opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2723 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Review of RTI Act
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2723

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021)

## REVIEW OF RTI ACT

## 2723. SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plan to review the RTI Act, 2005 specially in view of many cases pending in Hon'ble Supreme Court and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether Government has any plan to make RTI Act more effective and citizen must have right to get their reply without any cost and timely as well as through digital portal and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to allow online submission of RTI application and reply also through mail; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## 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):   Review of the implementation of the provisions of RTI Act, 2005 is an on-going process. There  have  been  constant  efforts  on  part  of  the  Government  to  streamline  and  strengthen  the existing mechanisms for successful and effective implementation of the RTI Act.
- (b) to (d):   There have been constant efforts on part of the Government to further strengthen the existing mechanism for successful and more effective implementation of the RTI Act. As far as RTI  replies  through  digital  portal  are  concerned,  Government  has  already  launched  the  RTI Online portal (https://rtionline.gov.in) w.e.f. 21 st August, 2013, to facilitate online filing of RTI applications and First Appeals in English as well as in Hindi language, alongwith the facility of payment  of  RTI  fees,  by  the  citizens.  Due  to  the  concerted  efforts  by  the  Government,  the number of Public Authorities aligned to this portal have risen to 2427, as on 29.07.2021.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2722 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Attari- Wagah Border Road Trade
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Gurjeet Singh Aujla

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2722

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th AUGUST, 2021 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04

## ATTARI - WAGAH BORDER ROAD TRADE

## 2722.  SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is planning to use Attari-Wagah Border post to allow trade with land locked countries and Europe and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  Attari-Wagah  land  route  has  a  potential  to counter road trade of China with these countries to a great extent and has the capability to flourish the industries of Northern border areas in particular and North India in general in a big way; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (c): An Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, established in April 2012, facilitates land-based international  trade. With  a  view  to  facilitate  an  alternate  and  reliable  access  route to  landlocked countries, in  January 2015, India had announced its decision to allow Afghan trucks to enter the Indian  territory  through  ICP Attari  for  off-loading  and  loading  goods  from  and  to Afghanistan. However,  Pakistan  does  not  allow  transit  through  its  territory  for  Indian  goods  imported  by Afghanistan through ICP Attari. Bilateral trade between India and Pakistan,  including through ICP Attari, remains suspended as a result of unilateral measures taken by Pakistan in August 2019.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2721 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Sudarshan Bhagat, S. Gnanathiraviam, Ravneet Singh, Lallu Singh, Vijay Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.2721 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

## † 2721. SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT:

SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

SHRI LALLU SINGH:

SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR (ALIAS) VIJAY VASANTH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the security situation in Afghanistan has worsened resulting in   evacuation   of   Indian   officials   and   security   forces   from   Indian Embassy and Missions;
- (b) if   so,   the   details   thereof   including  Indian  Projects  in Afghanistan;
- (c) whether the delivery of Visa and consular services have also been discontinued and it is also proposed to close down the mission in the near future;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps being taken to protect the lives of Indian officials and Indians residing in Afghanistan?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) The security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated in the recent past. In view of this, Government remains vigilant and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and ongoing projects. The Embassy of India in Kabul continues to function normally and is providing regular services, including consular and visa. As a security measure in July 2021, India-based personnel from the Consulate of India in Kandahar were temporarily withdrawn. However, the Consulate continues to operate visa and consular services through its local staff. Our Mission in Kabul also continues to extend necessary assistance to Indian nationals   in   Afghanistan.  Security   advisories   for   Indian   nationals   are issued regularly.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2720 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Redevelopment of Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2720 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## REDEVELOPMENT OF RAILWAY STATIONS

†2720. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any meeting has been held for the redevelopment of all  railway  stations  in  Ujjain,  the  religious  capital  of  Madhya Pradesh on the lines of Gandhi Nagar Railway station;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  locations  identified  in  this regard;
- (c) whether  the  city  is  proposed  to  be  developed  through redevelopment of railway stations; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d): Ujjain Railway Station in the State of Madhya Pradesh has recently been identified for redevelopment and entrusted to Rail  Land  Development  Authority  (RLDA)  to  undertake  technoeconomic feasibility studies and redeveloping it, if found financially viable.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2718 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Sainik School in memory of a PVC Awardee
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2718

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 th  August, 2021

## SAINIK SCHOOL IN MEMORY OF A PVC AWARDEE

2718. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

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

- (a) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to set up a Sainik School in the memory of Paramvir Chakra award winner Naik Shri Jadunath Singh born at village Khajuri, Tehsil-Kalan of Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  decided  to  set  up  Sainik  Schools  in  various  other districts of the country and if so, the details thereof, STate/UT-wise and District-wise?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

