opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1834 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Progress of Projects in North Eastern Region
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Dibyendu Adhikari

Government of India Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1834

To be answered on

Wednesday, July 3, 2019/Ashadha 12, 1941 (Saka)

## QUESTION

## Progress of Projects in North Eastern Region

1834.  SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any detailed statistics as to the number of projects taken since 2004 onwards for connectivity and development for the North Eastern States and if so, the details thereof, year-wise; and
- (b) the present status of completion/pendency of projects, State/Project-wise?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Dr. Jitendra Singh]

(a) and (b) As per the information available, major projects taken up in the North-East Region inter  alia include  Comprehensive Telecom Development Project (CTDP) for the North-Eastern Region, Comprehensive Scheme for strengthening of Transmission and Distribution Systems (CSST&DS), North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), Special Accelerated Road Development Programme  for  North  East  (SARDP-NE),  Bharatmala  Pariyojana  (BMP),  Projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits and PRASAD  Scheme  for  tourism  infrastructure,  National  Sports  University  at  Imphal, Greenfield  Airports  and  upgradation  of  airport  infrastructure  at  various  airports including Guwahati, Imphal and Agartala, Greenfield airport at Pakyong and Hollongi, Agartala-Akhaura  Rail-Link  to  connect  the  existing  Agartala  station  in  Tripura  to Akhaura Station of Bangladesh Railways,  development of Brahmaputra and 19 new waterways  including  Barak  and  100%  subsidy  under  Central  Sector  Scheme  is provided for development of IWT infrastructure in North Eastern States.

In  addition  to  above,  Ministry  of  Development  of  North  Eastern  Region  has also  taken  projects  for  filling  gaps  in  infrastructure  through  its  schemes  such  as NLCPR-State & Central, North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS), Schemes  of  North  Eastern  Council  (NEC)  and  North  East  Special  Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1833 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Udaipur-Ahmedabad Gauge Conversion
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Arjunlal Meena

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1833 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019

## UDAIPUR-AHMEDABAD GAUGE CONVERSION

†1833.  SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the broad gauge conversion work of rail line between Udaipur and Ahmedabad via Himmatnagar has been completed;

(b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  funds  allocated  from the beginning of the project to the current financial year;

(c) if  not,  the  time  by  which  Railways  has  set  the  target  to complete the said project along with the details thereof; and

(d) the details of incomplete works under the said project and the details of additional funds required to complete the project?

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. 1833 BY SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 03.07.2019 REGARDING UDAIPUR-AHMEDABAD GAUGE CONVERSION

(a) to (d): Ahmedabad-Himmatnagar-Udaipur gauge conversion including Modasa-Shamlaji Road new line project (317.73 Km) was sanctioned  and  the  latest  cost  of  the  project  is ` 1667  crore  and expenditure of ` 1291.14 crore has been incurred upto March, 2019. An  outlay  of ` 532.38  crore  has  been  provided  for  the  complete project during 2019-20.

Due to limited availability of funds in the earlier years, there has been little progress on this project, however, Since 2014-15, the Budget  allotment  for  this  project  has  improved  and  the  project execution work has been expedited.

Gauge conversion work of Ahmedabad-Himmatnagar (87.25 Km) section has been completed upto March, 2019 and work has  been  taken  up  in  balance  Himmatnagar-Udaipur  section  and project  is  progressing  well.  Also,  sufficient  funds  have  been  made available during 2019-20 to the project for early completion.

On this project, challenging work of long tunnel of around 850 metre and 2 short tunnels of around 150 metre and 100 metre length are to be constructed, for which, agencies have been finalized and construction work taken up.

