opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Higher Education Loan to SC and OBC Students
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: NEELAM SONKER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. +1329 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2018

## HIGHER EDUCATION LOAN TO SC AND OBC STUDENTS

## +1329. SHRIMATI NEELAM SONKER:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is providing higher education loan to SC and OBC students at zero interest rate;
- (b) if so, the details thereof each of the last three years and the current year; State-wise; during
- (c) the conditions to be fulfilled by the students to become eligible for availing education loan for higher studies;
- (d) the number of banks against which action has been taken by the Government during the said period for dilly-dallying in providing loans; and
- (e) the number of such complaints received by the Government?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)

(a), (b) and (c): National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) and National Backward Classes   Finance & Development   Corporation   (NBCFDC) are providing higher educational loans at a concessional rate of interest to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) students respectively. The rate of interest is 4% and 3.5% for and girls respectively. NSFDC and NBCFDC do not provide education loan to SC and OBC students at Zero rate of' interest. For availing higher educational the students should be from SCIOBC communities. The annual family income of students should not exceed Rs.3.00 The proposed courses for higher studies should be full time Professional/Technical courses in recognized institutions boys loan;

(d) & (e): Whenever, such complaints are received, are sent to the Departments concerned Data in this regard is not maintained in the Ministry. they
Lok Sabha Question No. 1328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Shortage of Mine Protected Vehicle
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: VISHNU DAYAL RAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1328

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  DECEMBER, 2018/ AGRAHAYANA 27, 1940 (SAKA)

## SHORTAGE OF MINE PROTECTED VEHICLE

†1328.     SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Central Reserve Police Force and other para military forces are facing shortage of mine-protected vehicles;
- (b)  if  so,  the  number  of  mine-protected  vehicles  sanctioned  by  the Government  for  purchase  during  the  last  three  years  through  open tendering and under modernisation scheme in order to deal with the threat of IEDs in left wing terrorism affected areas;
- (c)  the  number  of  vehicles  proposed  to  be  procured  vis-a-vis  number  of vehicles actually purchased during the said period;
- (d) whether there is shortage of the said vehicles in Central Reserve Police Force and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Government to remove the said shortage?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): The requirement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for any item including Mine Protected Vehicles changes with time and their deployment pattern.  Acquisition  of  such  item  is  an  ongoing  process.  The  actual procurement  of  any  equipment,  including  Mine  Protected  Vehicles  is guided by operational requirements and availability of funds.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1328 FOR 18.12.2018

(b): MHA has sanctioned 179 Mine Protected Vehicles for procurement by CAPFs from Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) during the last three years.

(c): Out  of  total  sanctioned  179  Mine  Protected  Vehicles,  39  Mine Protected Vehicles have been supplied by OFB to CAPFs during the said period.

- (d): As replied at sl. no. (a) above.

(e): Ministry of Home Affairs has requested Ministry of Defence/Ordnance Factory  Board  for  early  supply  of  Mine  Protected  Vehicles  to  CAPFs. Further, Ordnance Factory Board has also been requested to expedite the supply of Mine Protected Vehicles to CAPFs during Target Fixation Meeting for the financial year 2019-20 held by Ministry of Home Affairs recently.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Fish Habitats
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1327 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18/12/2018

## FISH HABITATS

## 1327.  SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  fish  habitats  and  coral  reefs  in  coastal regions are depleting;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government is willing to create program for development of artificial fish habitats, if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) Yes,  Madam.  ICAR-CMFRI, Cochin is aware of depletion of fish  habitats and coral reefs in coastal regions.
- (b) Research analysis have clearly identified the decline in the coral reefs due to the anthropogenic and climatic stressors.  The latter factor is increasingly causing bleaching events in recent years.

Decline in fish habitats due to lack of proper solid waste management especially non-degradable waste has been brought to the notice of the local governments through frequent  awareness  programmes  in  different  states.    Apart  from  this,  the  National Conference  on  'Marine  Debris'  held  during  April  2018  has  brought  out  a  proceeding highlighting the need for policy development which has been widely circulated.

