opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3588 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Delay in Issue of Phyto Sanitary Certificates
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Raj Hans Hans

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3588

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2019

## DELAY IN ISSUE OF PHYTO SANITARY CERTIFICATES

3588.  SHRI HANS RAJ HANS:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there  is  any  delay  in  issue  of  Phyto  Sanitary  Certificates  (PSC)  by  regulatory authority, the Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS) which inspects pesticides in agricultural products including fruits and vegetables like leafy vegetables, Indian citrus, okra, etc. before exports;
- (b) if  so,  the  reasons  therefor  and  the  impact  on  export  along  with  the  action  taken  to improve the situation; and
- (c) whether the country's exporters are  able  to  tap  the  entire  opportunity  with  our  surplus production by farmers, since huge demand of leafy vegetables in EU still remains unmet and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a)  &  (b):  There  is  no  delay  in  issuing  Phytosanitary  Certificates  (PSC)  by  Plant  Quarantine Stations  under  Directorate  of  Plant  Protection  Quarantine  and  Storage  (DPPQS).  The  Plant Quarantine  Stations  inspect  the  insects,  diseases,  weeds  etc.  in  agricultural  commodities. Perishable  commodities  such  as  nursery  plants,  tissue  cultures,  fresh  fruits,  vegetables,  cut flowers etc. are certified within a maximum period of 24-48 Hrs and consignments that require fumigation as treatment are certified within 03 days.

Delays occur only when the applications are accompanied with incomplete documents or  without  paying  fee,  due  to  change  in  weight/buyer/destination,  non-availability  of  authentic Phytosanitary requirements of importing countries, consignments  not being ready for inspection, time taken for  completion of fumigation procedures etc. In some cases, samples are sent to laboratories for testing as per the requirements of importing countries.

Monthly stakeholders meeting involving exporters/ importers/ CHAs  /treatment providers are being organized at Station level so that such procedural issues can be resolved. Further, protocol of timelines is also regularly monitored at DPPQ&S.

(c): As per the report provided by APEDA, details of export of fresh vegetables to EU are as under-

| Year    | Quantity exported (in MT)   |   Value (in Rs. Crore) |
|---------|-----------------------------|------------------------|
| 2016-17 | 20,424.79                   |                 190.1  |
| 2017-18 | 20,439.44                   |                 209.94 |
| 2018-19 | 20,699.25                   |                 241.13 |

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3587 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Foodgrains in Government Warehouses
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: P.R. Natarajan

## GOVERNMENT  OF INDIA MTNISTRY OF CONSUMER  AFFA!RS, FOOD &  pUBLtC  DTSTRTBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 3587 TO BE ANSWERED  ON {OTH DECEMBER,  20{9

## FOODGRAINS IN GOVERNMENT  WAREHOUSES

## 3587. SHRI NATARAJAN P.R.:

UYit! the Minister of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS,  FOOD AND PUBLTC DISTRIBUTIoN rc$ItraTr rrri,  crc-a  gt{  srffif,fi  Fif,tur d* be pteased  to state:

- (a) whether the Govemment  has the details of the quantum  of foodgrains in the Govemment warehousesl
- (b)  whether the Govemment  has planned to foodgrains among the States if the quantum is capacit$ and distribute the excess more than the storage
- (c) whether there is any plan to lncrease the quantum  if the quantityr is lessr the details thereof?

## A}ISITER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(sHRt DANVE RAOSAI|EB DADARAO)

(a) to (c): Total stock of foodgra-n and Foodgrain stocking Norms in central pool as on {st day of every quarter  durang the year are given below:

Fig. in Lakh MT)

| As on             | Stock Position (!ncluding unmilled paddy in terms of rice)   |   Foodgrain Stockang Noms |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|
| ,st January, 20{9 | 637.8{                                                       |                     214.1 |
| I'r April, 20{9   | 568.O8                                                       |                     210.4 |
| l.r July ,2O{9    | 412.94                                                       |                     411.2 |
| l"r October, 2019 | 669.49                                                       |                     307.7 |

