opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3655 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: R.K. BHARATHI MOHAN, V. SATHYABAMA, R. VANAROJA

(a) No, Madam.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) In  automation,  machines  and  production  processes  are  controlled  and  managed  by  Artificial Intelligence  and  Internet  of  Things  (IoT)  devices.    Self  learning,  Robots,  Man-machine  interface  and predictive  maintenance  and  analytics  are  slowly  getting  into  automation.  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  and Internet of Things (IoT) are core contributing technologies.

Similarly in Aero Space, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) has enormous usage in  fleet  management,  scheduling,  predictive  maintenance,  and  better  customer  experience  and  resource optimization.

Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  and  Internet  of  Things  (IoT)  can  be  used  for  supply  chain,  logistics, predictive maintenance, sensors based surveillance, simulated war games and training, cyber security and intelligence  &  reconnaissance.  AI  has  a  potential  to  have  transformative  impact  on  Cyber  Security  and Security for physical infrastructure, thereby National Security and Defence.

Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  and  Internet  of  Things  (IoT)  play  a  crucial  role  in  development  and deployment  of  autonomous  weapons,  intruders  detection,  situation  analysis,  counter  measures,  face recognition and pattern analyses which will help military operations.

- ********

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3655 TO BE ANSWERED ON 2/1/2019

## RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

3655. SHRI BHARATHI MOHAN R.K.: SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA: SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has signed any MoU to carry out Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the advantages accrued to the Government;

(c) whether the Government is expecting rise in the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in the fields of Automation, Aero Space, Defence and Military operations; and

(d) if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ, {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {ÉªÉÉÇ´É®hÉ, ´ÉxÉ A´ÉÆ VÉãÉ´ÉÉªÉÖ {ÉÉÊ®´ÉiÉÇxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

(bÉ. c­ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)
Lok Sabha Question No. 3651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: New Science and Technology Projects
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: P.R. SUNDARAM, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3651

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 2/1/2019

## NEW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

## 3651.  SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of Autonomous Institutions and Statutory Boards under Department of Science and Technology;
- (b) the  new  Science  and  Technology  projects  undertaken  by  the  Department  of  Science  and Technology  including  the  above  institutions/boards  during  each  of  the  last  three  years  and  the current year;
- (c) the funds provided for the above projects/institutions during the above period State/Institution/Board-wise;
- (d) whether  Department  of  Science  and  Technology  have  signed  agreements  with  other countries to collaborate for improvement in research in the field of Science and Technology; and
- (e) if so, the country-wise details thereof during the last three years along with the conditions of those agreements and the benefit that the country got out of such agreements?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ, {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {ÉªÉÉÇ´É®hÉ, ´ÉxÉ A´ÉÆ VÉãÉ´ÉÉªÉÖ {ÉÉÊ®´ÉiÉÇxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

(bÉ. c­ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)

- (a) to (e):   The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Programmes Run by NGOs
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, P.R. SUNDARAM, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3650

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 2/1/2019

## PROGRAMMES RUN BY NGOS

## 3650.   DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Ministry of Science and Technology takes help of NonGovernment Organisations (NGOs) for running a number of their programmes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) the quantum of financial grants extended by the Ministry of Science and Technology to NonGovernmental  Organisations  to  run  various  programmes  during  the  last  three  years  and  the current year;
- (d) the names of NGOs which have been running the programmes of the Ministry during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Government for promotion of Science and Technology in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ, {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {ÉªÉÉÇ´É®hÉ, ´ÉxÉ A´ÉÆ VÉãÉ´ÉÉªÉÖ {ÉÉÊ®´ÉiÉÇxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

(bÉ. c­ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)

- (a)  to  (d):    No,  Madam.  Ministry  of  Science  and  Technology  doesn't  take  help  of  NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) for running programmes. Programmes of the Ministry are not outsourced to NGOs for running. However, the Ministry provides grants-in-aid support to the NGOs to implement Science and Technology (S&T) based intervention project sunder its various schemes.NGOs are only implementing projects which are conceived by them.
- (e) Ministry of Science and Technology through its various departments namely, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Department of Scientific &  Industrial  Research  (DSIR),  are  extending  grants-in-aid  support  to  NGOs  under  various schemes to promote science and technology interventions across India. DSIR has announced several fiscal  incentives  for  promoting  R&D  in  industry  and  institutes.  These  incentives  are  in  terms  of weighted tax deduction on R&D expenditure and customs/GST waiver on import/purchase of goods for R&D.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3648 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Heritage Preservation in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: ANANDRAO  ADSUL, KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3648 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN RAILWAYS

3648.    SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to take certain reformative measures to promote heritage preservation in the Railways and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Railway Board is now preparing to launch a special drive to identify various heritage items or artefacts that are currently lying  unnoticed  or  overlooked  at  different  locations  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (c) whether there is a proposal for the revival of steam locomotives and run regular time-tabled trains on steam traction, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Union Government proposes for the maintenance of Railways in hilly areas and bring them to the world standard to promote tourism; and
- (e) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a):  Ministry  of  Railways  has  initiated  several  measures  to  promote heritage preservation in the Railways.  These  include revival of  Steam

Locomotives,  up-keeping Hill Railways, special delegation of powers to Divisions for promoting Hill and Steam tourism, strengthening Railway museums,  conservation of built heritage, digitization of Railway Heritage and bringing it online for universal access etc.

