opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Opting Out of RCEP
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Vijay Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1557 (H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th NOVEMBER, 2019

## OPTING OUT OF RCEP

## 1557(H). SHRI VIJAY KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािण�य एवं उ�ोग मं�ी ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  declined  to  sign  the  Regional  Comprehensive  Economic  Partnership (RCEP)  agreements  taking  the  broader  interests  of  indigenous  industries  and  agriculture  into consideration;
- (b) if so, the sections of the RCEP agreement document which could have adversely affected the various constituents of the economy of our country;
- (c) whether the Government has proposed to include the conditions of amendments in it in future so that India is not isolated from this big commercial group;
- (d) if so, the conditions thereof and whether they address our local concerns; and
- (e) if so, the details in this regard?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=h ( Jh ih;w'k xks;y )

## THE MINISTER OF  COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (e): During the 3 rd RCEP Leaders Summit which was held on 4 November, 2019 in Bangkok, India stated that the current structure of RCEP did not reflect the RCEP Guiding Principles or address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, in the light of which India did not join RCEP.  While RCEP was intended to provide mutually beneficial outcomes for RCEP countries including India, the current structure did not adequately address ambition and concerns of India's stakeholders.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1556 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Indian Fishermen in Bangladesh Custody
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1556 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## INDIAN FISHERMEN IN BANGLADESH CUSTODY

## 1556. SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Indian fishermen were in the custody of Bangladesh police for allegedly violating the Bangladesh laws pertaining to fishing and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether a BSF personnel was killed during the flag meeting and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of measures taken by the Ministry to educate the fishermen about the laws of the sea, boundary in the sea, etc. in view of the fact that many Indian fishermen unknowingly have become the victims of such ignorance?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Government   is   aware   that   64   Indian   fishermen   are   lodged   in   jails   of Bangladesh on charges of illegally fishing in Bangladesh's territorial waters.
- (b) On 17 Oct 2019, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted one Indian boat with three (03) Indian fishermen. After the scheduled Flag Meeting between the border guarding forces, when Indian party was returning, one BSF Head Constable was killed allegedly through firing from a BGB personnel. An enquiry has been constituted by each side separately to look into the circumstances of this incident.
- (c) Government has notified fishermen and the boat owning companies not to venture toward Bangladesh's waters, especially during months when Bangladesh has a strict ban in force on fishing for high-value 'Hilsa' fish, as this ban is enforced strictly within the territory of Bangladesh.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1555 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: New Railway Line in Jashpur
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Gomati Sai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1555 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## NEW RAILWAY LINE IN JASHPUR

- +1555.  SHRIMATI GOMATI SAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any survey has been conducted to start rail services in Jashpur district;
- (b) if so, the places between which the said survey has been conducted;
- (c) whether the said railway line has been included in the Budget and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the said railway line project is not likely to be started; and
- (e) if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) to (e) Yes, Sir. Survey for new railway line from Lohardaga to Korba via Gumla was completed in 2010-11. The project was found financially unviable  and  could  not  be  taken  forward.  However  fresh  survey  from Lohardaga to Korba has been sanctioned. Survey has been taken up and further  consideration  of  this  proposal  is  possible  once  survey  report becomes available and results thereon are firmed up.

Another survey for new railway line from Ambikapur to Jharsuguda via Sitapur, Batauli, Pathalgaon and Korba was carried out. The project was not found financially viable and could not be taken forward.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1549 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: North Eastern Council
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Vincent H Pala

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

## LOK SABHA

Unstarred Question No. 1549

To be answered on

Wednesday, November 27 2019/ Agrahayana 6, 1941 (Saka)

