of merchandise which are produced/manufactured in India through Duty Credit Scrips which are transferable and can be used to pay Central duties/taxes including customs duties.

(d) & (e): SEIS and MEIS schemes are designed to make our exports (both services & goods) globally competitive.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4213 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Non Official Members under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4213 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## Non Official Members under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

## 4213.   SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

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

- (a) whether there is a provision for having non-official Members under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of qualifications needed for the same as well as the period of appointment;
- (c) whether the Government has appointed or plans to appoint such non-official Members; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a): In order to facilitate universal elementary education, the Government of India decided to  set  up  the  National  Mission  for  Sarva  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (SSA)  in  the  Ministry  of  Human Resource  Development  (MHRD)  through  a  Resolution  dated  2 nd January,  2001.    The  SSA National  Mission  is  the  nodal  body  for  all  matters  relating  to  elementary  education  at  the national level and is vested with full executive and financial powers in its sphere of work.  The SSA  National  Mission  has  two  apex  bodies  namely  Governing  Council  (GC)  under  the Chairmanship of Prime Minister of India and Executive Committee (EC) under the Chairmanship of Minister, HRD.

The GC of SSA comprises, amongst others, six non-official Members from teachers & teacher  unions;  five  persons  from  among  educationists  &  scientist;  six  persons  from  NGOs working in the field of education; three persons from women's organizations and three persons working amongst  Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the field of elementary education.    Similarly,  EC  comprises  of  seven  non-officials  comprising  of  Teachers,  NGOs representatives and educationists.

(b): The  nominations  on  the  National  Mission  for  SSA  are,  accordingly,  made  by  the Government of India as per the composition laid down under the Resolution.  The Members of SSA National Mission hold office for a term of two years and are eligible for re-nominations.

(c) & (d): The last GC and EC of National Mission of SSA were constituted in October, 2013 for a period of two years. The constitution of the GC will be done after a clarification is obtained on whether it would be an 'Office of Profit' for the Members of Parliament, who are the members of the GC.  Further, the GC has met only once since SSA was launched in 2001. The reconstitution of EC, however, is under process.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 4211 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-12
Subject: Community Polytechnic Scheme
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4211 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12-12-2016

## Community Polytechnic Scheme

## 4211.  SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:

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

- (a)   whether the Central community polytechnic scheme was started in the 11th Five year Plan to give special facility to women and educate them;
- (b)   if  so,  whether  polytechnic  colleges  were  opened  under  this  plan  and  if  so,  the  details thereof, State-wise;
- (c) whether all the polytechnic colleges started under this scheme are at present working with central assistance, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d)   whether the Government would consider continuing to provide funds/support to polytechnic colleges started under this scheme; and
- (e)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

- (a) No  Madam.  During  the   11 th Five   Year   Plan  the  then   existing  Community Polytechnic Scheme was converted as a Scheme titled 'Community Development through  Polytechnics'  under  Sub-Mission  on  Polytechnics.  Under  this  Scheme short-term training programmes are being carried out through selected Polytechnics and its extension centres for women,  Scheduled  Castes,  Scheduled  Tribes, minorities, schools dropouts and other disadvantaged sections of the society with Central assistance so as to enable them to obtain self/wage employment.
- (b) & (c)   Under  the  Sub-Mission on  Polytechnics  started during the 11 th Five Year Plan a scheme  was  introduced  for  establishing  Polytechnics  in  300  un-served/  underserved  districts  of  the  country  with  Central  assistance.  As  per  Reports  received from  State  Governments,  153  Polytechnics  have  since  become  operational.    The details  of  districts  covered  and  the  grants  sanctioned  by  Central  Government  are available in the MHRD website at http://mhrd.gov.in/technical-education-26
- (d) &  (e)  Yes,  Madam.  The  Ministry  of  Human  Resource  Development  has  decided  to continue the Scheme beyond 2016-17.