(a) to (c): Sainik Schools under existing pattern, are established on receipt of a request from the State Government who also need to agree to provide land alongwith funds for the  creation  and  maintenance  of  basic  infrastructure,  purchase  of  equipment  and  other facilities besides providing scholarships for the cadets belonging to the State Government.    Once  land  is  found  suitable  and  other  requirements  are  agreed  to,  an in-principle approval is accorded, followed by signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

The Government has announced in Budget 2021-22 a scheme for setting up 100 new Sainik schools in the country in partnership with NGOs/Private Schools/States etc. Once the scheme is approved, new Schools will be set up accordingly.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2717 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Amendment of IT Act
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: D. Ravikumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2717

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## AMENDMENT OF IT ACT

## 2717.   SHRI RAVIKUMAR  D.:

Will the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether  the  Ministry  is  currently  considering  an  overhaul  of  the  Information Technology Act, 2000 in a manner that this legislation will be replaced by a new Act and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government's stated requirement of reforming the Information Technology(IT) Act will be met by way of extensive amendments to the present Act; and
- (c) if so, the projected timeline for the release of a new draft bill or amendment bill, as the case may be?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

(a) and (b): Taking cognizance of  the rapid technological  changes and innovation in the technology,    this  Ministry  has  initiated  identification  of  gap  areas  in    the  existing Information  Technology  Act,  2000.  The  extent  of  changes  required  and  the  Ministry's response  to  the  changes  has  not  been  worked  out  as  yet.  The  Ministry  is  continuously engaged in identifying gaps in the current laws including IT Act, 2000.

- (c):  No specific timeline has been decided.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2716 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Vacancy of Chairman in KAT
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: N.K. Premachandran

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2716

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021)

## VACANCY OF CHAIRMAN IN KAT

## 2716. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that the post of Chairman, Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) is vacant from 16/09/ 2020;
- (b) if so, the details of the action taken by the Government to fill up the vacancy of Chairman in KAT;
- (c) whether the  Union  Government received  recommendation from Government of Kerala for the appointment of Chairman and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether it has come to the notice of Government that the term of members of KAT is also going to expire;
- (e) if so, the action taken thereon;
- (f) whether the Union Government proposes to stop the functioning of KAT;
- (g) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the delay in filling up the vacancy; and
- (h) the present status of the appointment of Chairman and members of KAT?

## 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)  to  (h):    The  role  of  Union  Government  in  case  of  selection/  appointment  of  Chairman/ Members of State Administrative Tribunal starts only after receipt of a proposal complete in all respect from the concerned State Government.

The  State  Government  of  Kerala  sent  a  proposal  on  27.07.2020  for  appointment  of Chairman in Kerala Administrative Tribunal against the vacancy on 15.09.2020 due to retirement of the then Chairman. The proposal of the State Government was incomplete. Further information called for, was received on 05.10.2020.

After verification of antecedents of recommended candidate, the proposal was referred to Hon'ble Chief Justice of India for Consultation, in term of section 6(3) read with section 6(4) of the  AT  Act,  1985.  The  same  has  been  received  on  05.02.2021.  It  now  requires  approval  of  the Competent Authority.

The State Govt. vide letter dated 15.07.2021, has sent a proposal for appointment of one Administrative  Member  in  KAT  which  was  received  on  22.07.2021.  It  now  requires  for  the verification  of  antecedents  of  recommended  candidate,  consultation  of  Hon'ble  Chief  Justice  of India and approval of the Competent Authority. No other proposal is received.

State Administrative Tribunal is established or wound up only on the recommendations of the respective State Government. No such proposal regarding KAT has been received from the State Government of Kerala.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2711 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: G7 Agreement
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Amar Singh, Gaurav Gogoi, Behanan Benny

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2711

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## G7 AGREEMENT

2711. DR. AMAR SINGH: SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Indian Government has signed the G7 Agreement on free speech which affirmed, "freedom of expression, both online and offline, as a freedom that safeguards democracy and helps people live free from fear and oppression" and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government believes that signing such a statement contradicts the rise in sedition cases in India against dissenters and critics   of   the   Government,   rise   in   use   of   Unlawful   Activities Prevention Act  against  such   persons   and   the   frequent   resort   to internet shutdowns;
- (c) if   so,   the   details   thereof   including   the   steps   being   taken   by   the Government   to   act   on   its   commitment   made   by   signing   the agreement; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [DR RAJKUMAR RANJAN SINGH]

- (a) G7 countries at the Cornwall Summit in June 2021 adopted the 'Open Societies Statement'.
- (b) Does not arise.
- (c) Not applicable.
- (d) Not applicable.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2710 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Ban of Chinese Telecom Equipments
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Balubhau (Alias Suresh Narayan) Dhanorkar, Kani K. Navas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2710 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  AUGUST, 2021

