opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 663 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Vacancies of RPF
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU, CH. MALLA REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.663

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## VACANCIES OF RPF

663. SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU: SHRI CH. MALLA REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether  a  large  number  of  safety  related  posts/posts  of  Railways Protection  Force  (RPF)  are  lying  vacant  in  the  Railways  which  is  adversely affecting the safety of passengers in trains;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof, zone-wise; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to fill up these posts?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  RAILWAYS

(SHRI  MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (c) Railway Protection Force (RPF) is mandated to provide security to railway property, passengers and passenger area. There are no safety related posts in RPF.  Occurrence of vacancies due to retirement  etc. and  filling up of the same  is an ongoing process. About 16,000 Constables were recruited in  RPF  in  the  year  2015,  as  a  result  of  which    the  vacancies  in  RPF  have reduced substantially. To ensure security of passengers, about 2300 important Mail/Express trains are escorted by the RPF, on an average, daily. This is in addition to escorting of about 2200 such trains by the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel daily.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 662 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Recruitment of Scientists
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.662 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/04/2016

## RECRUITMENT OF SCIENTISTS

## 662. SHRI B. SRIRAMULU:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó Ùðüëðó be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the recruitment of scientists to various groups has declined over the last few years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, group/category-wise;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to hold special recruitment drive, especially for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, for recruitment of scientists to address the said shortfall;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the other steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)

òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó +ÉÉè® ÑðöÆãðó òãðìððÐð ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó (gÉÉÒ ´ÉÉ<Ç. AºÉ. SÉÉèvÉ®ÉÒ)

- (a) to (e): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 660 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Religious Discrimination of Indians in US
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BHOLA SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.660 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION OF INDIANS IN US

## 660. DR. BHOLA SINGH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of instances of Indians being killed/humiliated in the name of religion or race in USA during the last three years; (b) whether hate messages were seen scribbled on the walls of Hindu temples and gurudwaras in the US in the recent past and if so, the details thereof; and the details of steps taken by the Government to stop such incidents in future and
- (c) ensure safety and security of Indians abroad?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) There  are  no  clear  indications  to  suggest  racial  or  religious  attacks  generally directed against Indians in the United States. In the last three years, one incident of an Indian national being attacked in the name of religion has been brought to the notice of this Ministry. On December 26, 2015, a 68-year old Indian national, who was wearing a turban, was attacked in Fresno, California. The police had arrested the culprits. There have been some other incidents involving Indian Americans.

- (b) Three  incidents  of  vandalism  of/attack  on  Hindu  Temples  have  come  to  the notice of this Ministry. The details are as follows:
- (i) On February 14, 2015, graffiti was painted on the outer wall of a Hindu Temple and  Cultural  Centre  in  Bothell,  near  Seattle  in  Washington  State.  The  police  filed  a report in this regard.
- (ii) On February 27, 2015, the Sanatan Dharma Hindu Temple located in Kent, near Seattle in Washington State was damaged.  Graffiti was also sprayed. Local police was investigating the matter. No arrests have been made so far.
- (iii) In April 2015, a small tool shed attached to North Texas Hindu Mandir, a temple near Dallas, Texas, was broken into.  The temple walls were desecrated with graffiti. Following the incident, Dallas Police increased patrolling in the area.
- (c) Government of India is sensitive to such incidents. Missions and Posts remain vigilant and closely monitor any untoward incidents. These issues are regularly raised during meetings with the US Government officials. Government brings to the attention of US federal and local authorities any incidents seen as 'hate crimes' or racial attacks. The representatives of the Indian-American community and members of India Caucus in the  US  Congress  and  Senate  have  been  impressed  upon  to  take  up  such  cases  of serious assault for further investigation. The safety and security of Indians abroad is among the top diplomatic priorities for the Government of India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 659 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Linking Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 659 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## LINKING SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## 659.  SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

## Will  the  Minister  of  SKILL  DEVELOPMENT  AND  ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  scheme  for  linking  skill  development  and entrepreneurship in the country; and (b) if so, the details thereof also indicating the funds allocated in the current financial year State-wise including Karnataka?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)

(a) & (b) At present there is no particular scheme for linking skill development and entrepreneurship. However, it has been decided to introduce entrepreneurship orientation modules in all skill development programmes being implemented by the Ministry of Skill development and Entrepreneurship such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas  Yojna  (PMKVY)  and  in  Industrial  Training  Institutes  (ITIs).  There  is  no provision for separate allocation of funds state-wise for the purpose.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 658 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: SRESHTA
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, ANANDRAO  ADSUL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 658 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## SRESTHA

## 658.  DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE: SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has not been able to do in-house research work on various technologies required for upgradation in signalling and telecommunication  system,  track  designing,  improvement  in  rolling stock and many such areas and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  create  a  special  unit, Special  Railway  Establishment  for  Strategic  Technology  and  Holistic Advancement (SRESTHA) for conducting in-house research in Railways and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of expenditure, manpower both scientific and administrative and infrastructure likely to be required for the functioning of the new research wing of the Railways; and
- (d) the manner in which functioning of the new wing will be different from the functioning of RDSO?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a): Research, Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has been carrying  out  in-house  research  on  technologies  related  to  various facets of Railway working.

