opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 856 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Missing of Soldiers during Indo- Pakistan Wars
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: CHARANJEET SINGH RORI

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF DEFENCE**

**DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE**

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.856**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**MISSING OF SOLDIERS DURING INDO-PAKISTAN WARS**

856.  	SHRI  CHARANJEET SINGH RORI:

SHRI  K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE    j{kk ea=h

be pleased to state:

(a)	the number of Indian soldiers missing during Indo-Pakistan wars;

(b)	the measures taken / being taken by the Government trace, release to appraise their family members of the situation;

(c)	whether any financial and legal assistance is being provided to the family of the missing soldiers; and

(d)	if so, the details thereof?

#### A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                   (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h    			          ¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

**(a) to (d):** **A statement is attached.**

**********

**STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 856 FOR ANSWER ON 24.7.2015**

**(a) & (b):** **Fifty four (54) missing defence personnel of 1965 and 1971 wars are believed to be in the custody in Pakistan.  The Government has repeatedly been taking up the matter with the Pakistan Government for the release of the missing defence personnel believed to be in Pakistan’s custody.  However, Pakistan does not acknowledge the presence of any such personnel in its custody.  A delegation of 14 relatives of missing defence personnel also visited 10 Jails in Pakistan during 1-14 June, 2007.  The delegation, however, could not conclusively confirm the physical presence of any missing defence personnel.**

**(c) & (d):** **The families of these missing defence personnel were given liberalized pensionary / rehabilitation benefits as per extant rules.  Subsequently, payment of service and retirement benefits have been made to the next of kin of the 38 (including one from Border Security Force) out of 54 missing defence personnel believed to be in the custody in Pakistan, as if they had retired on superannuation, in compliance of judgement dated 23.12.2011 passed by Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat. In case of 13 missing defence personnel, dues have been deposited in the High Court of Gujarat due to non availability of Next of Kin / legal heirs or non-establishment of legal heirship of the claimant.  Details of 03 missing defence personnel are not known and the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat has been apprised in this regard.**

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Lok Sabha Question No. 855 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Health Insurance to Senior Citizens
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 855**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 th July, 2015/ Shravana 2, 1937 (Saka)

**Health Insurance to Senior Citizens**

†855. SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether the Government proposes to implement any health insurance scheme for the senior citizens;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof;

(c) 	whether the Government is contemplating to fund money lying unclaimed in the provident fund for the said scheme; and

(d) 	if so, the details thereof?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI JAYANT SINHA)

(a) to (d): It is a priority of the Government to work towards enabling social security protection for citizens, especially from the economically weaker and vulnerable sections. In accordance with this priority, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Joyti Bima Yojna (PMJJBY), the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna (PMSBY) and Atal Penson Yojna (APY) were recently launched to address the areas of life and accident risk, and old age income security. The Rashtriya Swastha Bima Yojana (RSBY) is also operational to provide health insurance cover to persons living below the poverty line etc. The Government would continue to work towards the furtherance of these objectives.

Further, the Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) have specially designed policies for senior citizens at the entry level in the age bracket of 60 to 80 years namely “Varistha Bima Yojana” by National Insurance Company Ltd, “Health of Privileged Elderly (HOPE)” by The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd and “Senior Citizens Mediclaim Policy” by the New India Assurance Company Ltd and United India Insurance Company ltd. As in the case of regular Mediclaim insurance policies, there is no age limit for renewals of these policies and can be continued throughout the life-time of the insured.

In Budget Announcement, 2015 Hon’ble Finance Minister had proposed the creation of a Senior Citizen Welfare Fund through use of certain unclaimed amounts under various specified schemes.

The Senior Citizens Welfare Fund Act has been passed along with the Finance Act, 2015. The scheme Rules for Senior Citizens Welfare Fund are under preparation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 854 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Loan to Agro-based Industry
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: SADASHIV KISAN LOKHANDE

**Government of India**

**Ministry of Finance**

**Department of Financial Services**

**-----**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.854**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 24** **TH** **JULY 2015/SHRAVANA 2, 1937(SAKA)**

**“LOAN TO AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY”**

**QUESTION**

**854:  Shri Sadashiv Lokhande:**

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

1. whether the Government proposes to make a provision where under the 	nationalised banks charge 2 to 5 per cent interest on loan for setting up 	agro-based industries;

1. if so, the details thereof; and

1. if not, the reasons therefor?

