opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4055 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Behavioural Policy Unit
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4055

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## BEHAVIOURAL POLICY UNIT

## 4055. SHRI ABU HASEM KHAN CHOWDHURY:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the NITI Aayog has set up a behavioural policy unit;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the composition of this unit along with the details of the current projects on which this unit is working on?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) The NITI Aayog has entered into a tripartite Statement of Intent (SoI) with the Bill & Melinda  Gates  Foundation  (BMGF)  and  Centre  for  Social  &  Behavioral  Change (CSBC), to work as a team to examine selected schemes from a behavioral angle and to improve their impact.
- (b) The  Statement  of  Intent  was  signed  in  November  2019  as  it  is  recognized  that effectiveness  of many schemes can be improved if the approach and guidelines are consistent with the preferred behavioral pattern of the target group.
- (c) The  team  referred  in  answer  (a)  above  consists  of  officials  from  NITI  Aayog  and experts from BMGF and CSBC. This team has identified key priority indicators in Health  &  Nutrition  including  Iron,  Folic-Acid  (IFA)  supplementation  program  for pregnant women to reduce anemia and improving complementary feeding practices for 6 to 11 months children in selected Aspirational Districts.  The team is gathering information  through  field  visits  in  Aspirational  Districts,  prevalent  practices  and through  various  literature,  for  designing  impactful behavioral  interventions for improving the program delivery and coverage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4053 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Free Train Services for Unemployed Youth
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Rajveer Diler

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4053 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## FREE TRAIN SERVICES FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

†4053. SHRI RAJVEER DILER:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Ministry  of  Railways  is  providing  free  transport facilities  for  the  unemployed  youth  to  appear  in  various  competitive examinations, interviews, etc.;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  this  facility  is  also  provided  to  the  candidates appearing  in  competitive  examinations  and  interviews  conducted  by the States;
- (c)  if not, whether the Government is taking any step in this direction; and
- (d)  if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## ( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) and (b): Full concession is granted in the basic fare of second class and 50% concession in the basic fare of  sleeper class to Unemployed Youth of age upto 35 years to attend interview for a job in Central/State Government Offices.

Besides,  50%  concession  in  the  basic  fare  of  Sleeper/Second class  is  also  granted  to  Unemployed  Youth  of  age  upto  35  years  to attend  interview  for  a  job  in  other  Public  Sector  Organization  viz.  a Statutory Body, a Municipal Corporation, a Government undertaking or a University or Public Sector Banks.

Other charges like reservation fee, Superfast surcharge etc. wherever applicable are levied separately.

Moreover, Free journey facility is extended to SC/ST candidates appearing in exam conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)/Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).

(c) and (d):  Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4052 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Shifting Rubber BoardHead Office
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Anto  Antony

(a) & (b):

## No, Sir.

- (c): In pursuance of direction of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, decision was taken to restructure the Commodity Boards including Rubber Board, in order to reduce the establishment/operational  expenditure  and  to  ensure  the  smooth  and  effective  functioning  of  the Boards.
- (d) & (e): There are 45 Regional Offices and 152 Field Offices of Rubber Board functioning across the country.
- (f): As per norms for Transfer and Postings of officials of Rubber Board, the following number of employees were shifted/transferred from Head Office to other Offices during the last five years:

Year

Transferred from Head Office

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4052 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th MARCH, 2020 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18

## SHIFTING RUBBER BOARD HEAD OFFICE

## 4052. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

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

- (a) whether there are apprehensions that the Government is planning to shift the head office of the Rubber Board from Kerala to some other place;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has recently reduced the staff strength of the Rubber Board and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has any statistics regarding the number of regional offices and field offices functioning across the country;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Government has any details on the number of employees shifted from the head office to other offices and if so, the details thereof during the last five years, year wise?

