opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 434 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Defence Contracts under Make in India
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Adhikari Dibyendu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.434

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## DEFENCE CONTRACTS UNDER MAKE IN INDIA

## 434. SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

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

- (a) the  total  number  of  manufacturing /  production  contracts  signed by  the defence ministry under 'Make in India' programme;
- (b) the details of project and companies awarded contracts therein;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that the defence manufacturing units in the country have the potential to fulfil the Government target under the above programme; and
- (d) if so, the sector-wise details under which Indian Armed Forces is working towards PM's vision and the details of the project under implementation therefor?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) to (d): Government  is  pursuing  initiative  to  achieve  higher  level  of indigenisation  and  self-reliance  in  the  Defence  sector  by  harnessing  the capabilities  of  public  and  private  sector industries in the  country.   These measures include according priority to procurements from Indian vendors. DPP  accords  highest  priority  to  'Buy  (Indian-IDDM)'  category  of  capital procurements.

During  the  last  03  years  (since  April,  2015)  and  current  year,  118 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors.

Government has also promulgated policy on Strategic Partnership in defence sector to encourage broader participation of the private sector in manufacture  of  major  defence  platforms  and  equipment.    The  segments identified  for  acquisition  under  the  SP  route  are:  (i)  Fighter  Aircraft; (ii)  Helicopters;  (iii)  Submarines;  and  (iv)  Armoured  Fighting  Vehicles (AFVs)  /  Main  Battle  Tanks  (MBTs).    The  Policy  will  serve  to  enhance competition,  increase  efficiencies,  facilitate  faster  and  more  significant absorption  of  technology,  create  a  tiered  industrial  ecosystem,  ensure development  of  a  wider  skill  base  and  trigger  innovation,  leading  to reduction  in  dependence  on  imports  and  greater  self-reliance  in  meeting national security objectives.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 432 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Agartala-Akhaura Broad Gauge Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 432 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018

## AGARTALA-AKHAURA BROAD GAUGE LINE

432.       SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  any  steps  have  been  taken  for  the  Imphal  railway station and Agartala-Akhaura broad gauge line;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  fixed  any  deadline  for  the completion of these projects; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)  &  (b):  New  railway  station  at  Imphal  is  a  part  of  the  JiribamImphal new line (111 km) project. Jiribam-VangaichungpaoDholakhal  (11.80  km)  section  has  been  commissioned.  Works  are taken up in the remaining length.

Contd...2/-

Work  of  Agartala-Akhaura  new  line  (15.06  km)  5.05  km  Indian portion  and  10.01km  Bangladesh  portion  has  been  taken  up.  In Indian  portion,  Earth  work  while  in  Bangladesh  portion,  earthwork and bridge work have been taken up.

(c)  &  (d):  Target  date  for  completion  for  India  side  is  March,  2020 and Bangladesh side is January, 2020.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 431 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAM CHARITRA, C. MAHENDRAN, POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM, BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN, K. ASHOK KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 431 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018

## ELIMINATION OF UNMANNED LEVEL CROSSINGS

431.     SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:

SHRI C. MAHENDRAN:

SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM:

SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  the  Railways  has  managed  to  either  man  or remove all level crossings in major routes across the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  also  true  that  as  on  April  this  year  there  were  3470 unmanned level crossings across the Indian Railways network and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Railways  has  stepped  into  more  effective  action  to eliminate unmanned railway crossings in the country after the incident of 13 school children were killed in April when a train rammed into a school van at an unmanned railway crossing near Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 431 BY SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD, SHRI C. MAHENDRAN, SHRIMATI  POONAMBEN MAADAM,   SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN AND SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 12.12.2018 REGARDING ELIMINATION OF UNMANNED LEVEL CROSSINGS

(a)  &  (b):  Yes,  Madam.    Government  has  planned  to  remove  or  man  all unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG).  As on 01.04.2018, there were 5792 unmanned level crossings out of which 3479 were on Broad Gauge, 1135 on Meter Gauge and 1178 on Narrow Gauge.

(c) & (d): Elimination of UMLCs has been a top priority for Railways as level crossings are a safety hazard for both rail and road users more so for road users.  As on 01.04.2014, there were 8948 UMLCs on BG.  It is submitted that  all  UMLCs  on  BG  have now  been  eliminated except 28 UMLCs which have  also  been  planned  to  be  eliminated  by  closure,  merger,  subway  and manning.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 430 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Kartarpur Corridor
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: A.P. JITHENDER REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.430

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018

## KARTARPUR CORRIDOR

430. SHRI A.P. JITHENDER REDDY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of funds allocated for the construction     and manning of the Kartarpur Corridor and the future costs associated with the project;
- (b) the authority which will have legal jurisdiction over the corridor;
- (c) the measures taken by the Government to ensure that pilgrims are under no security threat;
- (d) the details of cooperation mediums that have been established between local authorities in the concerned areas to ensure a seamless visit to the Gurudwara in Pakistan; and
- (e) the   reciprocal   steps   taken   by   India   for   Pakistani   situations   to   ensure goodwill and brotherhood?