In order to llquidate the excess stock of foodgrains in the Gentra!  Poo!, Govemment  of lndia avails the available options of disposal of the excess stock of foodgrains  through Open Mad(et Sale Scheme (OMSS) and Export on Govemment-to.Govemment  basis, as export from public stockholding  is not compliant to WTO norms," Stock of wheat and rice are sold to bulk consumer/traders/  State Government from the central Pool at pre-determaned prices in the open market from time to time through e-tender to enhance the supply especially  during the lean season and in the deficit regions and thereby to moderate the open market prices. {OO lakh metric tons of wheat and 5O lakh metric tons of rice has been set as target for sale under OMSS(D) durlng 2Ol9-2O. Govemment requested all States/UTs to indacate their addltlonal annual requirement of foodgrains, in addition of present allocation being made under NFSA and Other Welfare Schemes.  Government also allocates  additional  foodgrains to states/UTs for meetlng the:r addational requlrements  like festiva!, drought, natural calamity etc. as per requirement of state govemmentsr *t*+
Lok Sabha Question No. 3586 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Increase in Production of Horticulture Crops
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Nitesh Ganga Deb

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3586

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2019

## INCREASE IN PRODUCTION OF HORTICULTURE CROPS

3586.  SHRI NITESH GANGA DEB:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the production of horticulture crops like vegetables, flowers, etc. has increased during the years 2016- 17, 2017-18 and 2018-19;
- (b) if so, the details of production of potatoes, tomatoes and onions during the said period;
- (c) whether the farmers are getting good price for their produce when there is bumper crop production; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a): Yes Sir, the production of horticulture crops has increased in recent years in the country.
- (b): The details of production of potatoes, tomatoes and onions during the years 201617, 2017-18 and 2018-19 is as under:-

Production in Lakh Tonnes

| Horticulture Crops   |   2016-17 |   2017-18 |   2018-19 (3 rd Adv. Est.) |
|----------------------|-----------|-----------|----------------------------|
| Potato               |    486.05 |    513.1  |                     530.27 |
| Tomato               |    207.08 |    197.59 |                     193.97 |
| Onion                |    224.27 |    232.62 |                     234.85 |

(c) & (d): Horticulture  crops  are  usually  remunerative.  However,  in  few  cases,  where  the production has been bumper and the prices are non-remunerative, Government is implementing a Market Intervention Scheme  (MIS) for procurement of agricultural and horticultural commodities  which  are  perishable  in  nature  and  are  not  covered  under  the  price  support scheme (PSS).  The objective of intervention is  to protect  the growers of  these commodities from making distress sale in the event of bumper crop during the peak arrival period when the prices tend to fall below economic levels and cost of production.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3584 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Hindi as National Language
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Talari Rangaiah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3584

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2019/AGRAHAYANA 19, 1941 (SAKA)

HINDI AS NATIONAL LANGUAGE

3584. SHRI TALARI RANGAIAH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  adopt  Hindi  as  the  national language;

(b)  whether  the  Government  has  ever  sought  the  opinions  of  the  States  on  the issue;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government has any plan to make any single language compulsory in all the Government offices out of the list of official languages?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) to (d): The language matters are in the Concurrent list of the Constitution of India  and  are  within  the  executive  spheres  of  the  Central  Government  and  the respective State Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3580 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: PMRDF Scheme
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Jayanta Kumar Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3580

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

## PMRDF SCHEME

## 3580.  DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is implementing the Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) Scheme, and if so, the details thereof, including the locations of existing PMRDFS across the country, State/UT-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted any performance review of the Fellowship Scheme, if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
- (c) the corrective steps taken to improve the working of the Fellowship Scheme; and

