opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1515 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: H-1B Visa
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Pratima Bhoumik

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1515 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## H-1B VISA

## 1515. MS. PRATIMA BHOUMIK:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether United States of America's restrictive immigration policies have led to massive increase in the rejection of petitions for H-1B visas with the highest denial rate among major Indian IT companies and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (b) whether   in   the   first   three   quarters   of   fiscal   2019,   US   Citizenship   and Immigration Services adjudicators denied 24 per cent of H-1B petitions for 'initial'   employment and 12 per cent of H-1B petitions for 'continuing' employment and if so,  the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government?

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

(a) & b) The H-1B visa application process has become more complex for employers worldwide, including for Indian IT companies, due to certain recent administrative   changes   in   the   H-1B   programme   which   have   increased documentation requirements on the petitioners. These changes have impacted the processing of H-1B petitions in general, entailing a higher level of scrutiny. According to latest publicly available statistics of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 116,031 initial or new H-1B petitions were processed and completed in Fiscal Year 2019, out of which 27,707 petitions accounting for about 23.9% were denied. During the same period, a total of 209,884   H-1B   petitions   for   continuing   employment   were   processed   and completed, with 24,725 denials accounting for about 11.8%.  The share of Indian nationals   in   total   H-1B   visas   has,   however,   remained   stable   at   around   70% between Fiscal Years 2015 and 2018.

Government of India has closely consulted all stakeholders and engaged with the U.S. Administration and Congress on issues related to the movement of Indian professionals, including those pertaining to the H-1B programme. These issues were raised by External Affairs Minister with his U.S. counterpart in New Delhi   in   June   2019   and   with   U.S.   interlocutors   in   Washington   D.C.   in September/October 2019. In our engagements, we have emphasized that this has been a mutually-beneficial partnership which should be nurtured.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1513 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Disappearance of Aircraft
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: D. M. Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1513

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th  November, 2019

## DISAPPEARANCE OF AIRCRAFT

## 1513. SHRI D.M. KATHIR ANAND:

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

- (a) the details regarding search operations undertaken in the aftermath of disappearance of IAF's transport aircraft AN-32 in July 2016 and the outcome thereof;
- (b) whether any study has been carried out to find out similar cases of disappearance of aircraft in any part of the world in the past and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken or being taken to avert such happenings in future?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

( श्री श्रीपाद नाईक )

<!-- image -->

- (a)  A massive search operation 'Op Talash' was launched for search of the missing aircraft.  A total of 18 Indian Naval ships, 01 submarine and 08 Indian Coast Guard ships were deployed for search of the missing IAF aircraft.  A total of 301 ship days of search were undertaken by these ships.  In addition 14 Indian Navy (IN) aircraft, 06 Indian Coast Guard aircraft and 10 IAF aircraft were employed for the search wherein 290 sorties were flown, totalling approximately 1280 flying hours.  Geological Survey of India vessel was also deployed to undertake sub-bottom profiling in the area and National Institute of Oceanography and Technology (NIOT) vessel was deployed to carry out sea bed search using Remotely Operated Vehicle to a depth of 3000m.

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad was requested for highresolution  satellite  image  of  area  around  datum.  Indigenous  satellite  with  higher resolution were also used for satellite imagery.  However, no concrete evidence with respect to missing IAF AN-32 aircraft had emerged.

(b)    In  the  past  10  years,  a  total  of  nine  aircraft  have  gone  missing  worldwide including  six  aircraft  overseas.    The  cause  of  the  accidents  of  any  of  these  flights could not be ascertained due to lack of any evidence.

(c)  All transport aircraft and helicopters of IAF undertaking maritime operations over Andaman  and  Nicobar  area  of  Bay  of  Bengal  have  now  been  equipped  with Underwater Locating Beacon (ULB).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1512 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Renovation of ROB at Kumardhubi
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Pashupati Nath Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1512 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## RENOVATION OF ROB AT KUMARDHUBI

†1512.  SHRI PASHUPATI NATH SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the development work of Railway Over Bridge (ROB) in Kumardhubi district of Dhanbad under Asansol Railway Manager Office is going on at snail's pace as a result of which this bridge is unlikely to be completed in its scheduled time;
- (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (c) the time by which the ROB is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

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

(a):  Road  over  Bridge  (ROB)  in  lieu  of  existing  two  lane  Road  Under Bridge  (RUB)  No.  20  between  Kumardhubi  and  Mugma  station  is  in progress as per scope at site available. The progress of the said ROB at present is as under:

Railway Portion (ROB Proper): Work completed in February 2019.