**ANSWER**

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

**(SHRI JAYANT SINHA)**

1. **to (c):** The Government has no proposal to make a provision where nationalized banks will charge 2-5% interest on loans for setting up agro-based industries.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has deregulated the interest rates on advances with effect from July 1, 2010 & all banks are, therefore, free to determine their lending rates as per their Board approved policy. Moreover, the banks are not permitted to lend below their Base Rate. However, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allocated Rs. 2000 crore to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) as a fund to provide loans to State Governments, entities promoted by State Governments, entities promoted by Government of India, Joint ventures, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Cooperatives, Federations of Cooperatives, Farmers’ Producer Organization, Corporates, Companies, Entrepreneurs, etc. for designated food parks and individual processing units in these parks. The rate of interest on the loans sanctioned to the State Governments and to the State promoted entities guaranteed by the State Government will be as applicable for Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), i.e., Bank Rate less 1.5%. For the loans sanctioned to Private Sector entities, the applicable rate shall be Prime Lending Rate of NABARD plus risk premium.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 852 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Utilisation of Education Cess
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF FINANCE**

### DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

*********

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.852

**TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY THE 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**SHARVANA 2, 1937 (SAKA** **)**

**UTILISATION OF EDUCATION CESS**

**852 SHRI. SUBSASH CHANDRA BAHERIA:**

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware that post-merger of Education Cess (EC) and Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (SHE) cess with Central Excise and Service tax have made the cenvat credit availed on EC and SHE unutilizable and deadstock for all the manufacturers as on 28th February, 2015 and prevent them from utilising the credit on the above cess toward payment of basic excise duty; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government to prevent the credit loss to the manufacturers on account of the aforesaid merger?”

######## ANSWER

########## 

########## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

**(SHRI JAYANT SINHA)**

**(a) and (b): During the post-Budget 2015-16 consideration stage, representations were received from Industry and Trade Associations regarding accumulation of CENVAT credit on account of exemption of Education Cess and Secondary and Higher Education Cess on all excisable goods. These representations were examined and in order to address the concerns of the industry and trade associations,  CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 were amended vide notification No.12/2015-Central Excise (N.T.), dated 30.04.2015 so as to:**

1. **Allow the CENVAT credit of Education Cess & Secondary and Higher Education Cess on inputs or capital goods received in the factory of manufacture of final product on or after the 1** **st** **day of March, 2015 to be utilized for payment of basic excise duty.**

1. **Allow the CENVAT credit of balance 50% Education Cess & Secondary and Higher Education Cess on capital goods received in the factory of manufacture of final product in the FY 2014-15 to be utilized for payment of basic excise duty.**

1. **Allow the CENVAT credit of Education Cess & Secondary and Higher Education Cess on input services received by the manufacturer of final product on or after the 1** **st** **day of March, 2015 to be utilized for payment of basic excise duty.**

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Lok Sabha Question No. 849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Strike by Doctors
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: RAMA KISHORE SINGH, KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL, RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.849**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**Strike by Doctors**

**849. 	SHRI RAMA KISHORE SINGH:**

**SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:**

**SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:**

Will the Minister of **HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE** be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of recent strike by the doctors in Government hospitals crippling the medical services in Delhi, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) the steps taken/being taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the country in future; and

(c) whether the Government has taken/ proposes to take any steps to ensure the safety and security of doctors on duty in hospitals, in the light of increasing incidences of their manhandling by the relatives of the patients and if so, the details thereof?

**ANSWER**

**THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)**

1. to ( **c** ): 	Recently the resident doctors in Delhi went on strike on 22.06.2015 in support of their demands for providing adequate provision for security, hostel accommodation, availability of safe drinking water, appointment of doctors on contract basis, display of the list of generic medicines, etc. During strike, efforts were made to ensure that patient care services did not suffer.  Accordingly, Contingency Action Plan was prepared by each of the Central Government Hospital.

