opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Steel Import by Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Queen Oja, Bharatiben Dhirubhai Shyal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2217 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## STEEL IMPORT BY RAILWAYS

- +2217. SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA:

## DR. BHARATIBEN DHIRUBHAI SHIYAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  steel  is  being  imported  for  the  works  of  the  Railways whereas the units like Steel Authority of India are already set-up in the country; and
- (b) if  so,  the  reasons  for  resorting  to  import  despite  the  vast availability of steel in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) No,  Sir.  No  steel  is  being  imported  by  Indian  Railways  for  its works.
- (b) Does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Premature Retirement
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Darshana Vikram Jardosh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2216

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020)

## PREMATURE RETIREMENT

## †2216. SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  officers  given  premature  retirement  by  the  Government  during  the  last three years; and
- (b) the reasons for giving premature retirement to the said officers?

## 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):   As on 27.02.2020, based on the updated/reconciled information/data provided by various Ministries/Departments/Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCAs) on the Probity Portal operated by Department  of  Personnel  and  Training,  provisions  of  the  Fundamental  Rules  FR  56(j)/similar rules have been invoked against 163 Group 'A' officers, (including All India Services officers) and 157 Group 'B' officers during the period July, 2014 to January, 2020.
- (b):    As per the provisions under FR 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rules, 1972, and Rule 16(3) (Amended) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, Government has the absolute right to retire Government officials prematurely on the ground of lack of integrity or ineffectiveness, in public interest.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2215 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Dedicated Desk of Invest India for NER
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## Government of India Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2215

To be answered on

Wednesday, March 04, 2020/Phalguna 14, 1941 (Saka)

## QUESTION

## Dedicated Desk of Invest India for NER

## 2215. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI

Will  the  Minister  of  DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is planning on setting up a dedicated desk of Invest India for the North Eastern Region;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the facilities that will be extended to the North Eastern Region as a result of the dedicated desk; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  a  time-frame  in  mind  for  the  implementation  of  such  a dedicated desk and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North

## Eastern Region [Dr. Jitendra Singh)

(a)  &  (b)    Yes,  Sir.  It  is  proposed  to  set  up  a  special  dedicated  desk  of  Invest  India  for North  Eastern  Region.  The desk  will  take  up  investment  targeting,  promotion,  facilitation and website development for North Eastern States.

- (c) The facilities that are proposed be extended to the NER are :-
- (i) Information provision
- (ii) Targeting support
- (iii) Facilitation support
- (iv) State training and capacity building
- (v) Creation and structuring of state investment teams
- (vi) Advisory for states for their investment summits/roundtables
- (vii) Investors targeting support
- (viii) Website

All the above activities will be done in close coordination with the State Governments.

- (d)  The following activities have already been initiated: -
- (i) A workshop on 'Accelerating Investment and Industrial Development in the North East Region' was organized at Guwahati on 30 th November, 2019 with participation of senior officers from all the North Eastern States.
- (ii) A team within Invest India has been identified to help with the activities of the desk.
- (iii) Development  of  the  promotional  website/portal  has  been  initiated.  A  project  has been undertaken to identify two-three most prominent industrial clusters in each of the eight NE States.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Profitability of Coal India
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Devendrappa Y

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2214 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## Profitability of Coal India

## 2214.      SHRI Y. DEVENDRAPPA:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a)      whether  Coal  India  Limited(CIL)  has  earned substantial  profit during  the  quarter  ending  September, 2019  in  comparison  to  similar  period during 2018-19 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)      whether the results obtained meet the expectations of the market analysts and Government; and
- (c)       if so, the details thereof and the reasons for such a satisfactory improvement in the functioning of Coal India Limited?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a  to  c)  : Coal  India  Limited  has  earned  profit  during  the  quarter  ending  September,  2019. The details of profit in comparison to similar period during 2018-19 are given below:

(Rs. in Crore)

| Particulars       |   Quarter ending 30 th September, 2019 |   Quarter ending 30 th September, 2018 |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Profit Before Tax |                                4277.15 |                                5116.41 |
| Profit After Tax  |                                3522.9  |                                3084.7  |

Although Profit Before Tax for quarter ending 30.09.2019 is lower as compared to the same quarter  during  previous  year,  Profit  After  Tax  is  higher  for  quarter  ending  30.09.2019  as against quarter ending 30.09.2018 due to the reduction in Income Tax rate.

* * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 2211 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Energy Neutral Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Srinivas Kesineni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2211 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## ENERGY NEUTRAL STATIONS

## 2211. SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to State:

- (a) whether the South Central Railway has developed three railway stations in Kadiyam, Dwarapudi and Godavari in the Vijayawada division as 'energy neutral' stations;
- (b)     if  so,  the  details  and  the  salient  features  and  the  expenditure incurred on developing these 'energy neutral' stations;
- (c) the details of the goals and objectives the Ministry is aiming to achieve under this plan; and
- (d) whether the Railways is planning to develop more such stations and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (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. 2211 BY SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.03.2020 REGARDING ENERGY NEUTRAL STATIONS (a):  Yes,  Sir.    The  South  Central  Railway  (SCR)  has  developed Kadiyam, Dwarapudi and Godavari Railway Stations in the Vijayawada division as 'Energy Neutral Stations'. In addition to that, 10 more Railway stations have been developed as 'Energy Neutral Stations' over SCR. (b):  These stations have been provided with solar panels. The solar power so generated is utilized to make stations as 'Energy Neutral Station'  through  net  metering.  The  total  expenditure  incurred  in development of Kadiyam, Dwarapudi and Godavari Railway Stations as 'Energy Neutral Stations' was ₹ 19.5 lakhs. (c)  and  (d):  As  of  now,  total  23  Railway  stations  have  been  made 'Energy  Neutral  Stations'  across  Zonal  Railways  (ZRs)  both  under Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Renewable Energy Service Company  (RESCO)  model.  Additional  31  more  stations  have  been planned to be made as 'Energy Neutral Stations' over IR on RESCO model only. Further, directions have been issued to Indian Railway Stations  Development  Corporation  Limited  (IRSDC)  to  incorporate the concept Of 'Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)' during redevelopment of Railway stations. Rail Land Development Authority  (RLDA)  has  also  been  advised  to  incorporate  NZEB concept in construction of all future buildings being constructed by RLDA.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Make in India in Defence Sector
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: V. Kalanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2210

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 th  March, 2020

## MAKE IN INDIA IN DEFENCE SECTOR

## 2210. DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

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

- (a) the details of the number of defence products manufactured so far under Make in India Scheme within the country;
- (b) the details of the number of products exported during the said period;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  set  any  target  in  this  regard  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the achievements made so far;
- (d) whether the original target of this scheme have yet to be achieved on a large scale; and
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  therefor  and  the  manner  in  which  the Government proposes to achieve its original target within the fixed time?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

( श्री श्रीपाद नाईक )

- (a)  to (e):  A statement is attached.

*****

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e)  OF  LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2210 FOR ANSWER ON 04.03.2020 REGARDING 'MAKE IN INDIA IN DEFENCE SECTOR'.

(a)    Defence  products  are  manufactured  based  on  the  requirements  of  the  Armed Forces.  Some of the significant products/platforms manufactured by Defence Public Sector  Undertaking/Ordnance  Factory  Board  include  155mm  Artillery  Gun  system Light Helicopter (Dhruv), 'Akash' Surface to Air Missile system, Attack Submarine 'INS Kalvari', 'INS Chennai', Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC), Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (WJFAC), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Varunastra Heavy Weight

'Dhanush', Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', Dornier Do-228, Advanced Torpedo, etc.

(b)  Based on the Authorisation/License issued by Department of Defence Production and  actual  exports  by  DPSUs/OFB,  some  of  major  items  exported  are  Fast  Patrol Vessels,  Coastal  Surveillance  System  (CSS),  Light  Weight  Torpedoes,  Do-228 Aircraft, Wheeled Infantry Carrier, Light Specialist Vehicle, Mine Protected Vehicle, Passive  Night  Sights,  Battle  Field  Surveillance  Radar  Extended  Range,  Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare, Light Weight Torpedo Launcher and Parts, Zen Advanced Weapons  Simulator,  Personal  Protective  items,  155mm  Artillery  Gun  Ammunition, Small Arms and Ammunitions, etc.

(c)  to  (e):    Targets  for  the  production  of  indigenous  defence  equipment are decided based  on  requirements  of  the  Armed  Forces.    Armed  Forces  undertake  Capital procurement of defence equipment from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes so as to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Rail Mobile Water Scheme
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Nisith Pramanik

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2208

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## RAIL MOBILE WATER SCHEME

2208. SHRI NISITH PRAMANIK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  monitoring  that  passengers  are  getting adequate water under Railways rail mobile water scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether people are getting benefited in West Bengal; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## ANSWER (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a):  The  Railway  does  not  have  any  scheme  called  the  Rail  Mobile  Water Scheme.  However,  Indian  Railways  continuously  endeavours  to  ensure availability of adequate drinking water to travelling passengers across its network including in the state of West Bengal. Safe and hygienic drinking water  is  supplied  through  'Rail  Neer'  Packaged  Drinking  Water  bottles, other approved brands of Packaged Drinking Water bottles, Water Vending Machines  and  water  booths/taps  available  at  stations.  Instructions  have been  issued  to  adopt  the  'Uniform  Drinking  Water  Quality  Monitoring Protocol'  issued  by  Ministry  of  Drinking  Water  &  Sanitation  in  February 2013 so that drinking water supplied to the Railway passengers at stations through water taps is suitably treated, as per requirement, before the exit point of supply.

(b) to (d): Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Khadi Products in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Nitesh Ganga Deb

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2206 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## KHADI PRODUCTS IN RAILWAYS

## 2206. SHRI NITESH GANGA DEB:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has any proposal to use Khadi Towels, Bed Sheet, Pillow Covers in all trains running in the country in order to popularise Khadi products among people;
- (b) if  so,  the  money to be spent by the Railways on Khadi products during the year 2020-21; and
- (c) the amount of money spent by the Ministry of Railways on Khadi products during last four years, year-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) No, Sir.  Bed sheets, pillow cover and towel are provided for use of the passengers only in AC sleeper class coaches (I AC, II AC, III AC). As  per  existing  policy,  these  items  are  procured  from  Khadi  and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to the extent KVIC can supply.
- (b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.  However, railway will continue to  procure  Khadi  products  from  KVIC  as  per  existing  policy,  to  the extent KVIC can supply.