During financial  year  2019-20,  24  Km  long  section  from Himmatnagar-Raighadh has already been completed and 24.26 Km long section from Udaipur-Kharwachanda is also planned for completion during the same year, while entire project is planned for completion by financial year 2020-21.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1832 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Appointment of Specialists from Private Sector
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Sushil Kumar Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1832

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019)

## APPOINTMENT OF SPECIALISTS FROM PRIVATE SECTOR

## †1832. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to start the process to induct 40 specialists from the private sector in the Government service;
- (b) if  so,  whether  these  specialists  will  be  appointed  on  the  posts  of  Deputy  Secretary  and Director;
- (c) whether  the  Government  will  examine  the  performance,  integrity  and  qualification  of such specialists before appointing them;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government will complete the selection process of the said officers in the current year 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) to (e):   Yes, Sir. Government has, from time to time, appointment some prominent persons for  specific  assignments  in  government,  keeping  in  view  their  specialized  knowledge  and expertise  in  the  domain  area.  NITI  Aayog,  in  its  three  year  Action  Agenda,  and  the  Sectoral Group  of  Secretaries  (SGoS)  on  Governance,  in  its  report  submitted  in  February,  2017,  have recommended  for  induction  of  personnel  in  the  middle  and  senior  management  level  in  the Government  with  the  twin  objectives  of  bringing  in  fresh  talent  as  well  as  augment  the availability  of  manpower.  Based  on  this,  it  has  been  decided,  in  principle,  to  appoint  outside experts to 40 positions at Deputy Secretary/Director level.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1831 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Passenger Amenities
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Bhagwanth Khuba

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1831 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019

## PASSENGER AMENITIES

## 1831. SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways maintain standard quality of passenger amenities in small town railway stations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Railways  has  formulated  any  action  plan  to  improve passenger amenities in the country as a whole; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof particularly Bidar and Gulbarga?

## 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.1831 BY SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 03.07.2019 REGARDING PASSENGER AMENITIES (a)  &  (b)   Yes,  Sir.  Railway  stations  are  classified  based  on  station earnings  and  outward  passenger  footfall  at  the  station.  The  norms  for Minimum Essential Amenities as specified in the comprehensive instructions on passenger amenities, based on the category of the station, and issued by Ministry of Railways, are ensured at all stations. (c)  Improvement  /Augmentation  of  amenities  at  Railway  Station  is  an ongoing and continuous process and works in this regard are undertaken as  per  requirement  subject  to  inter-se  priority  and  availability  of  funds. Foot  over  bridge  and  High  level  platform  are  now  included  in  Minimum Essential Amenities for all category of stations on broad gauge. Priority is accorded to the higher category station over lower category station while sanctioning and executing the work of raising the height of platform and provision of Foot over bridge. (d) Bidar railway station has been provided with all the amenities as per the  norms  for  Minimum  Essential  Amenities  for  'NSG-4'  category  railway station such as cloak room, enquiry counter, Parking area with light, water coolers, waiting room, separate waiting room for ladies, computer based public address system, electronic train indication board and touch screen enquiry system etc. Gulbarga railway station has been provided with all the amenities as per the norms for 'NSG-3' category railway station such as retiring room, cloak room,  enquiry  counter,  Parking  area  with  light,  water  vending  machine, water coolers, foot over bridges, waiting room, separate waiting room for ladies, computer based public address system, electronic train indication board and touch screen enquiry system etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1828 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: ROB in Thiruthangal
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1828 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019

## ROB IN THIRUTHANGAL

1828. SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  from  any Traders Association of Thiruthangal and general public to construct a ROB (Rail Over Bridge) to ease/reduce traffic problem in the city;
- (b) if so, by when the ROB is likely to be completed;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) if  not,  whether such proposal be considered in future to construct ROB in Thiruthangal?