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

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (e) The Union Cabinet, on 22 November 2018, passed a Resolution to celebrate the 550 th  Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and interalia approved building and development of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District to the International Border on the Indian side to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. On the same day, the Government of India informed the Government of Pakistan of its   decision   to   build   Kartarpur   Corridor   from   Dera   Baba   Nanak   in   Gurdaspur District of India to the International Border and urged Pakistan to recognise the sentiments   of   the   Sikh   community   and   to   develop   a   corridor   with   suitable facilities in their territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with Government of India funding, for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims, with modern amenities. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal Ministry for building and development of the corridor on the Indian side.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local Government.

A High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Union Cabinet for implementation of the decisions of the Cabinet.

The Government has urged Pakistan to expedite the construction of the corridor on their side to ensure that Indian citizens can pay their respects at the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor as soon as possible. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 427 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Judgement on Writ Petition
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 427

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018)

## JUDGEMENT ON WRIT PETITION

## 427. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Hon.  Madras  High  Court  ruled  that  employees  retiring  on  30  June  are entitled for increment on 1st July of that year for pensionary benefit as they retire after completion of that year's full service;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Hon. Supreme Court has dismissed the petition filed against the Madras High Court's above judgement;
- (d) if so, whether the Government has issued orders regarding granting annual increment to those employees who are retiring on 30th June after completion of one year of service;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) the time by which such orders are likely to be issued in this regard?

## 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)  & (b):    No, Madam. High Court of Madras in Writ Petition No. 15732/2017 has granted relief personal to the petitioner.
- (c):     Yes, Madam.
- (d) to (f):   As the judgment is in personam and contrary to the personnel policy of Government of India, the question of issuing a general order does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Agreement Signed between Railways and SBI
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: AJAY (TENI) MISRA, BHARAT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 424

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018

## AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN RAILWAYS AND SBI

†424. SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI: SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any agreement has been signed between the Railways and the State Bank of India regarding collection of cash received from sale of railway tickets at the station itself ;
- (b) if so, the names of zones which have signed this agreement;
- (c) the benefits  likely  to  be  accrued  to  the  Railways  from  this agreement; and
- (d)  if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)  &  (b):  Yes,  Madam. At present, the following nine Zonal Railways have  entered  into  an  agreement  with  State  Bank  of  India  regarding collection of cash from Railway stations:
- (i) Eastern Railway
- (ii) East Central Railway
- (iii) Northern Railway
- (iv) North Central Railway
- (v) North Eastern Railway
- (vi) South Eastern Railway
- (vii) South East Central Railway
- (viii)  South Western Railway
- (ix)
- West Central Railway

(c): The scheme has helped in faster remittance of station earnings in Government's bank account.

(d): Does not arise.

## *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Infrastructure in Courts
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 422

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 12 th  DECEMBER, 2018.

## Infrastructure in Courts

## 422. ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

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

- (a)  whether  Supreme  Court  has  issued  some  guidelines with  regard  to  improving the infrastructure of Courts in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  initiated  any  action  in  this  regard  and  if  so,  the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS (SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (c):  In  All  India  Judges  Association  case,  the  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court vide order dated 02.08.2018, has, inter-alia, observed that it is essential to provide basic infrastructural  facilities,  amenities,  utilities  and  access  oriented  features  in  all  Court complexes  around  the  country  as  it  is  axiomatic  that  infrastructure  forms  the  core  for efficient and efficacious dispensation of speedy and qualitative justice. Vide the aforesaid order, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has, inter-alia , issued certain directions to provide at the earliest, the  most fundamental and vital features  in all court complexes.  As the primary responsibility  for  providing  Infrastructure facilities for  Judiciary  rests  with  the  State Governments, the above-mentioned Order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has been sent to all the State Governments for necessary action.

The  Union  Government  is  implementing  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary in order to augment the resources of State Governments in this regard in association with the States / UT Governments.  The scheme has been implemented since 1993-94. It covers the construction of court halls, court  complexes  and  residential  accommodation  of  judicial  officers  of District  and Subordinate Judiciary.  As on date, Rs. 6,622 crore has been released since the inception of the Scheme in 1993-94.  Out of this, Rs. 3,178 crore (48%) has been released to the States and UTs since April, 2014. 18,731 court halls and 16,539 residential accommodation  have been made available for Judicial Officers of District and Subordinate Courts under this scheme as on date.  In addition, 2,906 court halls and 1,754 residential units are under construction.