(d)

whether the Government proposes to continue with the Fellowship Scheme to cover all districts of the country, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a): The Ministry is implementing Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) Scheme in partnership with State Governments, since 2012. The Fellowship is a short term work opportunity for Young Professionals to serve and learn in the backward areas of the country. The Ministry had recruited fellows in two batches. The first batch of 156 fellows was recruited  in  2012  and  the  second  batch  of  160  fellows  was  recruited  in  2014.  The  first  batch completed the Fellowship in the  year 2016 and the second batch completed the Fellowship in 2017. At present no fellows are posted in any State/UT.
- (b) to (d): A Rapid Review of Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship scheme was conducted  in  2013-14  with  the  support  of  UNICEF  and  the  final  report  was  submitted  in February, 2014. The Report has brought out a mixed picture on the performance of the PMRDF and  made  recommendations  regarding  improving  the  scheme  by  addressing  its  shortcomings. Some modifications in this scheme are under consideration in the Ministry based on the findings of the Rapid Review of the scheme.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3577 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Soil Degradation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Sumalatha Ambareesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3577

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2019

## SOIL DEGRADATION

3577.  SHRIMATI SUMALATHA AMBAREESH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  soil  degradation  due  to  flooding  is  a  serious concern  as  millions  of  hectares  of  land  are  affected  due  to  this  in  the  country  including Karnataka;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is true that the gradual loss of soil productivity can have an impact on the local economy;
- (d) if so, whether the Government has conducted any research to prevent the possible loss and find out the solution for soil degradation; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a) & (b):   As per available estimates of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) reported in 2010, out of total geographical area of 328.73 million hectare, about 120.40 million hectare is affected by various kinds of land degradation in the country including Karnataka. This includes water  and  wind  erosion  (94.87  million  hectare),  water  logging  (0.91  million  hectare),  soil alkalinity/  sodicity  (3.71  million  hectare),  soil  acidity  (17.93  million  hectare),  soil  salinity  (2.73 million  hectare)  and  mining  and  industrial  waste  (0.26  million  hectare).  However,  no  data  is available in respect of degradation due to flooding.
- (c): There may be some loss of productivity in the severely affected pockets of degraded land  of  the  country.  However,  food  grain  production  in  the  country  has  been  increased  from 252.02 m.tonne in the year 2014-15 to 284.95 m.tonne in year 2018-19 (4 th Advanced Estimate) due to various efforts of Government. Hence, there is no significant impact on economy.
- (d) & (e):  ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun has developed several location specific bio-engineering measures of soil and water conservation to reduce  soil  loss  due  to  water  erosion.  Besides,  ICAR  provides  technical  backstopping  and organise regular training courses for field functionaries and farmers on participatory watershed management.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3575 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Import and Export of Onion
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Anto  Antony

## Government of India Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3575

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

## IMPORT AND EXPORT OF ONION

## 3575.   SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any statistics regarding production and consumption of onion in the country, if so, the details of production and consumption of onion during the last ten years, year-wise and State-wise;
- (b) whether the import and export of onion is taking place in the country;
- (c) if so, the details of import and export of onion during the last ten years, year-wise, countrywise and price-wise;
- (d) whether there is any income generated through import and export of onion; and
- (e) if so, the details of such income generation during the last ten years, year-wise and countrywise?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh nkuos jkolkgsc nknkjko½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)

- (a)         :  Production of horticulture crops including that of onions are brought out by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and farmers Welfare and is available at link http://agricoop.nic.in/statistics/state-level

The  all  India  Household  Consumer  Expenditure  Survey  of  the  National  Sample  Survey Office (NSSO) provides the per-capita consumption of onions. The monthly per-capita consumption of various items including that of onions as per the 68 th NSS Round is available at link http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/publication\_reports/Report\_no558\_rou68\_30june14.pdf

(b) to (e) :  Details of import and export of onions in quantity and value terms as published by Department of Commerce, Government of India is at link https://commerce-app.gov.in/eidb/ .
Lok Sabha Question No. 3574 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Pending Cases before Consumer Forums
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3574 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