(c) The amount spent by the Ministry of Railways on all Khadi products during last four years is as below:-

| Year    | Amount       |
|---------|--------------|
| 2015-16 | ` 55.02 Cr.  |
| 2016-17 | ` 65.50 Cr.  |
| 2017-18 | ` 54.71 Cr.  |
| 2018-19 | ` 83.38 Cr.  |
| Total   | ` 258.61 Cr. |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2205 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Revision of Spectrum Reserve Price
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: P. Velusamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2205 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  MARCH, 2020

## REVISION OF SPECTRUM RESERVE PRICE

## 2205. SHRI VELUSAMY P.:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has refused to revise the higher spectrum reserve price for the forth coming spectrum auction and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b) whether TRAI has recommended the auction of 8,644 MHz of spectrum across bands including those for 5G services for an estimated amount of Rs.4.9 lakh crores and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government will accept the recommendation of TRAI in view of the reported slow down in the economy and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether the telecom industry is capable of fully utilizing the benefit of 5G spectrum and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) to (c) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its recommendations  on 'Auction of Spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3400 MHz, 3400-3600 MHz Bands' dated 01.08.2018 has recommended that entire available spectrum should be put to auction and based on the decision of the DCC it is proposed to put a total of 8303.05 MHz of spectrum for auction at a reserve price of Rs.5,23,400.70 Crores.

The  Department  of  Telecommunications  in  its  back  reference  to  the  TRAI  recommendations  dated 01.08.2018 had highlighted, among others, that due to competition, concerns have been expressed about the financial  health  of  the  sector,  revenue  growth  and  capability  of  the  companies  to  meet  their  contractual commitments  and  requested  TRAI  to  reconsider  their  recommendations  on  spectrum  valuation  and  reserve prices.  However  TRAI  in  its  response  reiterated  its  earlier  recommended  Spectrum  Valuation  and  Reserve Prices. The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) has agreed to the TRAI recommendations, including the Reserve Price; on which further action will be taken as per approval of the Cabinet.

- (d) At this stage, the Government, in consultation with the Industry, is considering grant of experimental license  for  5G  trials.  Based  upon  the  outcome  of  the  trials  and  market  conditions,  the  Telecom  Service Providers may chart-out their future strategy on adoption and rolling out of 5G services in the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Connectivity Issues of BSNL/MTNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2204 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  MARCH, 2020

## CONNECTIVITY ISSUES OF BSNL/MTNL

## 2204. SHRI KOMATI REDDY VENKAT REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  of  the  fact  that  Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited (BSNL)/ Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) sim cards issued to Members of Parliament (MPs) have serious connectivity issue and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and

- (b) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) have informed that their mobile services are working satisfactorily in all of their respective Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) and in general, meeting all Quality of Service (QoS) parameters prescribed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

However, due to their current poor financial condition, BSNL and MTNL have not been able to timely pay rent and electricity bills for the telephone exchanges/mobile towers.  As a result, the telephone services get affected sometimes to some extent.

BSNL  and  MTNL  have  further  informed  that  there  is  no  pending  complaint  of  Hon'ble Members of Parliament (MPs).

- (b) The Government has approved the revival plan of BSNL and MTNL on 23.10.2019.  With implementation of these revival measures, the financial condition of BSNL and MTNL will improve and they are committed to provide better services to their subscribers including Hon'ble MPs.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2202 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-04
Subject: Limited Trade Package
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: T. R. Paarivendhar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2202 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2020

## LIMITED TRADE PACKAGE

## 2202.  DR. T. R. PAARIVENDHAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India and the US are finalising a limited trade package, centred around medical devices and agricultural products, that is expected to be unveiled during US President's visit to India in the third week of February, 2020;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Union Government has any proposal to discuss the issue of student/study visa and employment visa in the said visit; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (d) The Joint Statement issued on 25 February 2020 in connection with the State Visit to India by the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, states that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump 'agreed to promptly conclude the ongoing negotiations, which they hope   can   become   phase   one   of   a   comprehensive   bilateral   trade agreement that reflects the true ambition and full potential of the bilateral commercial relations, advancing prosperity, investment, and job creation in both countries.'

Both sides also expressed their desire to increase higher education collaboration and educational exchange opportunities, and welcomed the recent growth in the number of Indian students in the United States.

During the visit, Prime Minister spoke about the role played by the Indian Diaspora in strengthening people-to-people relations between India and the U.S. and their contributions to the mainstream of U.S. economy and society through their talent, hard work and democratic and cultural values. He also requested President Trump to take forward the discussion on  a   totalisation   agreement   on   social   security   contribution   of   Indian professionals in the U.S..

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