## ANSWER

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

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

| 2014-15   |   49 |
|-----------|------|
| 2015-16   |   64 |
| 2016-17   |   34 |
| 2017-18   |   44 |
| 2018-19   |   39 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4051 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Haryana Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sunita Duggal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4051 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## HARYANA EXPRESS

4051. SHRIMATI SUNITA DUGGAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Haryana express train was not restored from Sirsa to New Delhi  via    Bhiwani,  Rewari,  Gurugram  after  gauge  conversion  before 25 years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Haryana express train is likely to be restored now to facilitate six districts of Haryana; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Prior to gauge conversion. Haryana Express used to operate on the Delhi-Rewari-Bhiwani-Hisar route. Presently, 14085/86 Haryana Express is operating between Delhi and Sirsa via Rohtak-Bhiwani-Hisar section.
- (b)  and  (c)  Owing  to  operational  constraints,  at  present,  there  is  no proposal for operation of Haryana Express via Rewari-Bhiwani section. However,  it  has  been  decided  to  extend  74001/74004  Delhi-Rewari DEMU upto Hisar via Bhiwani.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4047 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Impact of  Improper Pepper Imports
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Rahul Gandhi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4047 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th MARCH, 2020 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18

## IMPACT OF IMPROPER PEPPER IMPORTS

## 4047. SHRI RAHUL GANDHI:

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

- (a) whether the domestic pepper growers have been affected by its improper imports from neighbouring countries;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the measures being taken by the Government to prevent improper pepper imports, thereby supporting domestic producers?

## ANSWER

## okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=h ( Jh ih;w'k xks;y ) THE MINISTER OF  COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b):  Several representations were received from State Governments, public representatives, growers' associations etc. regarding improper import of low quality pepper into India from neighbouring countries through  Sri  Lanka  by  utilizing  the  provisions  of  India  Sri  Lanka  Free  Trade Agreement  (ISLFT A)  and Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). Representations have also been received regarding import of cheap quality pepper from other origins invoiced at higher rates and smuggling of pepper into India through some of the neighbouring countries viz. Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

(c) :   In order to prevent improper pepper imports and to stabilize the domestic price of pepper, Government had fixed the CIF value of Rs.500/- per kg. as the Minimum Import Price for black pepper vide Notification of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) dated 6/12/2017. Subsequently, an amendment was brought in the Minimum Import Price (MIP) notification by making import of pepper at or above Rs.500/- per kg. free  and import  below  Rs.500/-per  kg.  prohibited  vide  DGFT Notification  dated  21/3/2018.   The  field  formation  of Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have been alerted and made vigilant at the point of entry in the  port  to  detect  and  prevent  entry  of  inferior  quality  pepper  from  other  countries  to  India.  Customs  have booked several cases of attempted smuggling of pepper in the recent past.

Further, on the request of the Government of India, Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a new procedure to prevent issue of Certificates of Origin for third-country black pepper shipments destined to India.

Government of Sri Lanka has also provided access to Indian authorities to examine the scanned copies of Certificates of Origin issued for black pepper exports under ISLFTA and SAFTA and temporarily suspended import of spices including pepper to Sri Lanka through the Entreport Trade and Commercial Hub Operations to prevent these spices being reshipped to India. As a result of these actions, the quantum of import of pepper has shown considerable decline in 2019 as compared to the similar period in 2018 & 2017.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4043 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Supply of Equipments to Soldiers
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Dushyant Singh, A. Ganeshamurthi, T. R. Paarivendhar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4043

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th  March, 2020

## SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENTS TO SOLDIERS

4043. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH: SHRI A. GANESHAMURTHI: DR. T.R.PAARIVENDHAR:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  about  insufficient  supply  of  snow  goggles, multi-purpose boots and requisite sanctioned food for soldiers in high altitude areas in Siachen and Ladakh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is true that calorie intake of the troops is compromised as high as 82% and shortage of snow goggles is between 62% and 98%;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

( श्री श्रीपाद नाईक )

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(a) to (e):   The authorisation and holding of essential items including snow goggles, multi-purpose  boots  to  the  soldiers  deployed  in  high  attitude  areas  in  Ladakh  and Siachen is as per operational requirement of the Indian Army.  The acquisition of such items  is  undertaken  as  per  laid  down  specification  and  authorisation,  which  is  an ongoing process for which necessary steps are taken regularly.