## QUESTION North Eastern Council

## 1549.  SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

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

- (a) the number of posts sanctioned by the Government for the North Eastern Council;
- (b) the number of such posts vacant in the past five years;
- (c) the steps taken to ensure that these posts are filled at the earliest;
- (d) the number of workers employed on contractual basis; and
- (e) the plan of action to regularise the contractual staff?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Two hundred two (202).
- (b) Year wise details of such post remained vacant in past five years, are as under:
- (c)  Various steps  to  fill  up  the  vacant  posts  occurred  on  account  of  direct recruitment and promotion at different levels have been taken in North Eastern Council  with  concerned  recruiting  agencies  such  as  Union  Public  Service Commission  and  Staff  Selection  Commission  for  selection/recommendation  of suitable candidates.  Posts which are required to be filled up by deputation, the action for advertising the vacancies have been taken for selection of candidates through concerned recruiting agencies.
- (d) At  present,  total  26  employees  are  working  on  contractual  basis  in  NEC Secretariat.
- (e) Contractual officials have been kept for a specific period and there is no proposal to regularise them.

| Year                                  |   2015 |   2016 |   2017 |   2018 |   2019 |
|---------------------------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| No. of Posts vacant as on 31 st March |     58 |     61 |     75 |     80 |     71 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1546 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Rail Coach Factories
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Nishikant  Dubey, Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1546 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## RAIL COACH FACTORIES

1546. DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the  State-wise  details  of  rail  coach  factories  in  the  country  including Gujarat and Jharkhand;

(b) whether the Government proposes to launch a pilot project to convert some of the said factories into modern coach factories;

(c) if so, the State-wise details thereof including Gujarat;

(d) the funds proposed to be spent on the said task;

(e) whether  the  Government  has  signed  an  agreement  with  IIT  in  this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the targets set thereunder?

## ANSWER

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

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

******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1546 BY  DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY AND SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA  TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 27.11.2019 REGARDING RAIL COACH FACTORIES

## (a)  Presently,  there  are  three  Rail  Coach  Factories  under  the  Ministry  of Railways:-

| Coach Factories                       | State/UT      |
|---------------------------------------|---------------|
| Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai | Tamil Nadu    |
| Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala  | Punjab        |
| Modern Coach Factory (MCF), Raebareli | Uttar Pradesh |

There are no rail coach factories in Gujarat and Jharkhand.

(b)  to  (d)  Modern  Coach  Factory  (MCF),  Raebareli  is  a  state-of-the-art factory. Technological upgradations of the other two factories have been carried out as per need to manufacture modern LHB coaches.

(e) & (f) No agreement has been signed with IIT in this regard.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1545 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Backlog of Vacancies
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sangeeta Azad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1545 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## BACKLOG OF VACANCIES

## †1545.  SHRIMATI SANGEETA AZAD:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be please to state:

- (a) whether  the  Indian  Railways  provide  maximum  employment opportunities to the unemployed and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled  Tribes  and  Other  Backward  Classes  are  not  being recruited in proportion to their reserved seats;
- (c) if  so,  whether  the  Ministry  is  likely  to  fill  up  the  backlog vacancies of SCs, STs and OBCs;
- (d) if so, the time by which the backlog vacancies will be filled; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a):  Yes,  Sir.  Indian  Railways provide direct and indirect employment opportunities. Vacancies in the organization are filled through open Contd…..P/2-

recruitment. Indirect employment opportunities occur through schemes like Station Development Programmes that envisage private investments for construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, the commercial utilization of sparable Railway land and redevelopment of stations, all of which create many business opportunities and boost employment generation.

## (b): Figures of direct recruitment during last 3 years are as under:

| Year       | Candidates empanelled   | Candidates empanelled   | Candidates empanelled   | Candidates empanelled   | Total   |
|------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|---------|
|            | UR                      | SC                      | ST                      | OBC                     |         |
| Total      | 19224                   | 6352                    | 3247                    | 11591                   | 40414   |
| Prescribed | 50.5%                   | 15%                     | 7.5%                    | 27%                     | 100%    |
| %age       |                         |                         |                         |                         |         |
| %age       | 47.6%                   | 15.7%                   | 8.0%                    | 28.7%                   | 100%    |

(c): Does not arise.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1541 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: FDI in Coal Mining Sector
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh

## Government of India Ministry of Coal Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1541 To be answered on 27.11.2019 FDI in Coal Mining Sector

