opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1354 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: New Plants with Advanced Technology
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Upendra Singh Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1354 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 09.02.2021

## New Plants with Advanced Technology

## 1354. SHRI UPENDRA SINGH RAWAT

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal for   establishing new Ureal Fertilizer units using Advanced Technology in the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not; the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether this proposal will help to ensure rejuvenation of the fertilizer sector and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILZERS.

(D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a) to (b): No Sir, Government of India has no such proposal for establishing new Ureal Fertilizer units in the country including in Uttar Pradesh:

However, Government  of India has decided to revive five closed fertilizer plants of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd\_ (HFCL) namely Talcher, Ramagundam\_ Gorakhpur and Sindri plants of FCIL and Barauni plant of HFCL by setting up new Urea Ammonia plants of 12.7 Lakh metric tonne per annum capacity each, in the following states:

| SI No.   | Name of Fertilizer plant                | Name of location & State where plant is located   |
|----------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
|          | Talcher Fertilizers Ltd_                | Talcher, Odisha                                   |
| 2        | Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd, | Ramagundam, Telangana                             |
| 3        | Hindustan Urvarak&Rasayan Ltd_          | Gorakhpur; Uttar Pradesh                          |
| 4        | Hindustan Urvarak&Rasayan Ltd.          | Sindri, Jharkhand                                 |
| 5        | Hindustan Urvarak&Rasayan Ltd.          | Barauni, Bihar                                    |

In addition to above, the its meeting held on 21.05.2015 has decided to install a new urea plant of 8.648 LMTPA in the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited (BVFCL) , which will subsequently replace the existing urea plants Namrup-II (capacity 2.20 LMTPA) and Namrup-III (capacity 2.70 LMTPA)

(c): Not Applicable.

- (d): These  projects upon implementation/ operationalization will bridge the gap between demand and supply of urea in the country, and rejuvenate the fertilizer sector. will
Lok Sabha Question No. 1352 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Growth of FPI
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan

## GOVERNMENTOF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1352

ANSWERED ON 09 TH  FEBRUARY, 2021

## GROWTH OF FPI

## 1352.  SHRI DEVUSINH JESINGHBHAI CHAUHAN:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Food Processing Industries (FPIs) has witnessed a steady growth in the country in recent years and it has the potential to grow further in the coming years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  existing  food  testing  laboratories  are  sufficient  to  meet  the  growing requirement of the sector and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  existing  standards  of  food  technology  in  FPI  are  adequate  to  meet  the standards  imposed  by  the  European  and  other  developed  countries  in  respect  of imported food items from the developing countries; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the corrective measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a): As per the latest estimates of the National Accounts Statistics (2020), the gross value addition for the food processing sector from 2016-17 to 2018-19 is given below:

| Year                                        |   2016-17 |   2017-18 |   2018-19 |
|---------------------------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Food Processing Industries (Rs. Lakh Crore) |      1.79 |      1.91 |      2.08 |
| Growth rate (%)                             |     11.18 |      6.7  |      8.9  |

(b)  to  (d):  More  than  700  food  testing  labs  accredited  by  National  Accreditation  Board  for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) with varying degree of competencies in terms of products and types of tests conducted, operate across the country.  As per an evaluation study conducted by Yes Bank Ltd sponsored by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), it has been estimated that there is requirement of additional 360 no of labs in the country.

The existing technology standards in Food Processing Industry are in line with most of the international standards, including the European Union (EU) standards.

Under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure scheme component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), Ministry provides financial assistance for setting-up of new food testing laboratories and up-gradation of the existing food testing laboratories equipped with high end equipment(s) as par with the international standards. A total 54 Food Testing Labs (FTLs) projects has been assisted so far under PMKSY scheme.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1351 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Construction of Wall along Border
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Harish Dwivedi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1351

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09 TH  FEBRUARY, 2021/ MAGHA 20, 1942 (SAKA)

CONSTRUCTION OF WALL ALONG BORDER

†1351. SHRI HARISH DWIVEDI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Union  Government  proposes  to  erect  impenetrable  wall instead of barbed wires on Indo- Pak border;

(b) if so, the estimated expenditure on this entire project;

(c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  further  strengthen  the  border adjoining Bangladesh in view of the ongoing smuggling cases; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) & (b): No such proposal is under consideration.

(c) & (d): The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach which inter-alia  includes  round  the  clock  surveillance  and  patrolling  on  the borders  and  establishment  of  observation  posts;  construction  of  border fencing  &  floodlighting;  introduction  of  modern  and  Hi-Tech  surveillance equipments; upgradation of intelligence setup and enhanced coordination with  the  State  Governments  and  concerned  intelligence  agencies  to prevent infiltration, smuggling and other illegal activities from across the border.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1348 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Land Records
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu

## 1348 SHRI T.R.BAALU:

Willthc Miister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be plcascd to state:

(al the cffOr■ made by the Govemmcnt for pЮ 宙ding crror-free, tamper- proof and effortless acccssiblc land rccords which ha17c bccn thc pЮ longcd govcmance challengc h thc country;and

(b)the stcps taken by the Govenlment to flnd asolution for computeHzation ofland records whch has bccn dragging on for dccadcs due to systc⾯ c lack ofcapacity,will and rcsources and land bcing a State su●eCt?