## 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. 1828 BY SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B. TO BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  03.07.2019  REGARDING  ROB  IN THIRUTHANGAL (a) to (d): Yes, Sir. The representation has been received from Hon'ble Chief Minister special cell, TamilNadu on 22.08.2017 for construction of Road over Bridge (ROB)  in lieu  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  No.  424  (Local name: Thiruthangal) at Km 559/700-800. However, the above work has already been sanctioned on cost sharing basis in Budget 2015. Normally,  Railway  undertakes  construction  of  ROBs/RUBs  in Railway  portion  whereas  approaches  are  being  constructed  by  State Government.    Generally, there is no problem  of construction of ROBs/RUBs  in  Railway  portion.  However,  it  is  difficult  to  construct ROBs/RUBs on approaches because it depends upon many factors such as availability of land, removal of encroachments, fixing the alignment of approaches, allocation of requisite funds etc. In  this  case,  the  original  alignment  has  been  revised  by  State Government  twice.  The  last  revision  of  alignment  was  proposed  by State  Government  in  May  2019.  Further  action  in  this  regard  will  be taken  after  finalization  of  alignment  and  when  State  Government  is ready for taking up the work in approach portion.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1825 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: GSI Survey for Gold in Jharkhand
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1825

ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019

## GSI SURVEY FOR GOLD IN JHARKHAND

†1825. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Geological Survey of India [GSI] had conducted drilling drive to explore gold reserves in Jharkhand in the year 2006;
- (b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Indian  Bureau  of  Mines  had  also  conducted  a  survey  to  find  out availability of gold in Jharkhand;
- (d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
- (e) whether scientists of GSI have expressed possibility of gold reserve in Tamar area near Ranchi in Jharkhand; and
- (f)  if so, whether the Government proposes to take any action in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the time by which action is likely to be taken?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Geological Survey of India [GSI] carried out 5 gold exploration projects involving drilling in Jharkhand during its Field Seasons [F.S.] 2003-2004 to 2007-2008. The Districtwise details along with outcome are as follows:
- (c)  &  (d):  Indian  Bureau  of  Mines  has  intimated  that  it  has  not  carried  out  survey  and exploration to find out availability of gold in Jharkhand.
- (e)  &  (f):  Potentiality  of  gold  in  Tamar  area,  Ranchi  District,  Jharkhand  has  been established  by  GSI  through  systematic  exploration.  The  Parasi  block  in  Tamar  area, Jharkhand has been auctioned in November 2017.

|   S. No. | District                                    | Field Season   |   Resource Estimated {in Million Tonnes} |
|----------|---------------------------------------------|----------------|------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Pahardia area, West Singhbhum               | 2005-2007      |                                     0.25 |
|        2 | Hepsel-Lungtu Block, Ranchi                 | 2006-2008      |                                     1.44 |
|        3 | Parasi area, Ranchi                         | 2004-2006      |                                     2.87 |
|        4 | Sausal-Buru Goilkera Sector, West Singhbhum | 2003-2006      |                                     0    |
|        5 | Kothadih & Sinduari Blocks, Ranchi          | 2006-2008      |                                     0    |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1821 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Change in CCL Facility
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: P.R. Natarajan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1821

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019)

## CHANGE IN CCL FACILITY

## 1821. SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it  is  fact  that  Child  Care  Leave  (CCL)  facility  provided  to  women  employees have  undergone  some  changes  with  the  implementation  of  Seventh  Pay  Commission recommendations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the rationale behind such change?

## 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 (c): Yes Sir. Recognizing the additional responsibility on the shoulder of employees who are  single  mothers,  and  based  on  the  recommendations  of  the  7 th Central  Pay  Commission (CPC), the Government has relaxed the conditionality of availing of CCL in three spells  in  a calendar  year  to  six  spells  in  a  calendar  year  for  single  female  Government  servant  vide notification dated 11.12.2018.

Further, the 7 th CPC has observed that the CCL as a welfare measure is seen as a benefit that  has  to  be  availed  simply  because  it  exists,  and  there  is  a  palpable  need  to  bring  in  some inhibiting  factor  so  as  to  ensure  that  only  genuinely  affected  employees  avail  of  this  scheme. Government has accepted and implemented the recommendation of 7 th CPC in this regard that 100% of the salary shall be paid for the first 365 days of CCL, and that 80% of the salary shall be paid for the next 365 days vide the above notification.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1820 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Entry in Sabarimala
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Anto  Antony

