opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1792 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Federation/Union in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KULAMANI SAMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1792 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## FEDERATION/UNION IN RAILWAYS

## 1792.  DR. KULAMANI SAMAL :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any federation/union/association recognised by the Railways which does not represent all categories of employees, and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  Junior  Engineers  and  Senior  Section  Engineers  come under labour category or supervisory category; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) Various  Federations/Unions/Associations  recognised  on  Indian Railways represent the class of employees for which they are formed.
- (b) &  (c) Classification  of  posts,  as  Supervisor  or  otherwise  over Indian  Railways  varies  from  Division  to  Division  depending  on  the nature of duties assigned.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1791 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1791 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN

1791. ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government have directed all Indian Embassies/High Commissions  to strictly initiate steps in pursuance of the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan';
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the manner in which compliance of these directives is ensured in letter and spirit?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) Yes.  In  pursuance  of  the  'Swachh  Bharat  Abhiyan' initiated by  Government, instructions have been issued to all Indian Embassies/ High Commissions/ Consulates abroad to take implementation measures, which include enhanced level of cleanliness  of  Chancery  premises  and  disposing  of  old  files  and records.
- (c) All Missions/Posts abroad have overwhelmingly participated in the  'Swachh  Bharat  Abhiyan'  and  have  confirmed  to  the  Ministry that action has been taken by them as per the above instructions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Confirmed Tickets for International Tourists
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1788 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## CONFIRMED TICKETS FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS

## 1788.  SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways proposes to issue confirmed tickets to International Tourists on selected Railway Stations on arrival for a stress free/hassle free journey in the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  selected  railway  stations  and  if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Railways to assist foreign tourists in  getting  confirmed tickets and facilitating a stress free rail journey in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) to (c):   With  a  view  to  facilitate  travel  of  foreign  tourists, following facilities have been provided:-
- (i) Advance  Reservation  Period  of  360  days  has  been provided for foreign tourists.
- (ii) Foreign  Tourist  Quota  is  earmarked  in  identified  trains based  on  demand  pattern.    During  the  financial  year

2014-15, approximately 7.06 lakh berths/seats  were earmarked under this quota to facilitate these passengers.    The  quota  so  earmarked  is  reviewed  on periodical  basis  based  on  utilisation  and  adjustments are made wherever required.

- (iii) Separate  facilitation  centers  are  operating  at  several tourist destinations to provide facilities to foreign tourists.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1787 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Public Sector Companies
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VIRENDRA  KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1787 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## PUBLIC SECTOR COMPANIES

†1787.  DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to explore the potential of joining the rail network in partnership with other public sector companies;
- (b) if so, the details of the action plan prepared in this regard; and
- (c) the  extent  to  which  the  Railways  is  likely  to  be  benefited  by  the  said partnership?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a)  to  (c):  Yes,  Madam.  Ministry  of  Railways  under  its  Participative  policy  of December  2012  encourages  partnership  of  Public  Sector  Companies  through Joint Venture model.

Projects  taken  up  in  partnership  with  other  public  sector  companies  through Joint Venture route include: (i) Gevra Road-Pendra Road New line with IRCON, South  Eastern  Coalfield  Limited  (SECL)  and  Government  of  Chhattisgarh,  (ii) Kharasia-Dharamjaigarh-Ghargoda-Donga  Mahua  with  IRCON,  South  Eastern Coalfield Limited (SECL) and Government  of  Chhattisgarh (iii)  RowghatJagdalpur  new  line  to  connect  iron  ore  mines  with  NMDC,  SAIL,  IRCON  and Government  of  Chhattisgarh  (iv)  Digni  -  Jaigarh  Port  new  line  with  Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL), Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and JSW Jaigarh  Port  Limited.  These  projects  costing  ₹  3560  crore  do  not  entail  any financial commitment from Ministry of Railways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1786 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Ahmednagar-Beed Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SADASHIV KISAN LOKHANDE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1786 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## AHMEDNAGAR-BEED RAIL LINE