## ANSWER

## GOVERNNIENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LAND RESOURCES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUEST10N No.1348 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9。2.2021

## Land Records

## MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRINARENDRA SNGH TOMAR)

(o  Digital lnditt Land Rccords Modemization Prograrc(DILRMP),thC Crstwhilc National Land Rccords Modemization Prograrnmc was launched in 2008-09 by thc Govemlnent of india to digitizc and modenuze land rccords and dcvclop a transparcnt and integratcd Land lnfo.l.lation Management System(ILIMS)whiCh Willレ ″rα′ ra provide error- frec,transparcnt and tampe⼘ proofland r∝ords and their hassle- free online access to the land owncrs as wcll as delivcry ofthc copics ofrecords ofHghts at their door step ttugh kioskS,m a time bound mallmer,Mthout mteface￢ ith the revenuc ofrlcials. Citizcn Charters have bccn prcparcd by lnany Statcs to cnsurc timc bound dclivery ofscMccs.

Many States arc issuing Rccord of Rights(RoRs)thrOugh Kiosk/Common Scrvicc Ccntrc at To- illagc level or have madc possible taking of printouts of the RoRs from the State's website anytilnc as rccords have bcen placcd on thc S● げs websitc.

lb) The subieCt Of`Land'and its management falis within the legislat市 c and admiistrat市e jwisdicion ofthe resFt市 e States as pro宙 ded under Entry Numbcrs 18 and 45 of List H(State List)of thc Sevcnth Schcdule to the Constitution.The Central Govcrrlment,ぬ Юugh DILRMP,a Central Sector Schcme,is pro宙 ding flnancial assistancc to thc statcs,′ ″ g ″α lia,for(i)Computerization of Land Records(il)COmputerlzation of Registration and its integration宙 th land r∝ ords(⾯ )Training& Capacity BuildingCrcation of DILRMP Cells and training of Revenuc ofFlcials etc.(市 )Modem Record Room for secure ttorage ofinfomation and delivery ofservi∝ s(o State bvel Data CentrctO maintan data repository and backup(vi)PtteCt Management Unitto pЮvidc hman resources and other i… ■ Ш にetC tO provide support for thc cffcctivc implcmcntation of vanous componcnts of DILRMP.Rcgular rcview of thc progress is monitorcd through Rcgional Rc宙 ew Mcctings,Vidco Conferences,Central Management lnfoll..ation System(MIS)and ViSit of senior ofFlcers ctc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1347 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Gap in the Demand and Production of Chemicals
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1347 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2021

## Gap in the Demand and Production of Chemicals

## 1347:   SHRI PATEL HASMUKHBHAI SOMABHAI:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether there is a huge time gap between demand and actual production or excess production of basic chemicals like Caustic Soda, soda ash, Sulfuric Acid, Sulfur etc in the country ;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the quantum of demand and excess production of the above chemicals during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 along with the estimated quantum of demand and supply for the current year, State-wise ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  FOR  CHEMICALS  AND  FERTILIZERS  (SHRI  D.  V.  SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a)  to  (c)        Many  basic  chemicals  are  produced  in  the  country.  D/o  Chemicals  & Petrochemicals monitors major basic chemicals such as caustic soda and soda ash. For caustic  soda,  adequate  domestic  installed  capacity  is  available  and  demand  is  met mostly through domestic production. For soda ash, there is adequate domestic installed capacity. However, there is some gap between demand and actual production of soda ash.

The quantum of installed capacity, demand and production of caustic soda and soda ash during the year 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21(estimated) is as under:

(Value in MT)

| Product      |                    |   2018-19 |   2019-20 |   2020-21 (Estimated) |
|--------------|--------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------------------|
| Caustic Soda | Demand             |   2961454 |   3258788 |               3376000 |
| Caustic Soda | Production         |   2925352 |   3136937 |               3256000 |
| Caustic Soda | Installed capacity |   3397340 |   3700340 |               4544000 |
| Soda Ash     | Demand             |   3826321 |   3779386 |               3875000 |
| Soda Ash     | Production         |   3048187 |   3069431 |               3125000 |
| Soda Ash     | Installed capacity |   3489000 |   3614000 |               4240000 |