Further,  there  has  been  no  instance  of  insufficient  supply    of  the  requisite sanctioned  food  for  soldiers  in  high  altitude  areas  in  Siachen  and  Ladakh.    The Government has authorised special scales of rations to  all  troops  who  are  deployed above 12000 feet.  The ration scales are designed based upon nutritional requirement of  a  soldier  as  per  their  energy  expenditure  under  different  climatic  conditions. Soldiers  are  supplied  with  the  authorised  scale  of  rations,  which  caters  to  their nutritional requirement as well as their taste preference.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4042 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Rail Corridor along Delhi-Mumbai e-Way
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil, Supriya Sadanand Sule, Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, Amol Ramsing Kolhe, DNV Senthilkumar. S.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4042

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## RAIL CORRIDOR ALONG DELHI-MUMBAI E-WAY

4042.  SHRI KULDEEP RAI SHARMA:

SHRI SHRINIWAS PATIL:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

DR. SUBHASH RAMRAO BHAMRE:

DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE:

DR. DNV SENTHILKUMAR S.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  build  a  new  rail  corridor along  the  upcoming  greenfield  Delhi-Mumbai  expressway,  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  has  offered  to provide a share of NHAI land without any cost to Railways to lay the new tracks, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether the Ministry of Railways has nominated two names for a panel which will look into the proposal, if so, the details thereof and the time by which the panel will come up with the plan;
- (d)  whether the Government has worked out the cost of building the new rail corridor, if so, the details thereof and the amount earmarked for this purpose; and
- (e) the time by which the work on new rail corridor will be started and completed ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (e):  The proposal of Railways to build a new rail corridor along the  upcoming  Greenfield  Delhi-Mumbai  expressway  and  discussion between  Ministry  of  Railways  and  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and Highways is at a conceptual stage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4041 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: New Trains in Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Abdul Majeed Ariff

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4041 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020 NEW TRAINS IN KERALA

4041. ADV. A.M. ARIFF:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the details of new trains that are proposed to be introduced by the Government and also those which have been introduced in the State of Kerala in the last three years including this year;
- (b)  the  number  of  railway  stations  developed  by  the  Government  to  provide  world class facilities to the passengers across the country so far, zone-wise; and
- (c)  the  other  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide  world  class facilities in all the railway stations of the country?

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## ANSWER (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) Indian Railways do not run train services on State-wise basis as railway network straddles across State boundaries. However, during 2017-2020 (till February-2020), 5 pairs  of  Mail/Express  have  been  introduced,  serving  various  stations  located  in  the State  of  Kerala.  Besides,  introduction  of  trains  is  an  ongoing  process  over  Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic demand, availability of resources, etc.
- (b) and (c) The work of redevelopment is in advanced stage at Gandhinagar (Western Railway) and Habibganj (West Central Railway) railway stations. Contracts have been awarded  for  redevelopment  of  Gomtinagar  (North  Eastern  Railway),  Anand  Vihar (Northern Railway), Bijwasan (Northern Railway) and Chandigarh (Northern Railway) railway stations.

The  facilities  proposed  in  a  redeveloped  station  include  congestion free  nonconflicting  entry/exit  to  the  station  premises,  segregation  of  arrival/departure  of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration of both sides of the city wherever feasible, integration with other modes of transport systems e.g Bus, Metro, etc., user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4038 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Collegium on Appointment and Transfer of Judges
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Sougata Ray

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4038

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 18.03.2020

## Collegium on Appointment and Transfer of Judges

4038.  PROF. SAUGATA RAY:

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

- (a) whether there is any standard criteria to implement the collegium recommendations  on  appointment  and  transfer  of  Judges  in  the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has allegedly followed pick and choose policy in   this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) and (b): Judges of High Courts are appointed and transferred as per the procedure laid down in the Memorandum of Procedure prepared in 1998 pursuant  to  the  Supreme  Court  Judgment  of  October,  6 th ,  1993  (Second

Judges case) read with the advisory opinion of October, 28 th ,  1998 (Third Judges case).