## †1786. SHRI SADASHIV LOKHANDE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether construction of Ahmednagar-Beed rail line in Maharashtra has been started and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) if not, the reasons for delay in this regard;
- (c) the time by which the said project is likely to be finalised;
- (d) whether a railway station in Jamkhed has been constructed along the said rail line; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b):    On  this  project,  track  linking  of  12  Km  section  has  been completed and earthwork & bridge works have been taken up on balance portion, except about 6 km length where land has not been handed over by the State Government.
- (c):  No target date for completion of this project is fixed.
- (d):  No, Madam.
- (e):  Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1785 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Public Enterprises Selection Board
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1785

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015)

## PUBLIC ENTERPRISES SELECTION BOARD

## 1785.   SHRI N.K.PREMACHANDRAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTERbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposesto  strengthen  Public  Enterprises  SelectionBoard (PESB);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and thefunctions of PESB;
- (c) whether  the  PESB  has  made  certainrecommendations  about  the  appointmentand qualification of CMDs and functionalDirectors of CPSUs;
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  stepstaken  to  implement  the  recommendationsof PESB; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  hasreceived  representations  in  this  regard  and  if  so,  the details thereof and the action takenthereon?

## 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) and (b): The objectives and functions of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) revised  after  a  comprehensive  review  vide  Government  of  India,  Ministry  of  Personnel, Public  Grievances  and  Pensions,  Department  of  Personnel  and  Training's  Resolution  No. 27(21)-EO/86(ACC)  dated  3 rd March,  1987  inter-alia  provide  that  functions  of  the  PESB shall be:

- (i) To be responsible for the selection and placement of personnel in the posts of Chairman, Managing Director or Chairman-cum-Managing Director (Level-I) and  Functional  Director  (Level-II)  of  PSEs  as  well  as  in  posts  at  any  other level as may be specified by the Government;
- (ii) To advise the Government on matters relating to appointment, confirmation or extension of tenure and termination of the services of personnel of the above mentioned levels;
- (iii) To advise the Government on the desired structure at the Board level, and for senior management personnel, for each PSE or group of PSEs;

- (iv) To advise the Government on a suitable performance appraisal system for both the PSEs and the managerial personnel in such enterprises;
- (v) To build a data bank containing data relating to the performance of PSEs and its officers;
- (vi) To  advise  the  Government  on  formulation  and  enforcement  of  a  Code  of Conduct and Ethics for managerial personnel in PSEs;
- (vii) To  advise  the  Government  on  evolving  suitable  training  and  development programmes for management personnel in PSEs.

There is no decision to further strengthen PESB.

(c) to (e):No recommendations  regarding  the  policy  related  to  the  appointment  and qualification of CMDs and Functional Directors of CPSEs have been received from PESB. Representations/suggestions  received  from  time  to  time  regarding,  inter-alia,  criteria  of shortlisting of candidates, State PSUs etc. have been taken note of.

***********

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1784 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Space Tourism
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: RAMA KISHORE SINGH, SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH

- (a)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1784

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2015

## SPACE TOURISM

1784. SHRI RAMA KISHORE SINGH: SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government in collaboration with other countries has evolved a strategic plan to explore possibilities in space tourism;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- whether  Indian  Space  Research  Organisation  (ISRO)  is planning  for  development  of  technology  related  to  space
- (c) tourism; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue as a result thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

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

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1783 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Delay in Appointments in CSIR
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: R. PARTHIPAN, NANABHAU FALGUNRAO PATOLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1783

## DELAY IN APPOINTMENTS IN CSIR

1783. SHRI R. PARTHIPAN: SHRI NANA PATOLE:

## Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the country's scientific agency Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been functioning without a formal Head for more than a year and if SO, the reasons therefor;
- b) whether the absence of a permanent Head for long has affected the functioning of the premier scientific body and if so, the steps taken by the Government to fill up the post;
- whether the issue related to not appointing Heads in 17 national laboratories out of 38 National Laboratories of CSIR has come to light and if SO, the details thereof;
- (d) the reasons for delay being caused in appointment of Heads of such laboratories; and
- (e) the action taken by the Government for the appointment of Heads of these laboratories?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y.S: CHOWDARY)