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1820

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 3 RD  JULY, 2019

## Entry in Sabarimala

## 1820.  SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

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

- (a) whether the Hon'ble Supreme Court has permitted women entry in Sabarimala, a pilgrim centre in Kerala;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to submit review petition in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has any plan to bring an ordinance to restrict women entry between the age group of 10 to 50 years in Sabarimala; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

- (a) to (e): The matter is sub-judice before Hon'ble Supreme Court.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1819 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Sabari Railway Line Project
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Adoor Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1819 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.07.2019

## SABARI RAILWAY LINE PROJECT

1819.  ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the present status of Sabari Railway Line Project in Kerala; and
- (b) the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  for  completion  of  the project without any further delay?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) and (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
- *****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  AND  (b)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1819 BY ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH TO BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  03.07.2019    REGARDING  SABARI RAILWAY LINE PROJECT

(a) and (b): Angamali-Sabarimala new rail line (116 Km) was sanctioned in 1997-98 at a cost of ` 550 crore. The 5 km section of this project  was  passing  through  Periyar  Tiger  Reserve  Forest.  On  the request  of  State  Government,  the  project  was  terminated  at  Erumeli due to reserve forest area.

Alignment  of  the  project  passes  through  three  Districts  i.e. Ernakulam, Idukki and Kottayam districts. Final location  survey(FLS) for Angamali-Kaladi-Ramapuram section (70 Km) has been completed in  2002 and further survey in the Kottyayam district was stopped by local people in 2007 due to objections on alignment.

To  resolve  the  issue,  State  Government  proposed  a  revised alignment from Ramapuram to Erumeli (41 km).  Revised alignment has been approved.

For this project, Government of Kerala had consented for sharing 50%  of  above  project  cost  in  November,  2015.    However,  the  State Government requested in November, 2016 to execute this project with Railway funds.

Due to alignment issues as stated above and abnormal increase in land cost, the project cost has increased from ` 550 crore to ` 2815 crore.  Land  Cost  has  been  increased  from ` 22.82  crore  (in  original estimate) to ` 965 crore. Due to this, State Government has again been

requested  in  January  2018  to  continue  to  share  50%  cost  of  the project.

Even  though  Government  of  Kerala  has  approved  alignment  in 2013, local people are not permitting survey work in Kottayam District. FLS  for  Ramapuram-Erumeli  (41  Km)  has  been  taken  up  with  police protection  and  the  progress  is  very  slow  due  to  continuous  protest; despite this, 10 Km FLS has been completed so far.

The  project  is  presently  held  up  as  Government  of  Kerala  is neither arranging the land nor agreeing to share 50% cost as agreed by them earlier and also due to resistance created by the local people. These issues have been brought to the notice of Government of Kerala by various letters dated 06.02.2018, 01.03.2018, 26.03.2018 & 08.08.2018.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1816 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-03
Subject: Capping on Party’s Expenditure
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1816

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 03 rd  JULY, 2019

## CAPPING ON PARTY'S EXPENDITURE

1816. SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY:

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

- (a) whether Election Commission of India proposes capping on party's expenditure on candidates and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) Whether Election Commission has identified unchecked money power as one of the biggest concerns and has been rooting for capping party and campaign expenditure to  ensure  a  level  playing  field  to  all  parties  and  to  check  the  money  power  visible during every election and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether expenditure on elections is increasing because elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies are not held simultaneously and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the expenditure on elections will decrease if elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies are held simultaneously and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS &  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

- (a)  and  (b):  The  Election  Commission  of  India  has  proposed  that  there  should  be ceiling on Party's expenditure in all elections on the lines of the cap of expenditure for the candidates. The proposal is under examination of the Government.
- (c) and (d): No empirical data are  available to prove that the increase in expenditure on elections over the year is attributable to the conduct of separate elections to Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies. The Department Related Parliamentary Standing  Committee  on  Personnel,  Public  Grievances,  Law  and  Justice  in  its  79 th Report has observed that simultaneous elections would reduce the massive expenditure incurred for conduct of separate elections  every year.

*******