As per the  Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), initiation  of  proposal for appointment of Judges of the High Courts vests with the Chief Justice of the  concerned  High  Court.  Before  forwarding  the  recommendation,  the Chief Justice consults two of his senior-most colleagues regarding suitability  of  candidates.  As  per  MoP,  the  various  attributes  such  as integrity  and  character,  competence,  judicial  potential,  antecedents,  age, Annual  Confidential  Report  (in  respect  of  Judicial  Officers),  Professional income  and  reported  &  unreported  judgments  (in  respect  of  advocates), complaints/involvement in any criminal or civil litigation etc. are taken into consideration for appointment of Judges of High Courts.

Regarding  transfer  of  a  High  Court  Judge  from  one  High  Court  to another, MoP provides that the proposal is initiated by the Chief Justice of India in consultation with four senior-most puisne Judges of the Supreme Court.  The  MoP  further  provides  that  the  Chief  Justice  of  India  is  also expected to take into account the views of the Chief Justice of High Court from which the judge is to be transferred, as also the Chief Justice of the High  Court  to  which  the  transfer  is  to  be  effected,  besides  taking  into account  the  views  of  one  or  more  Supreme  Court  judges  who  are  in  a position to offer views. All transfers are to be made in public interest i.e. for promoting better administration of justice throughout the country. (c): No Sir.

(d): Does not arise.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4037 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Underpass between Gonda and Bichiya
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Akshaibar Lal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4037 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## UNDERPASS BETWEEN GONDA AND BICHIYA

## †4037. SHRI AKSHAIBAR LAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  underpasses  being  constructed  between  Gonda Junction  and  Bichiya  Station  of  North  Eastern  railways,  the details of length, width and height standards of each underpass;
- (b) whether  farmers  are  not  able to load their  farm  produce, sugarcane, etc. on vehicles due to low length, width and height of underpasses;
- (c) whether  there  is  lot  of  difficulty  in  movement  due  to  water logging in the underpass; and
- (d) if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  any  steps  to overcome the said short comings?

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

(a)  and  (b):  Total  32  Nos.  of  Underpasses  are  being  constructed between Gonda Junction to Bichhiya station of North Eastern Railway. Out  of  which  16  Nos.  underpasses  are  completed  and  at  remaining underpasses, work is in progress. Underpasses are being provided of sufficient  height,  width  &  length  through  which  vehicles  carrying sugarcane and other products can pass.

In  view  of  above,  farmers  are  able  to  load  their  farm  produce, sugarcane etc. on vehicles and pass through the Underpasses.

(c) and (d): No, Sir. At present there is no water logging, as such there is no difficulty in movement in underpasses. Sump well & cover shed is being  provided  on  each  under  pass.  During  monsoon,  de-watering  is being done by providing sump & pump arrangement at each underpass. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4036 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-18
Subject: Adarsh Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Y. S. Avinash Reddy, C.N. Annadurai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  4036 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2020

## ADARSH RAILWAY STATIONS

4036. SHRI Y.S.AVINASH REDDY: SHRI C.N. ANNADURAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  planned  to  develop  selected  railway stations in every parliamentary constituency as Adarsh Railway Stations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  number  of  railway  stations  selected  under  this  programme  in  the State of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Kadapa District;
- (d) whether Kadapa Railway Station has been selected for development as Adarsh Railway Station and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the developmental works proposed to be taken up in this railway station and the works completed so far;
- (f)  whether the Railways has noticed that the execution of developmental works is lagging behind the target and if so, the details thereof; and
- (g) the status and progress of the railway stations selected as Adarsh Railway Station as on date?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): 1253 stations have been selected for development under Adarsh Station Scheme nation-wide based on the identified,    need for upgradation  of  amenities.    However,  there  is  no  criterion  for  selection  of railway stations on the basis of parliamentary constituency. (c):    46  stations  have  been  selected  under  Adarsh  Station  Scheme  in  the state  of  Andhra  Pradesh.    No  station  has  been  identified  yet  as  Adarsh station in Kadapa district. (d)  to  (f):  Cuddapah  Railway  station  (serving  the  town  of  Kadapa)  has  not been  identified  for  development  under  Adarsh  Station  Scheme.  However, works for replacement of Coach Indication Board at platform nos. 1, 2 and 3 have been completed. (g):  1253  stations  have  been  identified  for  development  under  Adarsh Station Scheme, out of which 1181 stations have already been developed so far.

*****