opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1632 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Lack of Accountability/Transparency in CPWD Works
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Gajanan Chandrakant Kirtikar, C.N. Annadurai, Dhanush M Kumar, Ganesan Selvam, Gautham Sigamani Pon

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1632 TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 29, 2021

## LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITYITRANSPARENCY IN CPWD WORKS

No. 1632. SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR:

SHRI CN. ANNADURAI:

SHRI DHANUSH M: KUMAR:

SHRI SELVAM G:

SHRI GAUTHAM SIGAMANI PON:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Central Public Works lacks
- accountability and transparency in its work and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the CPWD generally fails to complete projects on the scheduled time and if SO, the reasons therefor;
- whether the Government is likely to involve private participation in CPWD projects and if SO, the details thereof;
- the other taken the to improve the
- (e) whether a large number of cases involving irregularities in CPWD
- (d) steps by Government functioning of CPWD;
- have been reported and if so, the details thereof; and
- whether the Governmentlvigilance unit of CPWD has conducted any probelreview of the works carried out by CPWD during the last three  years and the current year and the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE)

- (a) to (d): Central Public Works Department (CPWD) maintains utmost accountability and transparency in all aspects of its working: There is no general failure on the part of CPWD in completion of projects in scheduled time, which may however get rescheduled due to various factors such as release of funds by owner organisations, changes in scope of work, statutory Iocal clearances, natural calamities etcPrivate participation exists in CPWD projects as works are awarded to private agencies through transparent bidding process: A number of steps have been taken by the Government to improve the functioning of CPWD which include organizational restructuring; systemic improvement in manual provisions and procedures,  implementation of technology based platforms e-procurement, e-sewa, project management etc.
- (e) & (f): A total of 74 complaints have been received in Vigilance Unit of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) during the current year. Appropriate and robust mechanisms exist in the department for continuous review of all the works through Web Based Project Monitoring System (WBPMS) as also regular review by officers at field level and centrally by senior officers- Further, the Vigilance unit of CPWD has carried out 19 number of inspections in the last three years (2018-20) and the current year:

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1630 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Swachh Survekshan 2020
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Bharatiben Dhirubhai Shyal, Arvind Kumar Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1630

## BE ANSWERED ON JULY 29, 2021 SWACHH SURVEKSHAN 2020

NO. 1630. DR. BHARATIBEN DHIRUBHAI SHIYAL :

DR\_ ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA

Will the Minister of State for HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to support those urban Iocal bodies and address their   problem of uncleanliness which   lags behind in Swachh Survekshan, 2020 and if SO, the details thereof; and
- b) the details of efforts made or proposed to be made in this regard and outcomes achieved?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE)

- (a) and (b) A cleanliness survey called Swachh Survekshan (SS) is carried out annually to inculcate healthy competitive spirit amongst Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Statesl Union Territory Administrations by ranking them on the basis of their population: The performance of the StatesIULBs are reviewed   regularly and those which could not perform well are guided through regular interaction with the officials, field  visits, assisting them in preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPRs) along with releasing Central Assistance under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U):

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1629 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Accident Relief Service Scheme
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, Dileshwar Kamait, Rajendra Dhedya  Gavit

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposals  from  the States/Union  Territories  for  providing  cranes  and  ambulances under National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme (NHARSS) during the last three years and the current year;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with action taken by the Government thereon;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  trauma  nursing care mobile vehicles/two-wheeler service namely 'First Respond' for providing emergency medical treatment to the victims of road accidents across the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the said services are likely to be provided?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  &  (b)      The  Scheme  was  to  provide  the  Cashless  Insurance  and support for ambulances  and  cranes. After the passage  of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, the Cashless Insurance has become a mandatory  provision  under  the  law. The  scheme  related  to National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme (NHARSS) has been discontinued beyond 31 st  March, 2017.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1629 ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JULY, 2021

## ACCIDENT RELIEF SERVICE SCHEME

1629. SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO:

SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT: SHRI RAJENDRA DHEDYA GAVIT:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