(b): Drives are launched, from time to time, by Zonal Railways/Production Units for identification and preservation of Railway heritage  assets  like  buildings,  bridges,  rolling  stocks,  documents, photographs, artefacts, equipment, clocks, benches etc. The last such drive was launched in 2018 on a Pan-Indian Railways basis.

(c):    Ministry  of  Railways has made a specific provision in the budget outlay for 2018-19 for revival of steam locomotives including restoration and procurement of spares. During current financial year, a weekly regular  time  tabled  train  on  steam  traction  is  being  operated between Garhi Harsaru and Farukhnagar.

(d) &  (e):  Maintenance  of five hill railways of India [Darjeeling Himalayan  Railway  (DHR),  Nilgiri  Mountain  Railway  (NMR),  Kalka Shimla Railway (KSR), Matheran Light Railway(MLR) and Kangra Valley Railway (KVR)] are undertaken as per extant codal provision of Indian Railways  and  UNESCO  Guidelines.  In  addition,  special  delegation  of powers has been accorded to concerned Divisional Railway Managers for promoting tourism in these five hill railways.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3646 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Solar Panels on Roof Top of Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3646 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF TOP OF TRAINS

## †3646.  SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has installed solar-energy panels on the roof of some trains on a trial basis;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of such trial;
- (c) whether the railways proposes to install the same type of  solar-energy  panels  on  the  roofs  of  other  trains  as well;
- (d) if  so,  the  zone-wise  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b)  Yes,  Madam.  Indian  Railways  have  already  provided solar panels on roof top of 19 Narrow Gauge coaches on Trains in  Kalka  -  Shimla  and  Kangra Valley in Northern Railway and 23  Broad  Gauge  non-air  conditioned  coaches  in  service  (13 coaches in 2 trains of Northern Railway, 7 coaches in 1 train of Southern Railway, 2 coaches in 1 train of Konkan Railway and

1 coach in 1 train of West Central Railway).

Solar  system  works  during  sunlight  and  generates battery  backup  of  approx.  4  to  5  hours.  System  does  not work  properly during fog/rain and winter season and battery backup goes down to 2 to 3 hours depending upon weather condition.

(c)  to  (e)  Yes,  Madam.  Railways  have  taken  decision  to provide solar panel on roof top of general coaches of two number  of  day  running  intercity  trains  in  Northern  and Southern  Railway  and  50%  Narrow  Gauge  coaches plying on Pathankot-Joginder Nagar route in Kangra Valley section  and  Kalka-Shimla  section  of  Northern  Railway  for conducting  extended  trials  for  one  year  in  all  weather conditions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3645 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Reconstitution of Zones and Divisions
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RITI PATHAK, JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3645 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## RECONSTITUTION OF ZONES AND DIVISIONS

† 3645. SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK: SHRI JUGAL KISHORE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Railways has reconstituted zones and divisions or taken a final decision regarding recommendation made by the committee constituted to reconstitution of zones and divisions;
- (b)  if so, the details  thereof and if not, the time by when a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard;
- (c)  whether  the  said  committee  have  contemplated  on  regional  and geographical components in comparison to administrative and operational components  to  ensure  uniform  development/extension  of  railway  across the country;
- (d)  if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  if not, the steps taken/being taken by the Railways to give importance on  regional/geographical  components  while  taking  decisions  on  such issues regarding reconstitution?

## ANSWER

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

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

* * * * *

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3645 BY SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK AND SHRI JUGAL KISHORE TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 02.01.2019 REGARDING RECONSTITUTION OF ZONES AND DIVISIONS (a) & (b):  Reorganisation of Indian Railways has been carried out from time to time keeping in view the administrative and operational requirements. A Committee  was  constituted  in  2017  to  examine  requests  for  creation  of new zones and divisions received during the period from 2014 to 2017. The Committee in its report concluded that none of the requests for creation of new  zones  and  divisions  is  feasible.  These  recommendations  have  been accepted by the Ministry of Railways. (c) to (e): New Zones and Divisions on Indian Railways are set up keeping in view various factors like  size,  workload,  accessibility,  traffic  pattern  and other operational/ administrative requirements, consistent with the needs of economy and efficiency. The Zones and Divisions on Indian Railways are neither based on the State/District boundaries nor are created on the basis of regional/geographical considerations. The  said  Committee  was  constituted  to  analyse  the  large  number  of requests, which had been received from various State Governments, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament/MLAs, etc. for the creation of new Zones and Divisions on Indian Railways, from various angles of railway working like operational, financial, administrative and staff related issues etc. and examine  the  feasibility  of  creation  of  the  proposed  new  Zones/Divisions. The Committee had submitted its report after examining the requests from these angles.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Beautification of Kurukshetra Railway Station Tracks
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAJ KUMAR SAINI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3644 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## BEAUTIFICATION OF KURUKSHETRA RAILWAY STATION TRACKS