The Central Government and the respective hospitals have taken or initiated a number of steps to meet the genuine demands of the resident doctors.  In order to strengthen the security of doctors and para-medical staff of the hospitals,   Dr. RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and Associated Hospitals have deployed marshals in the emergency area and also constituted Quick Response Team (QRT).  Matter relating to repair of hostels and water supply have been taken up with CPWD and NDMC.

In addition, the matter regarding augmenting deployment of security personnel in hospital campus has been taken up with Ministry of Home Affairs and Commissioner of Police, Delhi. It has been reported that additional Delhi Police personnel have been deployed in LHMC and associated Hospitals.
Lok Sabha Question No. 848 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Reduction in Customs Duty
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI, ALOK SANJAR

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF FINANCE**

### DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

*********

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.848

**TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY THE 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**SHARVANA 2, 1937 (SAKA** **)**

**REDUCTION IN CUSTOMS DUTY**

**848 SHRI. PRALAHAD JOSHI:**

**SHRI ALOK SANJAR:**

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a): whether the Government proposes to remove customs duty on marine fuel for vessels        carrying cargo, if so, the details thereof and the revenue likely to be forgone in this regard;

(b): whether the said move is likely to draw bigger container ships to Indian coasts and make up for the revenue forgone, if so, the details thereof;

(c): whether the Government proposes to review existing customs duty rules with regard to bringing/wearing gold by air passengers coming from foreign countries to India; and

######## (d):  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

######## 

######## ANSWER

########## 

########## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

**(SHRI JAYANT SINHA)**

**(a) and (b): Recognizing the need to encourage the growth of Indian tonnage, the Government has exempted Customs and Excise Duty leviable on bunker fuels, namely IFO 180 CST and IFO 380 CST used in Indian flag vessels for transportation of EXIM and empty containers between two or more ports in India vide notifications No.31/2014-Customs and No.21/2014-Central Excise, both dated 11.11.2014. The estimated revenue implication of the aforesaid exemptions is Rs.57 crore in a full year.**

**(c) :  There is no such proposal under consideration at present.**

**(d):  Does not arise in view of reply to (c) above.**

*************
Lok Sabha Question No. 847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: NRI investment in Chit Funds
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: HARI BABU KAMBHAMPATI, R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 847

TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 24, 2015 / SHRAVANA 02, 1937 (SAKA)

## 'NRI investment in Chit Funds'

## 847.   DR. KAMBHAMPATI HARIBABU:  SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Reserve  Bank  of  India  has  allowed  to  permit  nonresident Indians (NRIs) to invest/subscribe to the chit funds without limit on a non-repatriation basis;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the RBI has mandated that the subscription to chit funds should come through the normal banking channel including through an account maintained with a bank in India; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI JAYANT SINHA)

(a)  to  (d):    Yes  Sir.  It  has  been  decided  to  permit  Non-Resident  Indians (NRIs)  to  subscribe  to  the  chit  funds,  without  limit,  on  non-repatriation basis subject to the following conditions:

- (i) The  Registrar of Chits or an officer authorised  by the State Government in accordance with the provisions of the Chit Fund Act in  consultation  with  the  State  Government  concerned,  may  permit any chit fund to accept subscription from Non-Resident Indians on non-repatriation basis;
- (ii) The subscription to the chit funds shall be brought in through normal banking  channel,  including  through  an  account  maintained  with  a bank in India.

Reserve Bank has amended the Regulations through the Foreign Exchange Management (Permissible Capital Account Transactions) (Second Amendment)  Regulations, 2015 and Foreign Exchange  Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2015 which have been notified through Notification  No.  FEMA.337/2015-RB  dated  March  2,  2015,  vide G.S.R. No. 283(E) dated April 13, 2015 and Notification No. FEMA.338/2015RB  dated  March  2,  2015,  vide  G.S.R.  No.  284  (E)  dated  April  13,  2015, respectively.  Reserve  Bank  has  also  issued  A.  P.  (DIR  Series)  Circular No.107 dated June 11, 2015 to this effect.