(c)  & (d)    As of now no such proposal is under consideration with the Ministry.  Nonetheless,  as  a  part    of  incident  management  under operation and maintenance of the NH stretches, assistance   in case of emergency/accident on National Highways is extended through ambulances so that victim can be transported to the nearest appropriate hospital/medical facility run by State Govt./Private Entities.   NHAI  has  recently    signed  contract  agreements  for  supply, operation  and  maintenance  of  126    AIS-125  compliant  Basic  Life Support ambulances across NHs in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1627 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Piped Water Connections in Maharashtra
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Vinayak Bhaurao Raut

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1627

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2021

## PIPED WATER CONNECTIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

1627. SHRI VINAYAK RAUT: Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a) the target set for piped water connection to be provided in Maharashtra; (b) the time by which the target is going to be achieved; and

- (c) the achievement made so far?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI  PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (c) As  on  15 th August,  2019,    at  the  time  of  launch  of  Jal  Jeevan  Mission,  in Maharashtra, out of 142.36 lakh rural households, 48.44 lakh households (34%) had piped water connections.  Since  then,  43.63  lakh  households  (30.65%)  have  been  provided  tap  water connections, thus increasing the tap water  supply  to 92.07  lakh households  (64.67%). Remaining 50.329 lakhs rural households are planned to be provided with tap water connection by 2024.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1626 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: National Urban Digital Mission
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Sanjay Sadashivrao Mandlik, Shrirang Appa Barne, Prataprao  Jadhav, Subrata Pathak, Sudheer Gupta, Ravindra Kushawaha, Ravi Kishan Shukla

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1622 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Security Implications of the Civil Use of Drone
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Talari Rangaiah, T.R.V.S. Ramesh, Reddeppa Nallakonda Gari, Beesetti  Venkata Satyavathi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1622 (To be answered on the July 2021) 29th

## SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF THE CIVIL USE OF DRONE

1622.

SHRI TALARI RANGAIAH

SHRI TRVS. RAMESH

SHRI N. REDDEPPA

DR BEESETTT VENKATA SATYAVATHI

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether the Ministry has identified any security implications of the civil use of drones which are less than 250 grams without any permit and if the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Ministry intends to review the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021 and if the details thereof? So,

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

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

- (a) & (b) In order to counter the threat of drones in the country, necessary Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued on 10 May 2019 by Ministry of Home Affairs, which include measures to be taken by the Central and the State Governments, in consultation with security agencies:

Keeping in view the growth potential as well as security implications 0f drones (including nano drones that have an all-Up weight equal to or less than 250 grams), the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rules, 2021 were published in the Gazette of India on 12 March 2021.

The rules are proposed to be reformed further: Accordingly, the draft Drone Rules, 2021 have been published in the Gazette of India On 15 July 2021 for The last date for submission of public comments is 05 August 2021.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1620 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Drones for Vaccines
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Basanta Kumar Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1620 (To be answered on the July 2021) 29th

## DRONES FOR VACCINES

## 1620. SHRI BASANTA KUMAR PANDA

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of steps being taken by the Government in supplying vaccines to inaccessible and remote areas of the country including Odisha for protection from Corona;
- (b) whether the Government is using unmanned aircraft; drone etc. for supplying vaccines; and

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

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

- (a) During the period 12 Jan 2021 to 22 July 2021, approximately 42.2 crore doses have been transported: Out of these approximately 35.8 crore doses have been handled at domestic airports and approximately 6.4 crore doses have been dispatched to international destinations. Approximately 1.2 crore doses have been transported to Bhubaneswar airport during the period 12 Jan 2021 to 22 July 2021.
- (b) & (c) Conditional exemption from Unamnned Aircraft Rules (UAS) Rules, 2021 has been granted to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur; Government of Telanagana and Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) of Government of Meghalaya for conducting experimental drone flights for delivery of vaccines and healthcare items:

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1618 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Expenditure on Central Vista Project
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Anto  Antony, K. Muraleedharan, Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, Amar Singh, Pradyut Bordoloi, Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1618 ANSWERED ON JULY 29, 2021

## EXPENDITURE ON CENTRAL VISTA PROJECT

NO.1618. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

SHRI K MURALEEDHARAN:

SHRI KUMBAKUDI SUDHAKARAN:

DR. AMAR SINGH:

SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total estimated cost of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and the number of years this is estimated to be spread over;
- (b) the details and costs incurred on the said project, as on date;
- the estimated costs to be incurred on the project for the financial
- (c) 2021-22; and year
- (d) the estimated costs of demolishing existing structures as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, both in total and per structure proposed to be demolished ?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE)

- (a) Under the Central Vista Redevelopmentl Development Master Plan; only 2 projects viz- construction of New Parliament Building and Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue are being implemented; as on date. The details are as under:
- Construction of New Parliament Building at an estimated cost of crore is being undertaken and is targeted to be completed by October, 2022.
- Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue at an estimated cost of ? 608 crore is being undertaken and is targeted to be completed by November, 2021.
- (b) Till date, the expenditure incurred on these 2 projects are crore for New Parliament Building and 3 63 crore for Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue:
- (c) The estimated costs to be incurred on these projects for the
- financial year 2021-22 is ? 1,289 crore:
- (d) The estimated cost of demolition of existing structures has not been worked out separately.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1615 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Vehicle Scrappage Policy
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Sougata Ray

## be pleased to state:

- (a)     the  extent  to  which  the  new  policy  to  scrap  the  vehicles  older than fifteen years is likely to help the industry;
- (b)    whether the said policy is likely to generate more employment in the sector; and
- (c)    if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  The  scrapping  policy,  with  a  gamut  of  incentives/  dis-incentives  is designed  for  creation  of  an  ecosystem  to  phase  out  old  and  unfit polluting  vehicles.  It  is  likely  to  lead  to  higher  growth  in  the  auto  and ancillary industries. It would also ensure availability of rare-earth metals, as also raw materials for steel industry, etc.
- (b)  and  (c)  The  policy  is  likely  to  generate  more  employment  with development  of  the  scrapping  ecosystem,   and  higher  growth  in  the automotive sector .

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1615 ANSWERED ON 29 TH  JULY, 2021

## VEHICLE SCRAPPAGE POLICY

1615.  PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 1613 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-29
Subject: Global Level Market for MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Sanjay Bhatia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1613 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2021

## Global level market for MSMEs

## †1613. SHRI SANJAY BHATIA:

Will  the  Minister  of  MICRO,  SMALL  AND  MEDIUM  ENTERPRISES  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  helping  small  traders  to become self reliant and establish themselves in global market;
- (b) whether a reputed panel of experts is proposed to be formed which will consider how to reach out to customers across the world; and
- (c) whether  steps  have  been  taken  by  the  Government  for  MSMEs  to  expand  their business at global level and to serve international customers and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI NARAYAN RANE)

(a) : Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  (MSME)  through  its  MSMEDevelopment  Institutes  (DI)  situated  in  all  States,  facilitates  MSMEs  to  export  from Domestic  Tariff  Area  (DTA)  and  Special  Economic  Zone  (SEZ).  For  this  purpose,  52 Export Facilitation Cells (EFC) have been established to provide hand-holding support to MSMEs as well as creating linkages with Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, etc.    Further,  Government  has  recently  included  retail  and  wholesale  trades  under  the MSME category making them eligible for Priority Sector Lending (PSL).

(b) & (c): To  support  MSMEs  reach  out  to  customers  across  the  world,  Ministry  is implementing  International  Cooperation  Scheme  (ICS)  facilitating  participation  of  the MSMEs in International Exhibitions, Trade Fairs, Buyer-seller meets etc.  Further, various other  schemes  are  being  implemented  by  the  Ministry  to  help  MSMEs  expand  their business  in  the  global  market  by  providing  them  assistance  for  technology  upgradation, skill development, quality certification etc.  Besides, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is implementing schemes like Niryat Bandhu Scheme (NBS) for mentoring new and potential entrepreneurs about the intricacies of foreign trade and Interest Equalization Scheme  (IES)  to  provide  cheaper  source  of  rupee  credit  for  pre-shipment  and  postshipment activities,  wherein all tariff lines are covered for MSMEs with 5% subvention rates.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 138 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: TRIPS Waiver
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Asaduddin Owaisi, Imtiaz Jaleel Syed

## MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 138

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th JULY, 2021

## TRIPS WAIVER

## *138.   SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI: SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL:

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

- (a) whether with an aim to enhance vaccine production for corona, India and other developing countries  have  sought  Trade-Related  Aspects  of  Intellectual  Property  Rights  (TRIPS) waiver on covid related technology, raw material and component;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether World Trade Organization (WTO) has also supported this demand of developing countries and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether recently Prime Minister also addressed G-7 nations and sought support in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the present position on TRIPS waiver?