3644.       SHRI RAJKUMAR SAINI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to develop both sides of tracks as green belt of the Kurukshetra Railway Station; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)  and  (b):      Northern  Railway  has  signed  a  Memorandum  of Understanding  (MoU)  with  State  Forest  Department  of  Haryana  for planting, maintenance and protection of trees on the land boundary along the Railway track in the State of Haryana which also includes Kurukshetra Railway Station.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3641 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Reservation Centre at Launji
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: BODH SINGH BHAGAT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3641 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## RESERVATION CENTRE AT LAUNJI

## †3641.      SHRI BODHSINGH BHAGAT:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the proposal  to  open  railway  reservation  centre at Launji in Balaghat district and at Barghat in Seoni district is still pending;
- (b) if so, the time by which it is likely to be approved;
- (c) whether an agreement has been held between post offices and Railways to open reservation counters in post offices; and
- (d) if  so,  the  time  by  which  the  reservation  centres  at  the above places are likely to start functioning?

## ANSWER

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

(a)&(b)  Yes,  Madam.    The  feasibility  of  the  proposal  is  being examined  in  consultation  with  Department  of  Posts.    As  and when  the  consent  of  Department  of  Posts  is  received,  further necessary action will be initiated.

- (c)
- Yes, Madam.
- (d) Opening  of  Passenger  Reservation  System(PRS)  at  the location is a continuous and ongoing process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3640 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: Increase in Fares
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3640 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019

## INCREASE IN FARES

## † 3640.  SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has increased passenger fares during the last four years;
- (b) if so, the details therefor;
- (c) if  not,  the  manner  in  which  the  government  proposes  to  manage rising expenditure of trains; and
- (d)    the efforts being made by the Government to avoid such situation?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3640 BY SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 02.01.2019 REGARDING INCREASE IN FARES

(a) & (b) The passenger fares have not been increased since 25.06.2014. However, the minimum chargeable passenger fare for Second Class Nonsuburban services was increased from ₹ 5 to ₹ 10 to bring it at par with the rate of platform tickets from 22.11.2015.

( c) & (d) Government has tried to manage the rising operating expenses of railways  by  containing  the  revenue  expenditure  to  the  barest  minimum and raising Railways' revenue receipts of which passenger earnings are a part.

Earnings enhancing measures, inter alia, include targeting progressively higher traffic throughput, periodic rationalization of fare and freight rates, effective and innovative marketing strategies to capture more and more traffic,  creation  of  additional  capacity  and  optimum  utilization  of  the existing rail infrastructure including rolling stock, enhancement  in productivity  and  efficiency,  improvement  of  passenger  interface  and focus  on  increasing  the  share  of  non-fare  revenue  sources  in  Railways' earnings.  Other  measures  to  enhance  revenue  are:  introduction  of  Flexi Fare  system  in  higher  category  of  trains  i.e.  Rajdhani,  Shatabdi  and Duronto  trains.  In  view  of  special  attempts/  arrangements  made  for running of special train services  during     peak period, higher fares have

been fixed for running of special trains. Suvidha trains are introduced on variable fare structure during the peak seasons depending on the demand pattern.  Humsafar  Express, Tejas Express,  Antyodaya  Express  and Mahamana Express have been introduced on higher fare on cost recovery basis. The endeavor is to realize higher fare for better facility trains and continue to provide service at affordable and economic rates to common man.

Expenditure  control  measures  include  strict  economy  and  austerity measures, improved man-power planning, better asset utilization, inventory management, optimizing fuel consumption etc.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3636 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-02
Subject: DNA Technology Bill
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: NINONG ERING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 3636 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02/01/2019

## DNA TECHNOLOGY BILL

## 3636. SHRI NINONG ERING:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any consultation was carried out during the drafting of the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the  reason  for  the  bill  being  drafted  on  the  basis  of  a  problematic  and outdated report from the Law Commission?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE &  TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES; ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a to c) Yes Madam, draft Bill was placed for the public comments and also sent for  consultations  with  Ministries/Departments  concerned  i.e.  Ministry  of Home Affairs; Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance; Bureau of Police  Research  and  Development;  National  Accreditation  Board  for

Testing  and  Calibration  Laboratories;  Council  of  Scientific  and  Industrial Research; National Crime Record Bureau; NITI Aayog (formerly Planning Commission);  Department  of  Science  and  Technology   and  Legislative Department, Department of Legal Affairs, M/o Law & Justice. The draft Bill was  also  discussed  by  an  Expert  Committee  on  privacy  related  issues. The  comments  received  from  the  public  and  Ministries/  Departments concerned were incorporated appropriately in the draft Bill.

- (d) The  Bill  has  been  drafted  by  the  Department  in  consultation  with  the experts  and  then  sent  to  the  Law  Commission  of  India  (LCI).  The  LCI prepared its Report No. 271 on 'Human DNA Profiling - A Draft Bill for the Use  and  Regulation  of  DNA  Based  Technology'  and  submitted  to  the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice in July, 2017. The Chapter  VI  i.e. 'Protection  of  Information' of  the  draft  Bill  was  further revised in the final draft of the Bill before submission to the Government.

******