## BAN OF CHINESE TELECOM EQUIPMENTS

2710.   SHRI BALUBHAU ALIAS SURESH NARAYAN DHANORKAR: SHRI K. NAVASKANI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  United  States  of  America,  Australia  and Canada have banned the usage of Chinese telecom equipments in 5G services;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  thereof  along  with  the  reaction  of  the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Department of Telecommunications has constituted any working groups to prepare a 5G roll out roadmap and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to allow Chinese telecom companies to be involved in the roll out and operation of 5G services and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) to (d) The  policy  of  any  country  regarding  sourcing  of  equipment  in  the  telecom network  for  5G  services  would  be  based  on  different  considerations  including  geo  political, economic,  security etc. In so-far-as India is concerned, National Security Directive  on Telecommunication  Sector  has  been  issued  and  it  is  in  operation  from  15.06.2021.  DoT  has issued  amendment  in  Telecom  Licenses  on  10.03.2021,  wherein,  all  Licensees  have  been directed  to  connect  only  Trusted  Products  in  their  Telecom  networks  with  effect  from 15.06.2021.

An  inter-ministerial  High  Level  Forum  (HLF)  for  5G  India  2020  was  constituted  in September, 2017 to articulate the vision for 5G in India and to recommend policy initiatives and action  plans  to  realize  this  vision.  The  High  Level  Forum  submitted  its  report  titled  'Making India  5G  Ready'  in  August  2018.    The  5G  services  have  not  yet  commenced  in  the  country. However,  the  Department  of  Telecommunications  (DoT)  has  granted  permission  to  Telecom Service Providers namely M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., M/s Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd., M/s Vodafone Idea Ltd. on 27 th May 2021 and M/s Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited on 23 rd  June 2021 for conducting 5G Technology trials with a validity period of 6 months.

****

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2709 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Promotion of Startups
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Vinayak Bhaurao Raut, Rekha Arun Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2709. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 4 TH  AUGUST, 2021.

## PROMOTION OF STARTUPS

## 2709.  SHRI VINAYAK RAUT: SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA:

## Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether the Union Government has taken any specific measures to promote startups  in  the  country  especially  in  the  States  of  Maharashtra  and  Uttar Pradesh; and
- (b) if  so,  the  number  of  startups  that  have  been  benefitted  from  such  specific measures in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री सोम प्रकाश) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- (a): Startup  India  initiative  is  a  flagship  initiative  of  Government  of  India  which aims at building a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and Startups in the  country.  A  19-point  Startup  India  Action  Plan  was  launched  in  January 2016 which paved the way for the introduction of a number of policy initiatives to build a strong, conducive, growth-oriented environment for Indian startups. Hon'ble  Prime  Minister  unveiled  'Startup  India:  The Way  Ahead'  at  5  years celebration of Startup India on 16 th January, 2021 which lays down actionable plans  for  promotion  of  ease  of  doing  business  for  startups,  greater  role  of technology in  executing  various  reforms,  building  capacities  of  stakeholders and enabling a digital Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The key objectives and the action plans of 'Startup India: The Way Ahead' is available at the website of Startup India i.e https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/dam/investindia/Templates/public/Startup\_India-Way\_Ahead.pdf
- (b): A total of 52732 startups have taken the benefit of DPIIT startup recognition, as on 21 st July 2021.  The number of startups that have taken such benefits in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and jobs created by them in respective States are as follows:

|               |   Total Startups recognised by DPIIT |   Jobs created as reported by recognised startups |
|---------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Maharashtra   |                                 9864 |                                            110510 |
| Uttar Pradesh |                                 4642 |                                             48642 |

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2708 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Digitalization of Process
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Jadon Chandra Sen

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2708 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th AUGUST, 2021 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04

## DIGITALIZATION OF PROCESS

## 2708. DR. CHANDRA SEN JADON:

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

- (a) whether the Government is planning to digitalize the process of application, reply to query and Grant of License for Import of Restricted Items; and
- (b) if so, the status and details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a) & (b): The process for application of licence for restricted items is online and paperless with effect from 23.03.2021. This includes the process of issuance, amendment and re-validation of the import licences.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Helpdesk service is a single-point ticketbased system to address international trade related issues including queries for issuance of grant of import licence for restricted items.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2707 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Allocation of Cases on Selective Basis
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Mahabali Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2707

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 04.08.2021

## Allocation of Cases on Selective Basis

## 2707. SHRI MAHABALI SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has paid attention to a press conference orgainsed by four senior judges of the Supreme Court in which the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was charged with allotting the cases to the judges of his choice on selective basis, etc.;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the reaction of the Government to the issues raised in the letter addressed to the  Chief  Justice  of  India  prior  to  this  incident  which  was  released  to  the press?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) to  (c)  :    The  Government  has  not  received  any  information  from  the Judiciary in this regard. Judiciary being an independent organ under the Indian Constitution  is  capable  of  handling  its  internal  matters.  The  Government  is committed  to  the  independence  of  Judiciary  and  does  not  and  should  not intervene in its functioning.