- *****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: One Rank One Pension
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAHUL KASWAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.420

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## ONE RANK ONE PENSION

## 420. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

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

- (a) whether One  Rank One  Pension (OROP)  has been implemented by the Government for the personnel of Armed Forces;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  there  is  any  resentment  among  the  personnels  of  Armed  Forces  in  this regard;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): The  Government  has  implemented  One  Rank  One  Pension (OROP) for Defence Forces Personnel with effect from 01.07.2014.  As on 30.09.2017 (compiled till 01.05.2018), a sum of Rs.10,795.40 crores has been released  to  20,60,220  Defence  Forces  Pensioners  /  Family  Pensioners  in four instalments towards the arrears.

(c) to (e): Some  Ex-Servicemen Associations have been demanding changes in methodology for fixation of pension, periodicity of its revision, coverage of future Premature retirees  (PMR) cases etc.  The Government appointed One Member Judicial Committee (OMJC) on OROP to look into anomalies,  if  any,  arising  out  of  implementation  of  OROP  on  14.12.2015. The Committee submitted its report on 26.10.2016.  An Internal Committee has  been  constituted  by  the  Government  on  19.07.2017  to  examine  the recommendations of OMJC with respect to feasibility and financial aspects.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 418 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Conference of Heads of Missions
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P., J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 418

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2018

## CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF MISSIONS

418. SHRI P. NAGARAJAN: SHRI J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of EXTERAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has recently conducted a Conference of Heads of Missions in Delhi and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the total number of Indian Ambassadors and High Commissioners who attended the said conference;
- (c) the agenda discussed in the said meeting and the purpose and motive to conduct such conference;
- (d) whether the conference comes at the time when India is monitoring several important global developments including sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia and Iran and China's new assertiveness in Indo-Pacific region; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a)  &  (b) Yes. The Annual Heads of Missions Conference was organized from June 30 - July 2, 2018. 115 Indian Heads of Missions attended the Conference.

(c) to (e) Heads of Missions Conferences offer an opportunity to discuss the government's foreign policy priorities with Ambassadors   and   High Commissioners, to take stock of the situation on the ground, and to discuss the contours   of   our   external   engagement   as   well   as   mechanisms   for   more coordination with other arms of the Government, including State Governments. The discussions are wide-ranging and include issues such as bilateral relations, regional and global developments and issues involving major countries, potential opportunities,   consular   and   Diaspora   issues,   emerging   technologies   and development issues, soft power diplomacy, multilateral and global issues, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Aim of New Telecom Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL, K. GOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 417 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 th   DECEMBER, 2018

## AIM OF NEW TELECOM POLICY

417.   DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

DR. K. GOPAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the new telecom policy aims to provide broadband access to all by 2022 and create at least 40 lakh new jobs in the sector in the next four years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also true that the policy has called for a review of levies and fees, including  licence  fee,  universal  service  obligation  fund  levy  and  spectrum  usage charges on the other and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether it is also true that this is expected to help the debt laden telecom sector and proposes to attract 100 billion US dollar investment, if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)  &  (b)    The  objectives  of  the  National  Digital  Communications  Policy  includes provisioning  of  Broadband  for  all  and  creating  4  Million  additional  jobs  in  the  Digital Communications sector by year 2022.
- (c) & (d) The  policy  recognizes  the  importance  of  continued  improvement  in  the regulatory framework for attracting investments and ensuring fair competition, to serve the needs of Indian citizens. One of the goals of the policy is to attract investments of US dollar 100 billion in the digital communications sector. For catalyzing investments in the  digital  communications  sector,  reviewing  of  levies  and  fees  including  licence  fee, spectrum usages charge and universal service levy has been envisaged in the policy.

*************
Lok Sabha Question No. 416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-12
Subject: Import of Arms
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA, CHINTAMANI MALVIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.416

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## IMPORT OF ARMS

## 416. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:

PROF. CHINTAMANI MALVIYA:

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

- (a) whether India is ranked number one in import of weapons from other countries;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof and the expenditure made on import of weapons during the last three years;
- (c) whether the Government has reviewed or proposes to review the implications of such imports on national security and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) if so, the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to augment the defence preparedness to meet the challenges in this regard; and
- (e) the role played by make-in-India and digital movement in indigenous manufacturing of weapons so far and the outcome thereof?

<!-- formula-not-decoded -->

(a) to (e): No  authoritative  and  official  information  on  India  being  the largest importer of defence equipment is available as no country officially reveals information on import of defence equipment. However, in the report published in February 2017 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has been shown as the largest importer of defence equipment for the year 2012-2016.

:  2  :

Capital procurement  of defence equipment  is undertaken  from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces  in  a  state  of  readiness  to  meet  the  entire  spectrum  of  security challenges. Government  is  pursuing  initiatives to achieve higher levels of indigenisation  and  self-reliance  in  the  defence  sector  by  harnessing  the capabilities  of  the  public  and  private  sector  industries  in  the  country. These measures include according priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors and liberalization of the licensing regime. During  the  last  three  years  and  in  the  current  year,  121  contracts have been signed with Indian vendors and 67 contracts have been signed with  foreign  vendors  for  capital  procurement  of  defence  equipment  for Armed Forces.

*******