opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Regional Offices of NAAC
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KAMLA DEVI PATLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1228 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## Regional Offices of NAAC

## 1228. SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  it  has  been  made  compulsory  by  the University Grants Commission (UGC) for all the educational institutions to be accredited by National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  various  State  Government  including  Chhattisgarh  have  sent  proposals  to set up regional offices of NAAC in the respective States to speed up accreditation work and improve quality of education of the educational institutions;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government have agreed to provide land to the States free of cost for this purpose; and
- (f) if so, the time by which the said pending proposal is likely to be cleared?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a) & (b): As per the University Grants Commission (UGC) (Mandatory Assessment and Accreditation of higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 it is mandatory for all higher  educational  institutions  to  be  accredited  by  an  assessment  and  accreditation agency  after  passing  out  of  two  batches  or  six  years,  whichever  is  earlier.  These Regulations are available at http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/8541429\_English.PDF . The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is recognized as an assessment  and  accreditation  agency  by  the  UGC  for  the  purposes  of  accreditation. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has issued similar regulations for technical  institutions.  The  National  Board  of  Accreditation  (NBA)  is  recognized  by  the AICTE for purposes of accreditation.

(c) to (f): The NAAC has informed that the State Governments of Chattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh  have  requested  for  locating  Regional  Offices  of  NAAC  in  these  States. Although the NAAC does not have Regional Offices, it has reviewed its requirements of capacity  expansion  and  decided  to  undertake  several  Information  &  Communications

Technology  (ICT)  measures,  process  reforms  and  expanding  the  pool  of  assessors, apart from enhancing its staff strength, for streamlining and expediting the process of assessment and accreditation in the first phase.

The State Higher Education Departments have already been requested, through Rashtriya  Uchchatar  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (RUSA),  to  activate  the  State  Level  Quality Assurance Cells (SLQACs) to coordinate and expedite submission of Assessment and Accreditation documents by State institutions to NAAC.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1226 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Import of GM Food Products
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1226 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH  JULY, 2016

## IMPORT OF GM FOOD PRODUCTS

## 1226. SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  imported  Genetically  Modified  (GM)  food  products  are  entering  Indian supermarkets and food chains unchecked;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether Directorate General of Foreign Trade has taken any action to check the illegal entry of GM food products in domestic market; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  existing  regulatory  frameworks  for  GM  Food imported into the country?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a)  to  (d):  The  import  policy  of Genetically  Modified  Food,  Feed,  Genetically  Modified  Organism (GMOs) and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) has been notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade under General Notes regarding Import Policy in ITC (HS) 2012, Schedule-1 (Import Policy).  As per  the  policy,  import  of  GM  food  requires  prior  approval  of  the  Genetic  Engineering  Approval Committee (GEAC) constituted by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.

Further,  the  Customs  Act,  1962  is  the  basic  statue  which  governs  /regulates  entry/exit  of different categories of goods into or outside the country. Various allied laws and regulations also apply. It is the responsibility of the Customs to ensure that all the imported/ exported goods fulfill the prescribed legal and procedural requirements laid down under Customs act, 1962 and allied laws including payment of the duties leviable, if any.

Import of food products is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), 2006. Indian Customs can clear food products including Genetically Modified(GM) food products only after necessary approval/No Objection Certificate(NOC) by FSSAI. FSSAI has informed that no genetically modified food has been cleared for import through the FSSAI locations.

…..
Lok Sabha Question No. 1224 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Study Material in Indian languages
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1224 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## Study Material in Indian languages

†1224. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has made a portal where study material for schools, colleges and professional courses would be available in Indian languages;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a) to (c) Yes Madam. A portal has been created at http://eacharya.inflibnet.ac.in where study material  for  colleges  and  professional  courses  prepared  by  various  Institutes  under  National Mission on Education through Information & Communication Technology has been uploaded. The portal provides facility to search and browse all hosted content wherein a learner can easily access the desired material including audio/video learning material, textual material, multimedia enriched materials etc. through a single interface.

