opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5387 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Watch Over Indian Ocean
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: K. GOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5387

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2018

## WATCH OVER INDIAN OCEAN

5387.  DR. K. GOPAL:

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

- (a) whether the Navy has decided to increase watch over Indian Ocean and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether of late, China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean in the name of anti piracy operations;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the Government's reaction thereto;
- (d) whether  atleast  12-15  major  warships  are  on  round  the  clock  surveillance  of critical choke points in the Indian Ocean Region; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (e): The geo-strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has  seen  a  gradual  increase  in  the  recent  past.    Indian  Navy  closely monitors the maritime areas of our interest and regularly deploys ships for Presence and Surveillance Missions (PSM), off critical choke points / sea lanes in the IOR.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5385 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Attack on RTI Activists
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5385

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018)

## ATTACK ON RTI ACTIVISTS

## 5385. SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is collecting statistics about cases of attack on Whistleblowers and RTI activists across the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  yearly  details  of  attacks  in  each  State  and  Union  territory,  from  2015 onwards;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps to  prevent  such attacks  and  if  so,  the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Union Government is issuing an advisory to offer better protection to the above categories of persons and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the number of cases in which FIRs have been registered, charge sheets filed, trials or convictions/acquittals from 2015 onwards?

## 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) to (e): There were some media reports that some persons have been assaulted, missing and killed allegedly due to their role as RTI activists.

Maintenance  of  law  and  order  and  providing  safety  and  security  for  all  citizens  is primarily the subject matter of State Government concerned.

There is no need for a separate policy to deal with such cases as the framework of existing  laws  such  as  Indian  Penal  Code,  Criminal  Procedure  Code  etc.  is  considered adequate to provide for safety and security to all citizens, including RTI activists.

Government  of  India  had  drawn  the  attention  of  State  Governments  to  the  reports appearing in the media about the victimization of people, who use RTI to expose corruption and irregularities in administration.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5383 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Defence Manufacturing Unit
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5383

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2018

## DEFENCE  MANUFACTURING  UNIT

## 5383.  SHRI  C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

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

- (a) whether  any  new  defence  manufacturing  unit  is  proposed  to  be  set  up  in  the country, particularly in Karnataka;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the location  identified  for  the purpose  and  the area proposed to be acquired;
- (c) whether  the  proposed  project  would  be  in  public,  private  or  Public  Private Partnership mode; and
- (d) the details as to the cost of the project, its share holdings and other details in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (d): Following  manufacturing  / overhaul projects of  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are  coming up in the country including Karnataka.

- (i) The  foundation  stone  of  a  green  field  helicopter  manufacturing facility  has  been  laid  by  Hon'ble  Prime  Minister  on  3 rd January, 2016.  The facility will function as an independent Division of HAL at Biderehalla Kaval, Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru District, Karnataka. The  Karnataka  Government  has  allocated  610  acres  of  land  for the project.    The  new  facility  of  Tumakuru  would  be  selfcontained  for  production  and  maintenance  of  LUHs,  with  future expansion  for  production  of  other  Helicopters.    The  cost  of project to cover initial setting up of the facilities is expected to be around 2000 Crores.

:  2  :

- (ii) Indo  Russian  Helicopter  Pvt.  Ltd.  (IRHL)  has  been  incorporated as Joint Venture (JV) cum subsidiary in May 2017 between HAL, Russian Helicopters and Rosoboronexport, with the objective to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India.  The authorised capital of the JV is Rs.30 crores and paid up capital is Rs.10 crores.  The JV has 50.5% shareholding by HAL, 42.5% by Russian Helicopters and 7% by Rosoboronexport.  The facility for Ka-226T helicopters is  proposed  to be co-located at the helicopter manufacturing facilities coming up at Tumakuru.
- (iii)  Helicopter Engines MRO Pvt. Ltd. has been incorporated as Joint Venture  in  August  2016  between  HAL  and  Safran  Helicopter Engines, France with an objective to provide complete maintenance support for the Shakti and TM3332B2 engines fitted on  Advanced  Light  Helicopters  (ALH)  produced  by  HAL  and operated by Defence Services.  The authorised capital of the JV is Rs.50 crores.  The JV has 50% shareholding by HAL and 50% by Safran  Helicopter  Engines.    The  JV  has  planned  to  set  up  its facilities at Goa.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5380 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Corrupt Practices
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SANTOSH AHLAWAT, (SMT.) RATNA DE(NAG), MAMTAZ SANGHAMITA, HARI OM PANDEY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5380

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018

## CORRUPT PRACTICES

5380. SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR:

DR. RATNA DE (NAG):

DR. MAMTAZ SANGHAMITA:

SHRI HARI OM PANDAY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  unethical  and  corrupt practices  of  top  officials  of  Lucknow  division  regarding  employee harassment, threatening to spoil the career and  malafide demands from time to time;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  complaints  received  and  the  action  taken thereon;
- (c) whether the Government has got the matter investigated departmentally or proposes to refer it to vigilance, ED or CBI with a view  to  curbing  corrupt  practices  of  officials  of  above  railway division and punish them; 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) to (d): Indian Railways have been proactive in dealing with unethical and  corrupt  practices  of  Railway  official(s)  and  in  taking  action under the relevant Rules. Whenever  any  report/ complaint of

unethical and  corrupt practice,  employee  harassment,  threats, malafide  demands etc. is  received,  the  matter  is  examined  as  per the  laid  down  procedures.  Based  on  outcome  of  investigation, appropriate action is taken against the official(s) concerned, whenever required, under the extant provisions.