Approach  Portion:  Progress  is  hampered  due  to  encroachments  and the pucca structures.

(b): State  Government  is  being  pursued  for  shifting  of  utilities  and removal of encroachments.

(c): Target date for completion of the ROB will depend upon removal of all encroachments and shifting of utilities by the State Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Schemes for NER
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Queen Oja, Ramesh Chander Kaushik, Saikia Dilip

Government of India Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA

Unstarred Question No: 1511

To be answered on

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

## QUESTION Schemes For NER

1511. SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA: SHRI RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK: SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

Will  the  Minister  of  DEVELOPME004ET  OF  NORTH  EASTERN  REGION  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has announced any special package and schemes for Assam in North Eastern Region.
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of funds allocated for the said package/schemes during the last three years;
- (d) whether the above said State has fully utilized the said package; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b):  Yes Sir.  Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is providing funds to Government of Assam under the Special Packages of Rs 750.00 crore for Bodoland Territorial  Council  (BTC),  Rs  350.00  crore  for  Karbi  Anglong  Autonomous  Territorial Council (KAATC) and Rs 200.00 crore for Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council (DHATC) ,
- (c):Year-wise  release  of  funds  during  last  three  years  under  these  packages  is  as under:-
- (d)  &  (e):    Project  identification  under  all  the  packages  has  been  completed  and  in principle approval has been granted for the balance of the sanctioned amount based on which the respective Councils will implement the projects. Further releases to the State is on the basis of progress of implementation of these projects.
- *****

| Year    |   Fund released under BTC package (Rs in crore) |   Fund released under KAATC package (Rs in crore) |   Fund released under DHATC package (Rs in crore) |
|---------|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 2016-17 |                                           50    |                                              3.43 |                                              0.08 |
| 2017-18 |                                           23.47 |                                              1.5  |                                             23.37 |
| 2018-19 |                                            0    |                                             39.63 |                                             12    |
| Total   |                                           73.47 |                                             44.56 |                                             35.45 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1506 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Akash Missile Project
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1506

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th  November, 2019

## AKASH MISSILE PROJECT

## 1506. SHRI DIPSINH SHANKARSINH RATHOD:

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

- (a) whether the Government is contemplating seriously to approve the 'Akash Missile Project'; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard so far?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

रक्षा राज्य मंत्री

( श्री श्रीपाद नाईक )

<!-- image -->

- (a)  &  (b):  Akash  Weapon  System  is  an  indigenous  surface  to  air  weapon  system, designed and developed by Defence Research and Development  Organisation (DRDO).  The same has been deployed by Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army (IA) in combat areas.

In  recent  development,  Short  Range  Surface  to  Air  Missile  (SRSAM)  global case  has  been  withdrawn  and  also  awarded  to  Akash  with  upgrades  of  Seeker Technology,  Reduced  footprint  for  Weapon  System  elements,  360°  Engagement Capability and High Altitude/Low temperature operation, which is named as AKASH PRIME.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1505 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Uttam Rake
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Heena Vijaykumar Gavit, Shrirang Appa Barne, Vinayak Bhaurao Raut, Hemant Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1505

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## UTTAM RAKE

1505. DR. HEENA GAVIT:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI VINAYAK RAUT:

SHRI HEMANT SRIRAM PATIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Indian Railways celebrated the 69th Foundation Day of Western Railway recently and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of Uttam rakes built by Integral Coach Factory in the last three years;
- (c) whether  Indian  Railways  has  introduced  the  State-of-the  art 'Uttam Rake' for the comfort of Mumbaikars and if so, the details thereof and the salient features of Uttam rake;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to increase the number of Ladies Special local trains for the benefit of ladies; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the time by which a decision in  the  matter  will  be  taken  and  the  other  steps  taken  by  the Government  to  provide  more  facilities  to  train  commuters  in suburban trains of Indian Railways?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a): No, Sir. No formal function or celebrations were held for the 69th

Foundation Day of Western Railway.