Sulfuric Acid and Sulfur installed capacity, demand and production are not monitored in the Department.  Import and Export of Sulfuric Acid & Sulfur is as under:

|               | Export Quantity (MT)   | Export Quantity (MT)   | Import Quantity (MT)   | Import Quantity (MT)   |
|---------------|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|
|               | 2018-19                | 2019-20                | 2018-19                | 2019-20                |
| Sulfuric Acid | 124740                 | 51383                  | 1477940                | 1986614                |
| Sulfur        | 477583                 | 798307                 | 1316724                | 1194887                |

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1346 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Procurement of Wheat and Rice
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Behanan Benny

## GOVERNMENT  OF INDIA MIN|STRY  OF CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. {346 TO BE ANSWERED  ON  grh  February,  2O2{

## PROGUREMENT  OF WHEAT AND RIGE

## {346. SHRI BENN'T BEHANAN:

Will  the  Minister of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS' FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION Sctfrdl  qra-i,  crfi  sit{ Trd-da-6,  futr{or d+ be pleased  to state:

- (a) the quantum of procurement  undertaken  in wheat and rice in the year 2O2O' 2l along with the quantum of procurement  compared to the previous yearl
- (b) whether the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime has helped in procuring the quantum and ensuring food security in the country;  and
- (c) if so, the details thereoflf ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUilER AFFAIRS' FOOD & PUBLIG DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)

## (a):  The quantum of wheat and rice procured during 2Ol9'2O and 2O2O'2{ is as unden

(Fis.  in LMT)

| KMS/RMS   | Rice    |   Wheat |
|-----------|---------|---------|
| 2019-20   | 5{9.97  |  341.32 |
| 2020.2',1 | 405.32* |  389.92 |

(b) and (c): Procurement of wheat and paddy under Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations iis on increasing trend which indicates that the MSP regime is helpful and instrumental in ensuring food security in the country'

The procurement of wheat and paddy for the last three years and current  year is as unden

| Year    | Wheat   | Paddy   |
|---------|---------|---------|
| 201744  | 30a.24  | 568.54  |
| 20{E-{9 | 3s7.95  | 660.11  |
| 2019-20 | 341.32  | 773,45  |
| 2020-21 | 389,92  | 604.03# |

(Fis. in LMT)
Lok Sabha Question No. 1345 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Crossborder Infiltration
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Haji Fazlur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1345

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09 TH  FEBRUARY, 2021/ MAGHA 20, 1942 (SAKA)

CROSSBORDER INFILTRATION

†1345. SHRI HAJI FAZLUR REHMAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has information regarding intrusion from other countries that is taking place in the country;

(b) if so, the number of such cases reported during the last two years and the current year, border-wise and country-wise;

(c)  the  details  of  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  in  such  cases  of intrusion; and

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to avoid any intrusion in future?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a): India's land borders are characterized by deserts, mountains, forests and  riverine  terrain.  Vigilant  Border  Guarding  Forces  prevent  efforts  by infiltrators to exploit the vulnerable patches.

(b):   The number of cases of infiltration border-wise, reported during the last 2 years and current year are as under:-

## L.S.US.Q.NO.1345 FOR 09.02.2021

|   S. No. | Border          | No. of cases of Infiltration   |
|----------|-----------------|--------------------------------|
|        1 | Indo-Pakistan   | 61                             |
|        2 | Indo-Bangladesh | 1045                           |
|        3 | Indo-Nepal      | 63                             |
|        4 | Indo-Bhutan     | Nil                            |
|        5 | Indo-Myanmar    | Nil                            |
|        6 | Indo-China      | Nil                            |

(c): Infiltrators apprehended by the Border Guarding Forces were handed over to the concerned State Police.

(d): Government of India has adopted a multi-pronged approach to stop cross-border intrusions and secure our territories, which inter-alia includes deployment  of  Border  Guarding  Forces  along  the  International  Borders, effective  domination  of  the  borders  by  patrolling,  laying  Nakas,  manning observation posts along the borders, vulnerability mapping of Border Out Posts  (BOPs),  deployment  of  surveillance  equipment,  strengthening  of intelligence  network,  erection  of  border  fencing  &  floodlighting  and deployment  of  technological  solutions  in  non-feasible  areas  like  riverine gaps, etc.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1343 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Wastage of Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Ajay Kumar Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIG DISTRIBUTION DEPAR]IMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED OUESTION NO. 1343 TO BE ANSWERED  ON  gth  February, 2O2{

## WASTAGE OF FOODGRAINS

## t{343.  SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the llllinister of  GONSUMER  AFFAIRS' FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION  5qs{t{dl arri, era-l dlc w+{A-fi Fftr{q t'*  be pteased to state:

- (a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the fact that a large amount foodgrains get wasted due to lack of sufficient storage facility  of foodgrains  in the country every  year;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details in terms of their excess foodgrains  storage capacity  in Bhagalpur  district and the State of Bihar?