## PENDING CASES BEFORE CONSUMER FORUMS

## 3574.   SHRI DEVUSINH JESINGHBHAI CHAUHAN:

## Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any sample analysis has been done by the Ministry about the pendency of cases before different Consumer Forums in the country and if so, the details thereof, sectorwise;
- (b) whether it is true that non-filling up of vacant posts of President and members in District and State Forums is resulting in huge pendency;
- (c) whether the Government has taken or proposed to take action for filling up of these vacant posts; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h ¼Jh nkuos jkolkgsc nknkjko½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)

(a) to (d) :  Vacancy of President and Members has resulted in  pendency of cases in  the State Commissions and the District Fora.  Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, it is the responsibility of the State Governments to fill up the vacancies of President and Members in the State Commissions and District Fora. The Central Government has been writing to the State Governments from time to time for filling up the existing and anticipated vacancies of President and member well in time for the effective functioning of the Consumer Fora.

To reduce the pendency of cases and for smooth functioning of the Consumer Fora, the Central Government provides financial assistance to the States for strengthening the infrastructure of  the  Consumer  Fora  and      also  computer  hardware,  software  and  technical  manpower  to  the Consumer  Fora  for  computerization  of  their  working.      The  Central  Government  holds  annual conference  of  the  Presidents  of  the  State  Commissions  and  Secretaries  In-charge  of  Consumer Affairs  of  the  State  /UT  Governments  to  review  the  functioning  of  the  Consumer  Fora  in  the country,  where  they  are  impressed  upon  to  take  necessary  steps  for  timely  filling  up  of  the vacancies and for reducing the pendency in the Consumer Fora.  Further, the National Commission issued  regulations  in  March  2018  regarding  supervision  and  monitoring  the  functioning  of Consumer Fora with a view to improving their functioning.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3571 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Regulator for Old Age Homes
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Y. S. Avinash Reddy

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3571 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

## REGULATOR FOR OLD AGE HOMES

3571. SHRI YS: AVINASH REDDY:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government is contemplating on bringing out & regulator to look into the working of old age homes; and

(b) if the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)

(a) and (b): Section 19(2) of the Maintenance   and Welfare of' Parents   and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act; 2007 stipulates that the State Government may.   prescribe a scheme for management of oldage homes, including the standards and various types of services to be which are   necessary for medical care and means of entertainment to the inhabitants of such homes. However, the proposed Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment)   Bill.2019 has   provision for State Government to designate regulatory authority to monitor the functioning of Senior Citizens Care Homes.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3569 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Waiver of Income Tax for Divyangjans and Senior Citizens
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Mimi Chakraborty

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF' PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (Divyangjan) MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3569 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

Waiver Off Income Tax for Divyangjan and Senior Citizens

## 3569. MS. MIMI CHAKRABORTY:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND

- (a) whether the Government proposes to write to the Finance Department to waive off income tax fc Divyangjan persons and for the senior citizens over 80 years of age in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not; the reasons therefor; and
- (c the details of the plans of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) This Ministry has requested the Department of Revenue t0 consider waiving Off Income Tax for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who are 80 years or above keeping in view their increased cost of living due to enhanced transportation etc. So far as senior citizens are concerned, Income Tax benefits are available to them and as such this Ministry does not propose to write to Finance Department t0 waive off income tax for senior citizens over 80 years of age in the country:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3564 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-10
Subject: Sub-Categorisation of SCs
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Sanjeev Kumar Singari

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3564 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2019

## SUB-CATEGORISATION OF SCs

## 3564. DR SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the demand of Maddiga Caste of Andhra Pradesh for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes(SCs);
- (b) if so, whether the Government has taken any action in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)

- (a): Yes; Sir:
- (b) & (c): The States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have proposed for sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes. A National Commission to examine the issue of  Sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (NCSCSC) in been set up in the 2006-07. The NCSCSC in its report submitted on 01.05.2008 had recommended amendment of Artiele 341 of the Constitution to provide for sub-categorisation and de-sub-categorisation of SCs. No decision has been taken in the matter as the Government has decided to elicit views of the major stake holder's viz. the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations on the recommendation of the NCSCSC. year