Under e-Pathsala initiative for school education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training has digitalized all its text books and has made them available on its website i.e. ncert.nic.in  and  also  through  e-pathsala.nic.in  which  is  also  accessible  through  all  mobile devices.  The  collection  include  textbooks  for  Class  I  to  Class  XII  in  English,  Hindi  and  Urdu versions converted into e-pub-3.0 format and made available with an exclusive license for free download and dissemination.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Research Work on Chronological Periods of Ramayana and Mahabharat
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: M. CHANDRAKASI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1223 TO BE ANSWEREED ON 25.7.2016

## RESEARCH WORK ON CHRONOLOGICAL PERIODS OF RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARAT

## 1223.  SHRI M. CHANDRAKASI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state;

- ( a) whether  any  studies/research  work/excavation  work  has  been  conducted  to determine the exact calendar period of occurrence of Ramayana  and Mahabharatha;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  details  relating  to  research  works  and  their  results  to  find  out  important contemporary  world  events  that  probably  occurred  during  Ramayana  and Mahabharatha period?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) & (b) No, Madam. However, a few sites which have reference in Ramayana and Mahbharata have been excavated. The details are at Annexure.
- (c) No such research studies have been carried out by ASI.

## ANNEXURE

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (c)  OF LOK SABHA QUESTION DAIRY NO. 1223 FOR 25.07.2016

- I. Ramayana:
1.  Ayodhya, District Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh (1979-80)

NBPW (c. 7 th Cent. B.C.)

2.  Sringaverapura, District Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (1977-86)

Period Circa 8 th Cent. B.C to 13 th Cent. A.D.

3.  Chitrakuta, District Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (1977-86)

NBPW  (c 7 th Cent. BC.)

4.  Nandigarma, District Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh (1977-86)

NBPW (C.7 th Cent. B.C.)

5.  Pariar, District Unnao, Uttar Pradesh (1977-86)

OCP (c. 14 th Cent. B.C.)

- II.  Mahabharat :

1.  Hastinapura, District Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (1950-52) NBPW (c.7 th Cent. BC).

2.  Mathura , District Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (1973-75 and 1976-77)

6 th Cent. B.C. to 6 th Cent. A.D.

3.  Purana Qila, New Delhi  (1954-55)

Mauryan  (c.3 rd Cent. B.C.  to late Mughal period (c.18 th Cent. A.D.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Discrimination against Students
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: ANIL SHIROLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1222 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## Discrimination against Students

## 1222.  SHRI ANIL SHIROLE:

Will  the  Minister  of HUMAN  RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any complaints regarding discrimination against the students coming from other States in the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) situated in different States of the country;
- (b) if so, the details of the complaints received during the last three years and the manner in which these complaints were redressed;
- (c) whether the Government has received any demand for change in the location of any such institutes, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government on such demand?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

- (a) : No Madam.

- (b) : Does not arise.

- (c) and (d) : Recently, a demand was raised to shift the National Institute of Technology  (NIT)  out  of  Srinagar  (Jammu  &  Kashmir).  The  Ministry  of  Human Resource Development has indicated that it would not be possible to accede to the demand for change of location of NIT, Srinagar.

- *-*-*-*-*
Lok Sabha Question No. 1220 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Visa Issue in WTO
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1220 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH  JULY, 2016

## VISA ISSUE IN WTO

## 1220. SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to challenge the decision of the UK Government on the new visa law in the World Trade Organisation (WTO);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether India has challenged similar issues in WTO concerning other nations; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?
- (a) & (b):  No Madam.
- (c)  &  (d):  India  took  up  the  matter  in  the  Dispute  Settlement  Body  of  the  World  Trade Organisation (WTO) with respect to the following two measures by the US:
- i. Measures relating to fees for L-1 and H-1B non-immigrant visas;
- ii. Measures relating to numerical commitment for H-1B visas. Pursuant to India's request under the WTO Dispute settlement mechanism, consultations with the  US  authorities  on  the  above  measures  were  held  on  11-12  May,  2016  at  the  WTO, Geneva.

*****

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
Lok Sabha Question No. 1219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Renovation of Rabindra Bhawan
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI

- (a) No Madam.
- (b)        Does not arise.
- (c) No Madam.
- (d) Does not arise.