-2-

(b) to (d):   Yes,  Madam.  Setting  up  of  Special  Railway  Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement (SRESTHA), to drive long-term  research  on  Railways  has  been  announced  as  part  of  the budget speech of Minister for Railways for 2016-17. Implementation of the Budget item has been taken on hand including concretisation of the organisational structure, manpower requirement and manner of functioning.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 657 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Computerisation of Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VIRENDRA  KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.657 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## COMPUTERISATION OF RAILWAY STATIONS

†657. DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of Railways be pleased to state :

- (a) the details of railway stations earmarked for computerisation during the current year, zone wise; and

(b)   the details of budgetary allocation made for the purpose during the above period?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)    Computerisation  projects  are  implemented  centrally  and are available throughout the country. Computerised Passenger  Reservation  System  has  been  provided  at  3323 locations.  Computerised  Unreserved  ticketing  System  has been provided at 5860 locations.
- (b)    ₹ 336.88  crores  have  been  allocated  for  computerisation during the financial year 2016-17.

......
Lok Sabha Question No. 656 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Delay in Doubling Work
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DEVJI MANSINGRAM PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 656 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## DELAY IN DOUBLING WORK

† 656.     SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  reasons  for  delay  in  doubling  work  of  around  247  kilometer broad gauge line between Palanpur to Patan;
- (b) whether the Government has received any complaints with regard to damage caused to 'Rani ki Vav' located in Patan of Gujarat due to operation of trains in the past and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  has  registered  its objection on the rail line passing through 'Rani ki Vav' and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (d) whether the Government is formulating any scheme in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has fixed any time limit to complete the said railway project and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  656  BY  SHRI  DEVJI  M.  PATEL  TO  BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  27.04.2016  REGARDING  DELAY  IN DOUBLING WORK

(a):  Palanpur  and  Patan  are  connected  by  105  km  long  broad  gauge network via Mahesana. No work of doubling on this section has been sanctioned and hence, question of delay for completion does not arise.

(b) : No, Madam. (c)  to  (e):  Patan-Bhildi  new  line  project  includes  renovation  of  old railway line from Patan to Khalipur (10 km) and 40  km  new construction  from  Khalipur  to  Bhildi.  The  track  linking  has  been executed in Patan-Khalipur section except for work near 'Rani ki Vav' which  was  objected  by  Archeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI).  Railway had  approached  National  Monument  Authority  (NMA)  for  grant  of  No Objection Certificate (NOC) in this regard, which was denied by them. Consequently,  railway  suggested  an  alternative  alignment  for  which 'No Objection Certificate (NOC)' was issued by Archaeological Survey of  India,  New  Delhi  on  06.05.2015.  Railway  accordingly  planned  and started execution of project including the process of land acquisition on  the  alternative  alignment.  However,  Superintending  Archeologist, Vadodara has approached National Monument Authority for review of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted by them.

As a result, no time line has been fixed for completion of PatanBhildi new line project.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 655 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Gauge Conversion
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAHUL KASWAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 655 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## GAUGE CONVERSION

†655. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  work  related  to  gauge  conversion  on  SadulpurHanumangarh section of North Western Railway has been completed and stations have been constructed in two big villages viz., Pahadsar and Shriramgarh of this area;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to construct under bridge or foot  over  bridge  to  help  villagers  to  reach  the  railway  station  and the platform; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)  to  (d):  Yes,  Madam.  Gauge  conversion  work  of  SadulpurHanumangarh section has been completed. The stations at Paharsar and Shriramgarh have been constructed. Approach road to Shriramgarh has already been provided by construction of underpass whereas at Paharsar, construction of an underpass has been  taken  up  by  the  state  government.  As  both  the  stations  are halt stations having only rail level platforms, foot over bridges have not been provided.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 654 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Visa Provision between India and China
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.654 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## VISA PROVISION BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA

654.      SHRI V. ELUMALAI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India has included China in the list of countries which have been extended the facilities of electronics tourist visa on arrival and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether China has pressed for lifting restrictions on conference  and  research  visa  as  well  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c) whether  China  is  yet  to  respond  India's  demand  to  offer  a similar  arrangement  for  its  citizens  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) whether  China  has  assured  that  they  are  working  on  a mechanism that would ease visa restrictions for Indians; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) Yes, electronic tourist visa (e-TV) facility has been extended to the nationals of China w.e.f. the 30 th  of July, 2015.
- (b) During official meetings and discussions, the Chinese officials have brought up the issue of delays in obtaining Indian Conference and Research visas from time to time.
- (c) to (e) Our Embassy in China has not come across any difficulty faced by Indian nationals in obtaining Chinese visas for Conference/Research purposes. All visa related matters are discussed through the mechanism of 'Consular Dialogue' between the two countries on a regular basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 653 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Stoppage of Trains at Dahod
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: JASVANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 653

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## STOPPAGE OF TRAINS AT DAHOD