## 1541.   SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) the quantum of foreign investment likely to take place by allowing 100 per cent FDI by the Government in the field of coal mining in the country;
- (b) the number of cases relating to foreign investment pending with the Government for approval as of now and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the project-wise details of the investment made in the coal mining sector under the  policy  of  liberalization  of  the  Government  during  the  last  five  years  along  with funds spent and projects started?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  to  (c): Government  has  liberalized  FDI  policy  by  allowing  100%  FDI  through automatic route for sale of coal, for coal mining activities and associated processing infrastructure  on  18.09.2019.  However,  Government  does  not  fix  targets  for  FDI inflows.  Government  of  India  has  put  in  place  a  liberal  and  investor  friendly  FDI policy.  FDI  inflows  depend  on  a  host  of  factors  such  as  availability  of  natural resource, market size, infrastructure, political and general investment climate as well as  macro-economic  stability  and  investment  decision  of  foreign  investors.  In  coal mining sector, no case relating to foreign investment is pending with the Government. The financial year wise details of FDI equity inflows reported in the coal mining sector during the last five years are as under:

|   Sl. No. | Year              |   FDI (in US$ million) |
|-----------|-------------------|------------------------|
|         1 | 2014-15           |                   0.87 |
|         2 | 2015-16           |                   1.72 |
|         3 | 2016-17           |                  29.56 |
|         4 | 2017-18           |                   2.05 |
|         5 | 2018-19           |                   1.27 |
|         6 | 2019-20 (Apr-Jun) |                   1.78 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1540 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Red Carpet for Chinese Leadership
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Francisco Cosme Sardinha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1540 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## RED CARPET FOR CHINESE LEADERSHIP

## 1540. SHRI COSME FRANCISCO CAITANO SARDINHA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government has   spread   the   red   carpet   to   Chinese leadership   despite   their   continued   criticism   and   aggressive   postures against us in Kashmir and their backing of Pakistan; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) India's engagement with China is multifaceted. During the visits of President of the People's Republic of China Mr. Xi Jinping to India in September 2014, the two sides forged a Closer Developmental Partnership, which was further consolidated during the visits of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to China in May 2015. There have been two informal Summits between Prime Minister and the Chinese President Xi Jinping, first in Wuhan (27-28 April 2018) and the second in Chennai (11-12 October 2019). The two countries share the view that peaceful, stable and balanced relations between them will be a positive factor for stability amidst current global uncertainties. T o this end the two countries have agreed to significantly enhance   efforts   to   build   on   the   convergences   through   the   established mechanisms in order to create the broadest possible platform for the future relationship.   At   the   same   time,   the   two   countries   have   agreed   to   handle differences   through   peaceful   discussion   within   the   context   of   the   overall relationship,   bearing   in   mind   the   importance   of   respecting   each   other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations. The Government has also taken note of the statements made by the

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Government has a consistent position that Union Territories   of   Jammu   &   Kashmir   and   Ladakh   are   an   integral   part   of   India. Government has indicated that it expects other countries to not comment on the internal affairs of India.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1539 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: OBC Employees
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Rajesh Verma

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1539

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019)

## OBC EMPLOYEES

## †1539. SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  employees  of  Other  Backward  Classes  (OBCs)  in  the  offices  of  Union Government in the country;
- (b) the number of women employees out of them;
- (c) the details of health and other facilities given to them;
- (d) whether women employees are also given maternity leave by their employers; and
- (e) 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): As  per  information  received  from  63  Ministries/Departments,  including  their  attached/ Subordinate offices, the number of OBC employees, as on 01.01.2018, was 3,91,512.
- (b): No separate data is maintained with regard to women employees.
- (c) to (e): Health care facilities are available to the Central Government employees, including OBC employees, under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Government servants, who  reside  outside  the  CGHS  covered  area,  are  entitled  to  get  treatment  under  the  Central Services  (Medical  Attendance) [CSMA] Rules, 1944. Certain  doctors  have  been  nominated  in specified areas for this purpose.