## Government of India Ministry of Culture

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1219 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## RENOVATION OF RABINDRA BHAWAN

## 1219. SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI

## Will the MINISTER OF CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  several  projects  on  renovation  of  Rabindra  Bhawans  are pending with the Government;
- (b) if so, the details of proposals which have been received so far;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  allocate  money  to  build  new Rabindra Bhawans than to renovate the older ones; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

## ANSWER
Lok Sabha Question No. 1217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Focus on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: PARAYAMPARANBIL KUTTAPPAN BIJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1217 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 th  JULY 2016

## Focus on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

## 1217.   SHRI P.K. BIJU:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a)  whether the Government has asked all the State Governments to focus more on Sarva  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (SSA)  to  improve  the  literacy  of  rural  areas  and  if  so,  the details thereof; (b) whether the State Governments including Kerala have taken any initiatives in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a)  The  Sarva  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (SSA)  is  implemented  as  a  Centrally  Sponsored Scheme in partnership with State Governments throughout the country including rural areas  for  universalization  of  elementary  education  amongst  all  children  in  the  age group of 6-14 years.  SSA provides for a variety of interventions, including inter alia, opening  of  new  schools,  construction  of  schools  and  additional  classrooms,  toilets and drinking water, provisioning for teachers, periodic teacher training and academic resource support, textbooks and support for learning achievement.

Kasturba  Gandhi  Balika  Vidyalayas  (KGBVs)  have  been  opened  in  Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) where the female rural literacy is below the national average to provide  for  residential  upper  primary  schools  for  girls.  3609  KGBVs  have  been sanctioned  till  31.3.2016,  out  of  which  3599  KGBVs  are  operational  in  the  country enrolling 3.64 lakh girls. No KGBV has been sanctioned in Kerala as literacy rate of Kerala is above the national average.

(b)  The  Government  is  implementing  Saakshar  Bharat  Programme,  a  Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Adult Education and Skill Development since October, 2009 to improve the female literacy rate in the country. The scheme is implemented in rural areas  of  410  districts  in  27  States  and  UTs  that  had  Adult  Female  Literacy  rate  of 50%  or  below  as  per  Census,  2001  including  all  left  wing  extremism  affected districts. The scheme is not implemented in the State of Kerala.

(c) Does not arise.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 1216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Awareness on Cybercrime
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SHASHI THAROOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1216

TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## Awareness on Cybercrime

1216. DR. SHASHI THAROOR: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a)   whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  State  of  Kerala  has  included  modules  on 'cybercrimes related to children' in the school curriculum, to create awareness among children on cybercrimes and educate them on preventive measures; (b)   if so, whether the Government proposes to introduce similar modules in the curricula of all schools in the country to promote awareness among children and protect them from such crimes; (c)   if so, the details thereof; and (d)   if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a)  Yes, Madam.

(b) to (d) National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed the Information and Communication Technology for School System: Curricula for ICT in Education (2013),  which  deals,  inter  alia,  in  the  area  of  Cyber  Security.  Safe  and  secure  use  of  internet constitutes part of the students' curriculum from classes VI to XII. The teachers' curriculum also emphasises  on  the  safe  and  secure  use  of  internet  through  induction  and  refresher  courses designed for teachers. National Policy on ICT in School Education (2012) and ICT Curriculum for School System (2013) have been shared with States/ Union Territories for deliberation and implementation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: Environmental Clearance for Steel Projects
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: ANOOP MISHRA

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1214 FOR ANSWER ON 25/07/2016

## ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR STEEL PROJECTS

1214.  SHRI ANOOP MISHRA:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Steel projects awaiting environmental clearance in the country;
- (b) the present status of the special purpose vehicles and special mining zones to attract investment in the Steel Sector; and
- (c) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  for  speedy  environmental clearance for the said projects?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL

(SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

- (a) There are 22 projects awaiting environmental clearance in the country.
- (b) 4 Mineral rich States, namely, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Karnataka  have  been  identified  for  setting  up  of  Integrated  Steel  Plants  with collaboration  of  Public  Sector  Enterprises  of  the  Central  and  State  Governments through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) route. This involves setting up of steel SPV and mining SPV.    Memorandum  of  Understanding for setting up  of  Steel  SPVs  in Chhattisgarh was signed on 09-05-2015 and in Jharkhand on 28-06-2015.
- (c) Out of 22 awaiting environmental clearances projects, 8 projects have been recommended by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).  The remaining cases are at different stages of processing as per the guidelines.  Inter-ministerial meetings are held to expedite the clearances.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: IIT Admission Exams in Foreign Countries
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2016

## IIT Admission Exams in Foreign Countries

1210. 	 DR.	C.	GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will	the	Minister	of	HUMAN	RESOURCE	DEVELOPMENT	be	pleased	to	state:

- (a)	whether	the	Government	has	any	proposal	to	conduct	Indian	Institute	of	Technology (IITs)	admission	exams	in	Africa	and	SAARC	countries	excluding	Pakistan;
- (b)	if	so,	the	details	thereof	and	the	reasons	therefor;	and
- (c)	the	time	by	which	it	is	likely	to	be	implemented?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a)	to	(c)	Yes	Madam,	with	a	view	to	improve	the	international	standing	of	the	Indian Institutes	of	Technology	(IITs),	the	IIT	Council	has	decided	to	provide	opportunity	for the	eligible	foreign	students	to	study	in	the	IITs.	For	this	purpose,	it	has	been	decided	to focus	 on	 the	 neighbouring	 countries	 like	 Afghanistan,	 Bangladesh,	 Sri	 Lanka,	 Nepal, Bhutan,	 Maldives,	 Singapore,	 UAE	 and	 Ethiopia.	 Under	 this	 initiative,	 JEE	 (advanced) exam	will	be	conducted	in	these	countries	and	eligible	foreign	students	would	be	given opportunity	to	take	the	exam.	Only	such	candidates	who	qualify	in	this	exam	would	be offered	admission	to	study	in	the	IITs	subject	to	the	following:

- i. The	entire	cost	of	admission	of	the	foreign	students	may	be	recovered	from the	student	fee	which	may	or	may	not	be	covered	by	a	scholarship.	There	shall be	no	additional	cost	to	Government	on	account	of	these	admissions.
- ii. There	shall	be	no	reduction	in	the	seats	available	for	students	in	India	while providing	admissions	to	foreign	students.	These	seats	would	be	considered	as supernumerary	seats.
- iii. There	 shall	 be	 no	 discrimination	 in	 giving	 facilities	 between	 Indian	 and foreign	students.

Further,	IIT	Bombay	has	been	designated	as	the	National	Coordinator	for	coordinating the	visit	 of	 IIT	 teams	 to	 these	 Countries	 with	 the	 Indian	 Missions	 abroad,	 so	 that	 the students	in	these	countries	are	made	aware	of	the	advantages	of	studying	in	the	IITs.		It is	expected	that	the	above	initiative	will	become	operational	from	academic	year	201718.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-25
Subject: NMCP for Odisha
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: BAIJAYANT "JAY" PANDA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1206 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25-07-2016

## NMCP FOR ODISHA

1206. SHRI BAIJAYANT JAY PANDA:

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

- (a) whether the Government intends to consider the Government of Odisha's request to implement  the  National  Manufacturing  Competitiveness  Programme  (NMCP)  through  the MSME department of the State.
- (b) if so, the detail thereof and if not the reason thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  Government  of  Odisha  has  a  dedicated MSME department which has a presence throughout the State and therefore, is in a better position to implement the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Government ;and
- (d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTEPRISES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

- (a): Yes, the Government of India is committed to consider the proposals from all States including Odisha, as per the guidelines of the approved National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) schemes.
- (b): All NMCP Schemes are demand driven. The eligible proposals under the respective scheme, received from the State of Odisha have already been approved for implementation.
- (c)&(d): Yes,  Government of India works in close coordination with the Odisha MSME Department for efficient implementation of sectoral schemes.

*****