A  total  of  seven  such  complaints  (six  pertaining  to  Lucknow Division of Northern Railway and one pertaining to Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway) were received by the Railway administration during the last three years. Out of these complaints, one  complaint  having  verifiable  facts  has  been  taken  up  by  the Railway  Vigilance  for  investigation  and  the  concerned  officer  has been  transferred  from  Lucknow.  The  remaining  complaints  have either  been  forwarded  to  concerned  administrative  authority  for necessary action or disposed in accordance with laid  down guidelines.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5379 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: New Rail Line between FatehpurSatna
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5379 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018

## NEW RAIL LINE BETWEEN FATEHPUR-SATNA

† 5379.  SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any survey was conducted for laying a new railway line to connect Fatehpur-Khed-Artara-Naini-Kajinar with Satna which falls under parliamentary constituency of MP; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard so far?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No such survey has been conducted.
- (b)
- Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5378 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Uniform Civil Code
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI, RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS, RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## L O K     S A B H A

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5378

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28 TH MARCH, 2018.

## Uniform Civil Code

## 5378  SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps in the direction of introducing uniform civil code in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has consulted various stakeholders in the country in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Law Commission has submitted any report to the Government regarding introduction of Uniform Civil Code in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) to (c)  Article 44 of Constitution provides that State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. In view of the importance of the subject matter and sensitivity involved, and the matter requiring in-depth study of the provisions of various personal laws governing  different  communities,  the  Government  has  requested  the  Law Commission of India to undertake examination of various issues relating to uniform civil code and to make recommendations  thereon.
- (d) No, Madam.
- (e) Does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5376 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Construction of Roads
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: JOSE K. MANI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5376

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2018

## CONSTRUCTION  OF  ROADS

5376.  SHRI  JOSE  K. MANI:

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

- (a) the details of the status of implementation of the construction of 73 India-China border roads along the Line of Actual Control;
- (b) the reasons for the delay and the challenges faced in progress of the project; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to resolve the issues?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

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- (a) Government has identified  73  roads as strategic  Indo-China  Border Roads (ICBRs), out of which 34 roads are completed and in the remaining 39 ICBRs, work is in progress.
- (b) The reasons for the delay and challenges faced in execution of road projects are:-
- (i) Delay in Forest / Wildlife clearance
- (ii) Hard rock stretches
- (iii) Limited working season
- (iv) Difficulties in availability of construction material
- (v) Delay in land acquisition.
- (c) The  Government  has  taken  following  measures  to  expedite  the construction of border roads:-
- (i) States  of  Sikkim,  Arunachal  Pradesh,  J&K, Himachal Pradesh and  Uttarakhand  have constituted the Empowered Committee to resolve the issues pertaining to BRO.
- (ii) Outsourcing has been allowed to augment the capacity of BRO.
- (iii) Enhanced financial and administrative powers have been given to the executives of BRO.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5375 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: FTA with US
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5375 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018

## FTA WITH US

5375. SHRI J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the US Government is planning a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India in an effort to boost two-way trade;
- (b) if so, the details thereof?
- (c) whether both sides are planning to enhance military exchanges and greater   defence   deals   under   the   Defence   T echnology   and   T rade Initiative (DTTI); and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V.K.SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) & (b) There is no proposal currently under discussion with the US Government for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the US.

(c) & (d) Government   of   India   and   Government   of   United   States   of America have established the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) for co-development and co-production of unique and exceptional technologies of mutual interest. DTTI is chaired by Secretary of Defence Production from the Indian side and Under Secretary for Acquisition and Technology and Logistics in Department of Defence from the US side. The last meeting of DTTI was held in Washington DC from 15-16 September 2017.

On 26 September 2017, during the visit of Mr. James Mattis, Secretary of Defence of the United States, both side agreed to refocus and re-energize the DTTI as a mechanism to promote technology sharing as well as codevelopment and co-production efforts.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5374 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Use of Latest Technology in Postal Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: KANWAR SINGH TANWAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5374 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th      MARCH, 2018

## USE OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN POSTAL SERVICES

5374. SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  postal  services  by  using  latest technology such as drones etc. for delivering mail and parcels to various parts of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard and if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
- (d) the time by which the said technologies are likely to be implemented?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No Madam. No proposal to use drones for delivery of mail or parcels is under consideration  of  the  Department  at  present.  However,  the  Department  has  taken measures such as development of a smart phone based Postman Mobile Application through which, delivery information can be updated on a real time basis and electronic signature of customers can be obtained on the smart phone.
- (b) to (d) Do not arise, in view of (a) above.