(b): Two Uttam rakes have been manufactured by Integral Coach Factory / Chennai. One is allotted to Western Railway and the other to Central Railway.

(c):  Yes,  Sir.  Western  Railway  has  introduced  the  state-of-the-art Uttam rake unit No. 5533/5534 on 15.10.2019 for the local trains in Mumbai.

The salient features of Uttam rakes are as under:-

-  Closed  Circuit  Television  (CCTV)  cameras  installed  in  every coach.
-  Emergency  chains  have  been  replaced  with  emergency  push buttons.
-  Fibre  Reinforced  Plastic  (FRP)  moulded  interior  paneling  with aesthetic colours.
-  Seats made from FRP with wood finish.
-  Equipped with FRP cladded partitions.
-  Modular and Wider luggage rack.
-  Anti-dent partitions in coaches to prevent thefts.
-  Improved dual lock stopper with dual slot handles windows in all coaches.
-  Wider and improved grab handles for better grip.
-  Latest powdered coated brushless DC (BLDC) fans in all coaches which consumes 30% less energy than conventional fans.

-  Provision of modular type diffused LED lights.
-  Electrically operated Passenger  Alarm System  in place of traditional emergency chains.
-  Provision  of  camouflaged  aluminium  moulded  strips  on  floor  to discourage theft.
-  Stainless steel protective plate near all passenger seats to avoid colour fading due to footwear friction.
-  Red emergency buttons.

(d) & (e):  Introduction of additional trains including Ladies special trains is an on-going process on Indian Railways. Presently, Mumbai suburban sector is being catered by 14 Ladies special trains and are being further supplemented by 20 trains having partially earmarked 3 coaches each per day.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1504 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: New Trains in Karnataka
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Umesh G. Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1504 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## NEW TRAINS IN KARNATAKA

1504. DR. UMESH G. JADHAV:

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 Karnataka during the last three years;
- (b) the number of persons likely to be benefited therefrom;
- (c) whether the Government has any plans to introduce any new train between New Delhi to Bangalore via Bidar and Gulbarga; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) Indian Railways do not run train services on State- wise basis as Railway network  extends  beyond  State  boundaries.    However,  during  the  last  three years (2016-2017 to 2018-2019), 28 pairs of train services have  been introduced serving the various stations located in the State of Karnataka on originating/terminating basis.
- (b) State-wise statistics of number of passengers is not maintained. However, the  year-wise  details  of  number  of  passengers  booked  on  South  Western Railway which primarily serves the state of Karnataka is as under:-

| Financial Year   |   Number of passengers booked (in millions) |
|------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| 2016-17          |                                      192.66 |
| 2017-18          |                                      196.26 |
| 2018-19          |                                      193.51 |

(c) & (d). No, Sir. At present, there is no such proposal. However, introduction of  new  trains  is  a  continuous  and  an  ongoing  process  on  Indian  Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic demand, availability of resources etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1502 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: Under Bridge at Keshod
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Rameshbhai Lavjibhai Dhaduk

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1502 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## UNDER BRIDGE AT KESHOD

†1502.    SHRI RAMESHBHAI LAVJIBHAI DHADUK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :

- (a)  the  steps  taken  till  date  to  construct  an  under-bridge  at  Keshod, Gujarat  between  Railway  137/14  and  137/15  kms.  as  the  common  man has to face serious problems of traffic on daily basis;
- (b)  the  steps  taken  to  ensure  diversion  of  vehicles  like  cars  and  bikes beside the crossing no. 61 on the Navagadh-Jaitalser railway line under the Porbandar Parliamentary Constituency; and
- (c) the steps taken to construct a railway overbridge near Vishal Vatika on the road from Sardar Chauk, Junagadh Road to NH Tatkal Chaukari?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) Road Over Bridge (ROB)/ Road Under Bridge (RUB) are being provided in lieu of level crossings (LCs).  There is no LC at km 137/14 & 137/15 in Keshod. Further no proposal has been received from the State Government for construction of under bridge on deposit terms basis.