- (a)&(b) No Madam.
- In some cases suitable candidates could not be found for the posts-() Necessary steps for expeditious selection to these vacant positions have already been taken:
- (c) Yes Madam, out of 37(not 38), 14 posts of Head of National laboratories of CSIR are vacant at present:

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1781 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Bilateral Ties with ASEAN
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA, RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1781 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## BILATERAL TIES WITH ASEAN

† 1781. SHRI R. DHRUVA NARAYANA: SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  India  is  aiming  at  better  and  stronger  bilateral  ties  with  ASEAN countries and if so, the details of steps taken in this regard;
- (b) whether  several  road  projects  connecting  neighbouring  as  well  as  ASEAN countries are on the anvil and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the time by which the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is likely to be completed and the States that are likely to be benefitted/effected thereby;
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  also  contemplating  to  support  the  initiative  to create  an  economic  federation  with  ASEAN  including  adoption  of  a  single currency; and
- (e) if so, the details in this regard?

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## ANSWER [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) Yes. The India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership has acquired new momentum with the announcement of the 'Act-East Policy' at the 12 th  ASEAN-India Summit in 2014. The Government has in January 2015 set up a separate Indian Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta  to  strengthen  engagement  with  ASEAN  and  ASEAN-centric  processes.  The ASEAN-India  Agreements  on  Trade  in  Services  and  Investment  have  entered  into force on 1 July 2015, completing the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, and will give a further boost to bilateral trade and investment ties. An ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the  period  2016-20  has  also  been  adopted  at  the  ASEAN-India  Foreign  Ministers' Meeting  in  August  2015,  identifying  concrete  initiatives  and  areas  of  cooperation along  the  politico-security,  economic  and  socio-cultural  pillars.  Prime  Minister's participation in the 13 th  ASEAN-India Summit on 21 November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur has reinforced India's multi-faceted engagement with ASEAN countries.
- (b) Yes.  The  Government  is  assisting  in  the  construction  of  the  India-MyanmarThailand Trilateral Highway (road in Kalewa-Yargi section and 69 bridges on TamuKalewa section), as well as the road component of the Kaladan Multi- Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar.
- (c) The  waterway  and  road  components  of  the  Kaladan  Multi-Modal  Transit Transport  Project  are  scheduled  to  be  completed  by  mid-2016  and  mid-2019 respectively. The project will benefit the North-Eastern states of India.
- (d) No.
- (e) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1780 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Wagon Factory
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: ARPITA GHOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1780 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## WAGON FACTORY

## 1780.  SHRIMATI ARPITA GHOSH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  establishing  of  wagon  manufacturing  factory  in  Buniyadpur, Dakshin Dinajpur was announced in 2009;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the present status of the project; and
- (c) the amount allocated for the project and the likely time by which the aforesaid project will be completed?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)  to (c) A wagon manufacturing factory at Buniyadpur was sanctioned in 2010-11.  However,  existing  wagon  manufacturing  capacity  including both  private  and  public  sector  units  is  adequate  to  meet  the  current demand  for  new  wagons  based  on  traffic  projections.  In  view  of  the above,  railways  have  not  commenced  this  work  and  no  amount  has been allocated for this work during the year 2015-16.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1779 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Crop Protection through Atomic Technique
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: K.R.P. PRABAKARAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1779

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## CROP PROTECTION THROUGH ATOMIC TECHNIQUE

1779.   SHRI K.R.P. PRABAKARAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of Atomic Energy/ technology being used for crop protection and better yield of varieties of crops; and
- (b) the details of training given to farmers in the Atomic field in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH) :

- (a) Research efforts involving mutation breeding through radiation and allied techniques at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy  (DAE)  has  significantly  contributed  to  release  of  high  yielding  varieties  in pulses and oilseeds over last 5 decades.