*************
Lok Sabha Question No. 5373 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Yoga Classes for Employees
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: P.R. SUNDARAM

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5373

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018)

## YOGA CLASSES FOR EMPLOYEES

## 5373. SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government conducts regular yoga classes for the Central Government employees and their families;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the expenditure incurred on yoga classes during each of the last three years; and
- (d) whether the Government has any mechanism to assess the quality of yoga imparted by yoga teachers in the yoga centres and if so, the details thereof?

## 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,  Grih  Kalyan  Kendra  has  been  organizing  regular  yoga  training sessions w.e.f. 1.4.2015 for Central Government Employees and their families in its Samaj Sadans  in  Delhi  and  other  cities.  Yoga  training  is  also  being  imparted  in  Moti  Bagh-1  & CWG village  in  the  space  provided  by  these  colonies.  Besides,  Yoga  Instructor  has  been provided  by  the  GKK  for  conducting  yoga  training  session  for  Government  employees  in ISTM office premises. Presently, GKK is organizing yoga classes at 39 locations at Delhi and outstations.  A list of these yoga centres at Delhi/NCR and outstation is given at Annexure-I.
- (c):     Expenditure incurred on yoga classes during each of last three years are as follows:-
- (i) 2014-15    Rs.  1,76,791/-
- (ii) 2015-16    Rs.  1,94,11,327/-
- (iii) 2016-17    Rs.  2,08,52,042/-

The item wise breakup of the expenditure is at Annexure-II.

- (d):    Yes Madam, Yoga in the GKK Yoga Centres is imparted by qualified Yoga Teachers engaged  on  the  recommendations  of  Morarji  Desai  National  Institute  of  Yoga  (MDNIY). Quality of yoga and other related issues are monitored by the Nodal Officers appointed by the Department  of  Personnel  and  Training  (DoPT)  from  among  the  Central  Govt.  officers residing  in  the  respective  residential  colonies.  A  list  of  Nodal  Officer  is  at  Annexure-III. Further  progress  of  yoga  is  reviewed  from  time  to  time  by  holding  meetings  with  all concerned including Yoga Teachers and Nodal Officers. Feedbacks are also obtained from the yoga Sadhaks about the quality of yoga imparted by yoga teachers.  A sample feedback form is at Annexure-IV.

*******

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5372 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Cooperation Agreement with Morocco
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KULAMANI SAMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5372 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018

## COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH MOROCCO

5372.    DR. KULAMANI SAMAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has  entered into  an agreement with the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF) to develop long term cooperation; and
- (b)   if so, the details thereof along with its objectives?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  and  (b)  :    A  Cooperation  Agreement  was  signed  between  Indian Railways and Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF) on 14.12.2017 to develop long-term cooperation and joint partnership in different area of railway sector with focus on following areas:
- (i) Training and staff development;
- (ii) Expert missions, exchange of experience and personnel;
- (iii) Mutual  technical  assistance,  including  exchanging  of experts.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5364 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-28
Subject: Dispatch of Coal
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5364

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.3.2018

## Dispatch of Coal

## 5364. SHRI V. ELUMALAI:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a)   whether  the  dispatch  of  coal  by  Coal  India  Limited  (CIL)  to  its  consumers  in various sectors including power through road in April-October  went up by 12 million tonnes and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether the Coal India had offered to supply the fuel to plants located at shorter distance by road from the available pit head stock, if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether the Government had launched Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitran App in a bid to benefit customers of CIL lifting coal through road; and

- (d)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COAL (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) : In 2017-18 (till 31.10.2017), the movement of coal through road mode was about 93 Million Tonne (MT), which is about 29% of the total coal dispatch of 317 MT from sources  of  Coal  India  Limited  (CIL).  The  coal  dispatch  through  road  during  the current  fiscal  of  2017-18  (till  31.10.2017)  increased  by  about  12  MT  over  the dispatch of 81 MT during the corresponding period of 2016-17.

(b) :  In  order  to  meet  the  coal  requirement  of  power  houses,  the  subsidiary companies of CIL have offered coal through road mode from available pithead stock to the power plants which are located within 50 km to 60 km from the nearest mines.

(c) & (d) : On 01.11.2017, CIL has launched the ' Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran' App aimed at benefiting customers who are supplied coal by road. The App is a tool to monitor the coal dispatch and to ensure fairness in dispatch by following the principle of 'First in, First Out'. The App keeps track of all the activities viz. from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road.

The main benefits of the App for the customers include easy accessibility of the  information  at  the  click  of  button,  apart  from  transparency  in  the  system  of loading  programme  and  dispatch.  The  App  also  helps  customers  in  planning  of logistics  for  lifting  of  coal  in  tune  with  the  loading  programmes.  It  further  helps  in improved  planning  of  procurement,  production  and  stock  management  by  the customers.  It  provides  date-wise,  truck-wise  quantity  of  coal  delivered  against  the Sale  Orders  and  information  related  to  Scheme-wise,  Colliery-wise,  Grade-wise, customer-wise details of Sale Orders issued during a period. In terms of loading, it provides  allotment  and  lifting  status  in  detail  from  different  sources by  truck  and summary of the coal dispatch.

- ***