(c) ICAR-CMFRI is extending technical consultancy to State Fisheries Departments of  Tamil  Nadu,  Andhra  Pradesh,  Kerala  and  Gujarat  for  installation  of  artificial  fish habitats.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1322 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Food Processing Policy
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: HARI MANJHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1322

ANSWERED ON 18 TH  DECEMBER,2018.

## FOOD PROCESSING POLICY

## 1322.  SHRI HARI MANJHI:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  formulating  any  food  processing  policy,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is consulting with the stakeholders for formulating the policy, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether time limit has been prescribed to form an expert panel for formulating the draft of National Food Processing policy and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a): Yes, Madam. The Government is formulating a National Food Processing Policy to give impetus  to  development  of  food  processing  sector  in  the  country.   The  policy  aims  at comprehensive development of the food processing sector through appropriate interventions to address  the  critical  gaps  hindering  growth  of  the  sector,  with  an  overall  working  goal  of providing/increasing income for farmers and better choices for consumers.
- (b): The  Government  is  consulting  with  the  stakeholders  for  formulating  the  policy, the concerned  Ministries/Departments  including  all  State  Governments/Union  Territories  for  their comments/suggestions  on  the  proposed  policy  for  various  provisions  like  Fiscal  Incentives, Electricity  Duty  Concession,  Water  Supply,  Registration  and  Stamp  Duty  Exemption,  Land Related Issues and Operation of Single Window clearance, etc.
- (c): No, Madam.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1317 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Issuance of Look-out Notices
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MAUSAM NOOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1317

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 TH  DECEMBER, 2018/ AGRAHAYANA 27, 1940 (SAKA)

ISSUANCE OF LOOK-OUT NOTICES

1317.     SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has recommended amendment of a circular of Ministry of Home Affairs which lists authorities who can request issuance of the look-out circular to the MHA, and permits the heads of public-sector banks to request issuing of look-out circulars against wilful defaulters from fleeing India;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government would further be considering the extension of such authority subject to extended scrutiny to the heads of listed private banks as delinquent borrowers are observed in private sector banks,

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e)  whether  the  Government,  in  consultation  with  banking  sector  is preparing to finalize the criteria for identifying potential wilful defaulters; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b): Government has amended the Look-Out Circular (LOC) Guidelines.  An LOC may now also be opened/originated after the approval of  an  officer  not  below  the  rank  of  Chairman/Managing  Directors/Chief Executive of all Public Sector Banks.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1317 FOR 18.12.2018

(c) & (d): No such proposal  is under consideration at present.

(e) & (f): The criteria for identifying wilful defaulters has been laid down by RBI.  As per RBI Master Circular, updated 01/07/2015, a willful default would be deemed to have occurred if any of the following events is noted, viz, the unit has defaulted in meeting its payment/repayment obligations to the lender-

(i) even when it has the capacity to honour the said obligations;

(ii) has not utilized the finance from the lender for the specific purposes for which finance was availed of but has diverted the funds for other purposes; (iii) has siphoned off the funds so that the funds have not been utilized for the  specific  purpose  for  which  finance  was  availed  of,  nor  are  the  funds available with the unit in the form of other assets; and

(iv)  has  also  disposed  off  or  removed  the  movable  fixed  assets  or immovable property given for the purpose of securing a term loan without the knowledge of the bank/lender.

The circular further stipulates that identification of the wilful default should  be  made  keeping  in  view  the  track  record  of  the  borrowers  and should not be decided on the basis of isolated transactions/incidents.  The default  to  be  categorized  as  wilful  must  be  intentional,  deliberate  and calculated.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Equity Investment of Fertilizer Companies
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS, NARANBHAI KACHHADIA

## GOVERNMENT QF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## Lok SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO. 1316 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 18.12.2018

## Equity Investment of Fertilizor Companies

1316 ShRi SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI: SHRi RAMDAS C, TADAS: ShRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