Under  Central  Civil  Services  (Leave)  Rules,  1972,  Government  has  provided  various kinds of paid leave to the female Government Servants, including Maternity Leave of 180 days, Child Adoption Leave of 180 days on valid adoption of a child below the age of one year, and Child Care Leave (CCL) of 730 days for taking care of her two eldest surviving children upto the age of 18 years. In case of child with disabilities, no age limit has been prescribed for availing CCL.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1538 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Postal Stamps
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Jaisiddeshwar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1538 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH   NOVEMBER, 2019

## POSTAL STAMPS

## †1538. SHRI SHA.BRA.DR.JAI SIDDESHWAR SHIVACHRYA MAHASWAMIJI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  proposal for releasing postal stamps  in  the name  of  four  martyrsof  the Parliamentary Constituency Sholapur has been lying pending in the Ministry for last several years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) the problems faced by the Ministry in releasing aforesaid postal stamps in the name of these martyrs; and
- (d) the time by which the Ministry is likely to release these postal stamps??

## ANSWER

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

(a) Yes Sir, the proposal  for  releasing  postage  stamps  in  the  name  of  four  martyrs  of  Sholapur  was received in 2016.

(b) & (c) The  Department  received  the  proposal  for  issue  of  Commemorative  Postage  Stamps  on Freedom Fighters of  Sholapur,  Maharashtra,  namely,  'Shri  Mallappa  Dhanshetti,  Shri  Kurban  Hussain, Shri  Jagnnath  Shinde  and  Shri  Kisan  Sarda'  vide  DO  letter  dated  26.10.2016  from  Sh.  Subhash Deshmukh,  Minister,  Cooperation,  Marketing  and  Textiles,  Maharashtra  State.  Proposals  for  issue  of Commemorative  Postage  Stamps  are  considered  on  the  basis  of  extant  guidelines  by  the  Philatelic Advisory Committee (PAC) in its meeting. The proposal for issue of Commemorative Postage Stamps on Freedom  Fighters  of  Sholapur  is  to  be  placed  before  Philatelic  Advisory  Committee  (PAC)  in  its  next meeting.

(d) The PAC examines proposals on the basis of the existing guidelines for issue of commemorative postage stamps and recommends an annual stamp issue programme. As soon as the proposal is approved for release by PAC, the date of issue shall be fixed by the Department keeping in view the significant dates relating to the subject.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1537 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Impact of Mobile Tower Technology
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Maneka Sanjay Gandhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1537 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH   NOVEMBER, 2019

## IMPACT OF MOBILE TOWER TECHNOLOGY

## 1537. SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  research  on  mobile  tower  technology  and  its impact on human health;

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor and the time by which it is likely to be done?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to  (c) Sir,  to  examine  the  effect  of  Electromagnetic  Field  (EMF)  emissions  from  Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs)  and mobile phones an Inter-Ministerial Committee  (IMC)  was constituted  on  24.08.2010.  The  IMC  in  its  report  has  indicated  that  most  of  the  laboratory  studies were unable to find a direct link between exposure to radio frequency radiation and health, and the scientific studies as yet have not been able to confirm a cause and effect relationship between radio frequency radiation and health.

Also, a committee, constituted by Hon'ble High  Court, Allahabad  including  members  from IITs  of  Kharagpur,  Kanpur,  Delhi,  Roorkee,  Bombay  and  from  other  scientific  institutions  of  the country  including  Indian  Council  of  Medical  Research  (ICMR)  and  All  India  Institute  of  Medical Science (AIIMS) Delhi, in their report submitted in 2014, has, inter-alia, noted - ' ...On the basis of scientific evidences ,  studies  and  reports  available,  it  has  been  found  that  there  is  no  conclusive evidence about the stated dangers of EMF radiation from mobile BTS tower.. .' The Committee has noted that ' there are no conclusive evidence to establish any causal link between the effect of EMF radiation  from  BTS  with  biological  effects  described  in  cell  models,  animals  or  humans,  and  any possible resulting health effects .'

Further,  a  joint  initiative  has  been  launched  by  Science  and  Engineering  Research  Board (SERB) under Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT), wherein nineteen research proposals, have already been initiated to study possible impact of EMF exposure  from  mobile  towers  and  handsets on  life.  i.e.  Humans,  Living  Organisms,  Flora  & Fauna and Environment.

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