ANSWER MINTSTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF GONSUMER AFFAIRS,  FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(sHRl DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)

- (a) & (b): No damage of Gentral Poot Foodgrains (wheat & rice) stored in godowns can be directly attributed  to lack of storage  facility.

As on 31.{2.2O2O, storage capacity  available with Food Gorporation of India (FCl) and State agencies  for storage of central pool foodgrain stock is 8{9.{9 Lakh MT (Govered-  669.{0 LMT and CAP -15O.O9  LMT) against the stock holding of 529.59 Lakh MT.

- (c):  As on 3{.'i2,2O2O, storage capacity available with FGI and state agencies for storage of central  pool foodgrain stock is {5.23 Lakh MT (Govered- 14.23 LMT and GAP- {.OO LMT) in the State of Bihar, including a capacity of o.4o LMT for monthly allocations ot o.14 LMT under National Food Security Act flFSA)/Other  Welfare Schemes  (OWS) in Bhagalpur revenue distract.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1341 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Silos for Storage of Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Jasbir Singh Gill

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED OUESTION NO. {34{ TO BE ANSWERED  ON 9th February' 2O21

## SILOS FOR STORAGE  OF FOODGRAINS

## {341. SHRI JASBIR SINGH GILL:

Witt the Minister of  GOI{SUMER  AFFAIRS' FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTR|BUTION  5c!rI+-ar rrri,  ul{\_a aik srffi+ futrwr  d+ be pteased to state:

- (a)  the number of silos taken on rent/lease/agreement  to store food grains by Food Gorporation  of lndia; and
- (b)  the total capacity of each silos and their tocation, district-wise  and State-wise?

ANSWER ilill{tsTER  OF STATE  FOR MINISTRY OF GONSUIIIER'AFFAIRS,  FOOD & PUBLIG DISTRIBUTIOI{

(SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)

(a) & (b):  Food Gorporation of lndia (FGl) has taken {{ silos with Gapacity o, 7.75 LMT on rent/lease/agreement to store foodgrains.  The details of ailos taken on rent/lease/agreement and their tocationr district'wise  and state-wlse is Annexed.

ANNEXURE REFERRED To lN REPLY To PART (a) & (b) oF THE UNSTARRED OUESTTON NO.l34I FOR ANSWER ON O9.O2.2O2I IN THE LOK SABHA.

## Silos taken on Rent/Lea reement to store food  qrains bv Food CorDoration  of India

| Sr, No.   | State       | District    | Gapacity in MTs          |
|-----------|-------------|-------------|--------------------------|
| I         | Punjab      | Moga        | 2,OO,OOO                 |
| 2         | Tamiln:tdu  | Chennai     | 25,OOO                   |
| 3         | Tamilnadu   | Coimbatore  | 25,OOO                   |
| 4         | Karnat:rka  | Bangalore   | 25,OOO                   |
| 5         | Haryana     | Kurukshetra | 2,0o,o00                 |
| 6         | Maharashtra | Raigad      | 5O,00o                   |
| 7         | West Bengal | Hoogly      | 25,OOO ly not in seryice |
| 8         | Punjab      | Faridkot    | 25,0OO                   |
| I         | Puniab      | Sangru r    | 5O,OOO                   |
| 10        | Puniab      | Patiala     | 50,OOO                   |
| 11        | Punjab      | Sangrur     | 1rOO,O00                 |
|           |             | Total       | 7,75,000                 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-09
Subject: Sale of Pharma PSUs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: S.R. Parthiban, Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1340 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09 th  February, 2021

## Sale of Pharma PSUs

## 1340.   SHRI PARTHIBAN S.R.:

## DR. T. SUMATHY (a) THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps for the sale of pharma PSUs including the large tract of commercial lands belonging to Pharma PSUs in the country like the IDPL located at Nandambakkam, Chennai;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the effective steps taken/being taken by the Government to protect the interests of workers of such Government Pharma companies?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI D. V. SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a), (b) & (c): The Department of Pharmaceuticals has five Public Sector Undertakings. Out of the five PSUs, Government has taken a decision to close two Pharma PSUs, namely Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) and Rajasthan Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (RDPL) and strategically disinvest the other three, viz., Hindustan Antibiotics Limited (HAL) &  Bengal Chemicals &  Pharmaceuticals Limited (BCPL), Karnataka Antibiotics  & Pharmaceutical Limited (KAPL).  Government has offered voluntary retirement benefits to all employees of IDPL and RDPL.

As regards land belonging to IDPL at Nandambakkam, which is a subsidiary of IDPL, the land is leasehold from Government of Tamil Nadu at free of cost. However, the Committee of Ministers constituted on 09.09.2019 will take necessary decisions pertaining to closure/strategic sale of the Pharma Public Sector Undertakings, including the sale of assets and clearance of outstanding liabilities.

*****