## ANSWER

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

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

*****

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  to  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 138  FOR ANSWER ON 28 th JULY,  2021    REGARDING 'TRIPS WAIVER'.

(a) & (b): On 2nd October, 2020, India and South Africa submitted a proposal for waiver from certain  provisions  of  the  Trade-Related  Aspects  of  Intellectual  Property  Rights  (TRIPS) Agreement  for  the  prevention,  treatment  and  containment  of  COVID-19  to  the  World  Trad e Organisation  (WTO)  TRIPS  Council.  The  proposal  seeks  temporary  waiver  from  certain provisions of TRIPS Agreement related to patents, copyrights, industrial designs and trade secrets, so far as they pose barriers to accessing COVID-19 medical products and technologies.

(c): Pursuant to the submission of the waiver proposal at the WTO, a total of 63 members have joined as co-sponsors of the proposal.  Many other countries have indicated support.

(d) & (e): During the recent meeting of G-7 nations, Prime Minister had sought their support for the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID related medical products and technologies submitted at the WTO by India  and  South Africa. At  present,  the  text  based  discussion  on  the  TRIPS  waiver proposal is underway at the WTO.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 136 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Covid-19 Drug
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Gurjeet Singh Aujla

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.136

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  July, 2021

## COVID-19 DRUG

## *136. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

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

- (a) whether the indigenously developed Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-Glucose (also known as 2-DG) has been priced at Rs. 950/- per sachet;
- (b) if so, the reasons for not pricing the drug by the DRDO Lab at affordable price;
- (c) the arrangements of marketing of 2-DG drug through Dr. Reddy's Laboratories;
- (d) whether Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is being paid commission in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                    (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH)

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

*****

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  136  FOR ANSWER  ON  28.07.2021 REGARDING 'COVID-19 DRUG'.

(a) to (e):  The actual price fixed by Dr. Reddy lab is Rs.990/- per sachet. DRDO developed the technology along with Dr. Reddy's Laboratory, Hyderabad. The pricing is solely decided by Dr. Reddy Lab. DRDO will get 2% royalty on the sale of 2-DG in Indian market as per Transfer of Technology agreement.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 135 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Reservation of Seats through Biometric Machines
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: (Dr.) Ram Shankar Katheria

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 135

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## RESERVATION OF SEATS THROUGH BIOMETRIC MACHINES

## †*135. DR. RAM SHANKAR KATHERIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  formulated  a  scheme  to  reserve  seats through biometric machines installed outside general coaches;
- (b)   if  so,  the trains wherein such arrangement has been implemented and the trains wherein such arrangement is proposed to be made;
- (c)   the trains originating from Etawah wherein such arrangement has been made; and
- (d)   in  case  such  arrangement  has  not  been  made  so  far  in  the  trains originating from Etawah, the reasons therefor and the time by which it is likely to be made?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 135 BY DR. RAM SHANKAR KATHERIA TO BE ANSWERED IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  28.07.2021  REGARDING  RESERVATION  OF  SEATS THROUGH BIOMETRIC MACHINES

(a) to (d): No, Sir. Reservation of seats in general coaches of train is not being done through Bio-metric machines. However, an initiative was taken before  the  onset  of  pandemic  COVID-19  by  Railway  Protection  Force  at some  originating  stations  to  use  Biometric  Token  Machines  for  the purpose of better queue management as a pilot project for the passengers boarding general coaches of selected long distance trains.  The work on pilot project has halted post restoration of train services with effect from May  2020  as  all  seats/berths  including  seats  in  general  coaches  are treated as reserved seats and are booked through Passenger Reservation System  accessed  by  public  through  Reservation  Counters  and  IRCTC Portal. Since unreserved passengers are not being permitted to travel at present, queue formation to get seats in unreserved coaches on first come first serve basis is no longer required.

*****