(b) Road Over Bridge (ROB) has been sanctioned in lieu of LC No. 61.  ROB work will start after completion of diversion work, which is in progress.

- (c) There is no LC at this location.  Further no proposal has been received from  the  State  Government  for  construction  of  over  bridge  on  deposit terms basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1501 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: New Rajdhani for North-Eastern Region
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Abdul Khaleque

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1501 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2019

## NEW RAJDHANI FOR NORTH-EASTERN REGION

1501.  SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry of Railways would consider to give the fourth Rajdhani Express for the region with eight States, to ease the pressure of travellers from North East;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the assessment made by the Ministry on the number of passengers to North East;

(c) whether the Government is considering a new Rajdhani route from Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh to New Delhi along the northern bank of Brahmaputra with stoppage at Patsala; and

(d) if so, the details in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)  The demand pattern on Indian Railways is not uniform throughout the year and it varies during the peak and lean seasons. The demand for  reserved  accommodation  surges  especially  during  the  peak season like during festival season and vacations. On such occasions, various measures like running of special trains, enhancement of the composition of more popular trains, attachment of extra coaches in the  existing  trains,  are  undertaken  factoring  the  pattern  of  traffic, commercial justification and operational feasibility. At present, four pairs of Rajdhani Express services namely 20503/20504 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express, 20505/20506 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express, 20501/20502 Anand Vihar (T)-Agartala Rajdhani Express and 12423/12424 New Delhi-Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express are adequately catering to the needs of passengers of North East region. However,  introduction  of  trains  over  Indian  Railways  on  various sectors is a continuous process and an ongoing process subject to operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

(b) Regular  analysis and  periodic reviews  on  quota  utilization, occupancy and patronage of trains, including the trains to and from the North Eastern region is undertaken by Indian Railways. However, state-wise assessments are not done since the operations of Indian Railways spread across different regions. During Financial Year 201819,  110.32  million  passengers  were  booked  on  North  East  Frontier Railway which primarily serves the North East region.

(c)  &  (d)  At  present,  there  is  no  such  proposal.  However, presently, one  pair  of  train  services  viz.  22411/22412  Naharlagun  -  Anand Vihar(T) Express (Bi-weekly) is serving the Naharlagun-Delhi sector. Besides, passengers of Pathsala can avail the services of two pairs of Delhi bound Rajdhani Express from Rangiya station.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1500 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-27
Subject: 5G Spectrum Base Price
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1500 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH   NOVEMBER, 2019

## 5G SPECTRUM BASE PRICE

## 1500. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the industry concerns about high 5G spectrum base price;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along with the comparison of base price of 5G spectrum with other countries;
- (c) the value of unsold spectrum since 2010;
- (d) whether the Government is planning to reduce the base-price for 5G spectrum;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the quantum of spectrum available for auction in the country as well as its comparison with other developed economies; and
- (f) whether the telecom industry has expressed concerns regarding the quantum of spectrum and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Yes, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Broadband India Forum (BIF) have written to Government about high spectrum  auction  prices.  The  prices  recommended  by  the  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India (TRAI) vide its recommendation dated 01.08.2018 on auction of spectrum have been reaffirmed in their response dated 08.07.2019 to DoT's reference back.

- (c) The value of unsold spectrum as on date as per valuation by TRAI in its recommendations on Auction  of  Spectrum  in  700  MHz,  800MHz,  900  MHz,  1800  MHz,  2100  MHz,  2300  MHz,  2500 MHz, 3300-3400 MHz, 3400-3600MHz Bands dated 01.08.2018 is Rs. 4.9 lakh crores.
- (d) No, Sir.

- (e) Spectrum available for 5G auction is given below:
- (i) 3300 to 3400 MHz
- (ii) 3425 to 3600 MHz

In other developed country, the following spectrum, among others, are likely to be used for 5G services:

- (i) 3300 to 3400 MHz
- (ii) 3400 to 3600 MHz
- (iii) 3600 to 3700 MHz
- (iv) 4800 to 4990 MHz

(f) Broadband India Forum (BIF) have, in their representation to the Government, stated that the quantum of 5G spectrum that has been allocated for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction is not enough for a country of India's size and density.

In DoT's view, the present available spectrum is enough to start the 5G services.

************