In the last 10 years, the groundnut varieties of BARC have contributed to about 14.2% of  National  Breeders'  seed  indent.  These  varieties  have  become  very  popular  in groundnut  growing  States like  Gujarat,  Andhra  Pradesh,  Odisha,  Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka.

In  addition,  the  pulse  varieties  of  BARC  like  mungbean,  pigeon  pea  and  blackgram have also played an important role in increasing overall national productivity. BARC mung varieties such as TJM-3, TMB-37 and TM-96-2 accounted for 24% while pigeon pea variety TJT-501 accounted for 18% of the total national breeder seed indents for respective pulses during 2014-15. The introduction of pulse varieties suitable for rice fallow  cultivation  has  increased  the  usage  efficiency  of  agricultural  fields.  Twelve million hectares of rice fallows could be brought under pulse cultivation.

- (b) Various types of training programme are conducted for farmers in the Atomic field by Department of Atomic Energy through BARC such as:-
- (i) Conducting  regular  awareness  programmes  for  farmers  in  association  with various agricultural universities.
- (ii) Interaction with the farmers and explaining the standard cultivation practices to them regularly.
- (iii) Participation  in  various  agricultural  related  exhibitions  where  interaction  with several farmers takes place.
- (iv) Co-operation with progressive farmers for multiplication of varieties developed at BARC.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1777 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Four Lane Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: CHINTAMAN NAVSHA WANAGA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1777 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## FOUR LANE RAILWAY LINE

## 1777.    ADV. CHINTAMAN NAVASHA WANAGA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has proposed to construct four lane Railway line from Virar to Dahanu Road on Western Railway;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken in this regard so far?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a):   Yes, Madam.  Quadrupling of Virar to Dahanu Road on Western Railway  is  proposed  as  a  part  of  the  Mumbai  Urban  Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III.
- (b): The estimated cost of the work is ` 3555 crore for 63.80 Km. route length.
- (c): The  work  has  been  included  in  budget  2015-16  subject  to requisite approvals. Detailed Project Report has been prepared.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1776 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: Yamunanagar-Chandigarh Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RATTAN LAL KATARIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1776

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2015

## YAMUNANAGAR-CHANDIGARH RAIL LINE

## †1776.         SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  has  decided  to  lay  a  new  railway  line  from Yamunanagar to Chandigarh;
- (b) if so,  the present status of the project;
- (c) whether any talks have taken place between Minister of Railways and Chief Minister of Haryana regarding this railway project and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  Centre  and  States  have  planned  any  joint  co-ordination agency to complete pending railway projects; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (e): Yamunanagar-Chandigarh New Line project (91 km) was included in the Budget 2013-14 subject to the requisite government clearances.  The erstwhile Planning Commission was approached for 'in principle approval' for  this  project  on  socio-economic  consideration.    However,  Planning Commission  required  State  Government  to  provide  land  free  of  cost  in addition to sharing 50% of the construction cost.  The proposal could not be  taken  forward  as  State  Government  did  not  respond  to  Ministry  of Railways'  subsequent  request  to  give  land  free  in  addition  to  50%  cost sharing. Regular coordination meetings including those by Project Monitoring Group are held with State Government at appropriate level to sort out issues related to ongoing projects.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-09
Subject: North East Council
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: THOKCHOM MEINYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1775

To be answered on

## Wednesday, December 9, 2015/Agrahayana 18, 1937(Saka)

## QUESTION

## North East Council

1775. DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA:

Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is considering to do away with the North Eastern Council(NEC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Development  of  North  Eastern  Region  (DoNER)  has  started gradually taking over the power and functions of the NEC; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Dr. JITENDRA SINGH]

- (a) No, Sir.
- (b) Does not arise.
- (c) No, Sir. The North Eastern Council is a statutory regional planning body for the North  Eastern  areas.  The  Council,  inter  alia,  also  reviews  implementation  of projects  and  schemes  included  in  the  regional  plan  and  undertakes  necessary investigation and pre-feasibility to facilitate consideration of new projects in the regional plan.
- (d) Does not arise.

*****