- (a} whether tha Govarnment nas approved the proposal of the equity investment of Rastriya Cremicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF) in Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL);
- (b) if 3o, the details thereof along with the date of the said approval;
- (c) the names ci the shareholders in Talcher Fertillizer Ltd. (TFL) at present along
- (d) the details regarding the division of financial powers and cther powers as per

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS FERTILIZERS

- (a) Yes, Madam
- (b) Cabinet Ccmmittee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on September; 2318 approved the proposal cf equity investment of RS 1033.54 crore 15%6) 29.8796 of the total project cost by by Rastriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited fcr setting 4F of Coal gasification based fertilizer plant at Talcher to be funded through equity in Talcher Fartilizer Limited(TFL) 1gt

(c) Shareholding pattem/Equity Stakeholders in Talcher Fertilizers Limited is a8 under:

|      | Gas Authority of Irdia Limited (GAIL)          | 29,670   |
|------|------------------------------------------------|----------|
|      | Coal India Limited (CIL)                       |          |
| (j)  | RastriyaChemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF)  | 29.8706  |
| {iv) | Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited (FCIL} |          |

TFL Joint Venture functions through a Board cl Directors\_ Two Directors each are nominated by CIL, GAIL an RCF an cne nominated by FCIL' The Company will have three whole time Directors, namely Director {Operations) , Director (Finance) &nd Managing Director (MD) At present the Chairman of the Board has been appointed by RCF ad CEO by GAIL to activities are managed by Chief Executive Otficer (CEO), COO (Minirg} by CIL The first CFO has been nominated by CIL ad further appointment of Day day

AIl the financial powers are vested with the Boar of TFL at present a8 the project is currently under implementation stage. All the JV partners barring FCIL shall invest equity in the JV in proportion of their holding equally. Tre equity cash call shall be raised by TFL Board to each of GAIL, CIL and RCF from time to time to meet tna expenses related to project
Lok Sabha Question No. 1311 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Affordable Medicines
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1311 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th  December, 2018

## Affordable Medicines

## 1311. SHRIMATI  POONAMBEN MAADAM:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  patients  across  the  country  have  saved  up  under  the  Government's initiative  of  ensuring  affordable,  quality  medicines  for  all  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether the decision of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to put a price cap on coronary stents has led to an artificial shortage of these stents in the market;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to address this artificial shortage; and
- (d) the  measures  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  achieve  affordable, quality medicines and healthcare for all?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS; MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND  FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a): Ceiling  Prices  of  856  medicines  included  in  Schedule-I  of  the  Drugs  (Prices Control)  Order,  2013  (DPCO,  2013)  have  been  fixed  by  the  National  Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), resulting in a saving of Rs. 11,462 crore for patients (as on 30 th November 2018).
- (b) & (c): NPPA  has  been  closely  watching  availability  of  Coronary  Stents  after fixing its ceiling price. No shortage has been reported so far in this regard.
- (d): NPPA  fixes  price  cap  for  medicines  and  medical  devices  which  are  included under  Schedule-I  of  DPCO,  2013.  At  present,  prices  have  been  fixed  for  856 formulations  including  4  medical  devices  which  are  covered  under  Schedule-I  of  the DPCO, 2013. As per Paragraph 20 of the DPCO 2013, NPPA monitors the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of all drugs, including the non-scheduled formulations and ensures that  no  manufacturer  increases  the  maximum  retail  price  of  a  drug  more  than  ten percent  of  maximum  retail  price  in  preceding  twelve  months.  NPPA  is  effectively monitoring the prices of medicines including the non-scheduled formulations and takes action against companies found overcharging.

The  Department  of  Pharmaceuticals  has  also  launched  a  Scheme  'Pradhan  Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)' in order to make quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all through specific outlets.  As on date, 4571 PMBJP outlets are functional across the country.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1307 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Substandard Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: DHARMENDRA YADAV, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, Shrirang Appa Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1307

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18 th  December, 2018

## Substandard Drugs

†1307.

SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  certain  drugs  manufactured  by  renowned/major  companies  have  been found to be of substandard quality during the last six months in the country;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  names  and  details  of the  said  companies, State-wise;
- (c) the action taken/being taken by the Government against these companies;
- (d) whether drug regulators of seven States have found that 27 medicines sold by 18 major drug companies in India were of substandard quality during the last three years; and
- (e) if so, the facts thereof and the action taken/being taken against these companies?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS; MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND  FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (c): The import, manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs are regulated in the country under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules thereunder. Under the said Act and Rules thereunder, manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs are regulated in the country through a system of licensing and inspection. License for manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs are granted by State Licensing Authorities appointed  by  respective  State  Governments.  The  State  Licensing  Authorities  are empowered to  take  action  against  the  manufacturing/sale/distribution  of  Substandard /Spurious Drugs in the country. Details of instances of drugs samples declared as Not of Standard Quality/Spurious/Adulterated/Misbranded by Central Drugs Testing

Laboratories are regularly uploaded on monthly basis in CDSCO website (www.cdsco.gov.in), under the heading 'Drug Alert'. In  such  cases,  for  the  drugs,  which  have  been  declared  as  Not  of  Standard Quality/Spurious/Adulterated/Misbranded,  the  matter  is  referred  to  concerned  State Licensing  Authorities  to  take  necessary  action  under  the  provisions  of  Drugs  & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. (d)  &  (e):    Earlier  in  2016,  a  news  article  appeared  in  the  'Indian  Express'  dated 28.11.2016 under the title '27 medicines sold by top firms 'fail' quality tests in seven States. Pursuant to the News Article, CDSCO had requested all the seven (07) State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) to take necessary action under the provisions of Drugs &

Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945.

xxxxxx
Lok Sabha Question No. 1305 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-18
Subject: Smart City in Pasighat
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: NINONG ERING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1305

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 18, 2018

## SMART CITY IN PASIGHAT

No. 1305.  SHRI NINONG ERING:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  objectives of development  of  smart  city in Pasighat has been achieved and if so, the details of the works carried out under Pasighat Smart City;
- (b) the details of funds allocated, released and utilized so far for Pasighat Smart City;
- (c) the status of the efforts made by the Government for capacity building of Urban Local Bodies in Pasighat for undertaking of the Smart Cities Mission;
- (d) whether the agency 'Special Purpose Vehicle' has been constituted for Pasighat, after its selection in the third round; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a) & (b):   Based on the all India City Challenge under Smart Cities Mission,  the  Pasighat  city  of  State  of  Arunachal  Pradesh  was selected to be developed as a Smart Cities in Round 3 in January

- 2017.

The  city  has  been  allocated  Rs.  500  crore  of  funding  from Central  Government  during  the  Mission  period  and  a  matching contribution from the State government. Rs. 54.00 crores have been released  to  the  State  government  for  development  of  Pasighat Smart City, of which Rs. 2.00 crores has been utilized by the city. 79  projects  worth  Rs.  1485.95  crore  have  been  identified  for implementation and are currently at Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage.

After  selection  of  a  city,  activities  like  incorporation  of  Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), appointment of Project Management Consultants (PMCs), preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), preparation of Request for Proposals (RFPs) have to be completed before the projects can be grounded.  These activities take around 15-18 months from the date of selection of a Smart city.

(c): The State government has initiated capacity-building of Urban Local  Bodies  (ULBs)  in  Pasighat.    Meetings  and  Workshops  are being  regularly  organised  with  all  the  stakeholders  in  Pasighat under the Smart Cities Mission.  The Ministry is regularly interacting with States/Smart Cities at various levels through Video Conferences, review meetings, Workshops  etc. to assess the progress and address any issues being faced by the cities. Focussed  Workshops  are  being  held  for  the  North-eastern  region, including the city of Pasighat.

(d) & (e):   A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely 'Pasighat Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL)' has been incorporated under the Companies' Act 2013 on 22 December 2017. Deputy  Commissioner,  East  Siang  District  is  the  Chairman  of  the SPV. There are seven Directors on the Board of the SPV.

*****