†653. SHRI JASVANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  in  view  of  the  persons  of  Ratlam  and  Badodara employed  in  railway  workshop  in  Dahod  district  and  located  at  a distance  of      115  km.  and  146  km.  respectively  from  Dahod, proposals for providing stoppage of Okha-Gorakhpur, SuratMujaffarpur, Bandra-Haridwar, Ajmer-Ernakulam, GandhidhamHowrah,  Bandra-Kanpur,  Valsad-Haridwar  and  Bhuj-Shalimar  train services  passing  through  Dahod  is  likely  to  be  provided  at  this station in Gujarat;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the details of the action taken by the Government thereon and
- the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (d)  No, Madam.  Dahod station is presently being served by 33 pair of Mail/Express trains and 07 pair of Passenger trains which are considered adequate for the present level of traffic.

There is no proposal to provide stoppage of additional trains at Dahod as the stoppage is neither operationally feasible nor commercially justified, at present.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 652 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Visa to Indian Professionals
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: K. KAMARAAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.652

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## VISA TO INDIAN PROFESSIONALS

## 652.      DR. K. KAMARAJ:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  US  and  European  countries  had  made  many  changes  in  their policy towards granting visa to scientists/professionals;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has asked the US and European countries to relax visa regime for Indian Scientists and IT professionals; and
- (d) if  so,  the  response  received  by  the  Government  from  the  US  and  European authorities in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) While most of the European countries have not made many changes/any major  change  in  their  policy  towards  granting  visa  to  scientists/professionals,  the UK and the US have announced a few changes in the recent past. In March 2016, the UK Government announced its decision to accept a majority of the recommendations of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on changes to Tier-2 visa route for those undertaking skilled work in the UK. The key changes to the Tier2  visa  route,  proposed  to  be  implemented,  relate  to  increase  in  salary  thresholds, introduction  of  Immigration  Skill  Charge  (ISC)  from  April  2017  and  Immigration Health  Surcharge  (IHS).  With  regard  to  the  US,  on  December  18,  2015,  the  US Congress passed the Omnibus Spending Bill which included doubling of the L-1 and H-1B visa fees for 50: 50 companies. With the legislation in place, these companies would need to pay $4,500 extra for each L-1 visa and $4000 extra for each H-1B visa. The increase in visa fee would be for a period of 10 years and would also apply to visa  extensions.  These  funds  would  be  used  by  the  US  to  fund  treatment  of  9/11 terrorist attack victims and biometric tracking system.

- (c) & (d) The  Government  raises  these  issues  on  a  regular  basis  at  various bilateral  fora.  These  issues  are  also  taken  up  and  discussed  with  the  countries under the framework of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATs). In line with this approach, the issue has been raised with the UK government. With regard to the US, the Government  of  India  has  raised  its concerns  strongly  with  the  US interlocutors at various levels over the last few months. We have conveyed to the US Government  that  this  provision  is  discriminatory  as  it  basically  targets  Indian  IT companies.  Prime  Minister  had  raised  this  issue  with  the  US  President  Barack Obama  during  their  talks  over  telephone  on  December  16,  2015.  We  continue  to reiterate our serious concerns to the US.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Space Act
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## 651.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 651

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016

## SPACE ACT

- DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to come out with a Space Act soon;
- (b)
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof;
- the objective of the said Space Act; and
- (d) whether any suggestion has been sought from all concerned in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

## (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a)&(b)  The Department of Space is currently engaged in preparation  of  National  Space  Act  for  India  for  supporting the overall growth of space activities, with enhanced level of  private  sector  participation.  After  consultations  with internal experts and experts on space law, a draft version of the  Act  has  been  prepared,  which  has  been  taken  up  for consultations.

(c) The objective of this Act is to support the overall growth of space  activities  in  India,  with  enhanced  levels  of  private sector participation in space activities and services, through appropriate regulations. (d) Necessary consultations would be made as per the prevailing  Parliamentary  Procedures.  Currently,  approval process for pre-legislative consultations on the Draft Space Act  is  being  pursued.  This  would  be  followed  by  interministerial consultations through Draft Cabinet Note. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Agreement with Bahrain
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KANWAR SINGH TANWAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.650 TO BE ANSWER ON 27.04.2016

## AGREEMENT WITH BAHRAIN

- † 650. SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the government has entered into an agreement with Bahrain  to  tackle  the  menace  of  international  terrorism  and smuggling of narcotic drugs; (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  time  by  when  the  said agreement will come into effect; and whether  the  intelligence  inputs  are  also  likely  to  be  shared
- (c) under the said agreement, and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) Yes.

(b) An  agreement  between  the  Government  of  the  Republic  of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on cooperation in combatting international terrorism, trans-national organized crime and trafficking in illicit drugs, narcotic and psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was signed on 2nd December, 2015 at New Delhi.    The  agreement  is  in  the  process  of  ratification.    The agreement shall come into force from the date of exchange of the instruments of ratification.

- (c) The agreement provides for exchange of information between the competent authorities of the two countries relating to international  terrorism,  transnational  organized  crime  and  illicit drug trafficking, etc.
- *****