- ****
Lok Sabha Question No. 846 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Chief of Defence Staff
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF DEFENCE**

**DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE**

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.846**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF**

846.  SHRI  MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE    j{kk ea=h

be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government proposes to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff and have an integrated joint operations centre in the country; and

(b)	if so, the details and present status thereof?

#### A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                   (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h    			         ¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

**(a) & (b):** **The Group of Ministers (GOM) report on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, which was presented to Government in February, 2001 had recommended, inter-alia, the creation of the institution of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).  It was decided that Government would take a view on the issue of creation of the post of the CDS after consulting the political parties.  The consultation process is in progress.**

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Lok Sabha Question No. 845 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Sale of Banned Drugs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ, KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.845**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015**

**Sale of Banned Drugs**

**845.	 DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:**

**DR. KIRIT P. SOLANKI:**

Will the Minister of **HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE** be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to ban retail/on the counter sale of certain drugs including Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the country, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether certain instances of manufacturing and marketing of aforementioned drugs/injections including oxytocin have been reported in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of such cases reported and the action taken by the Government against the offenders during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether certain cases of marketing of drugs banned for import, manufacturing and sale in the country have also come to the notice of the Government; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government thereon?

**ANSWER**

**THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE**

**(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)**

(a):	The Government has restricted manufacture of a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, namely, Diclofenac injections for human use in single dose pack to prevent the misuse of multi-dose pack of this drug in animals. Manufacture and sale of Diclofenac formulation for animal use is already prohibited in the country.

(b) & (c):	The Government has not received any report regarding manufacture and sale of Diclofenac formulation for veterinary use. As regards the Oxytocin, the manufacture and sale of the drug is not prohibited in the country. However, the drug is permitted to be manufactured and sold in single unit blister pack only. The Oxytocin formulation for veterinary use is required to be soldonly to the veterinary hospitals.

(d) & (e):	In the recent past, the Government has not received any report about the sale of banned drugs.
Lok Sabha Question No. 844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: FDI in Tobacco Purchases
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: JAYADEV GALLA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY**

**DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 844.**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 24** **TH** **JULY, 2015.**

**FDI IN TOBACCO PURCHASES**

**844. 	SHRI JAYADEV GALLA:**

Will the Minister of **COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY** be pleased to state:

**वाणिज्‍य एवं उद्योग मंत्री**

1. whether the Government proposes to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in tobacco purchases in view of problems being faced by tobacco farmers;

1. if so, the details thereof; and

1. if not, the reasons therefor ?

**ANSWER**

**वाणिज्‍य एवं उद्योग राज्‍यमंत्री (स्‍वतंत्र प्रभार)(श्रीमती निर्मला सीतारमण)**

**THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)**

**OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY**

**(SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)**

| to (c):   | As per extant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, FDI is prohibited in manufacturing of cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes. The prohibition applies only to manufacturing of these products and foreign direct investment in other activities relating to these products including wholesale cash and carry, retail trading etc. shall be governed by the sectoral restrictions as laid down in the FDI policy. At present, there is no proposal under the consideration of the Government to review extant FDI policy in tobacco sector.   |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

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Lok Sabha Question No. 842 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Export of Wheat and Import of Flour
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: ANANDRAO  ADSUL, DHARMENDRA YADAV, Shrirang Appa Barne, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 842**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 24** **TH** **JULY 2015**

**EXPORT OF WHEAT AND IMPORT OF FLOUR**

**842. 	SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:**

**SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:**

**SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:**

**SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:**

Will the Minister of **COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (´ÉÉÉÊhÉVªÉ A´ÉÆ =tÉÉäMÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ)** be pleased to state:

- 1.1. whether the Government has taken note that some States are exporting wheat and importing flour (atta);
- 1.2. if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- 1.3. whether the Union Government has permitted these States for such export-import;
- 1.4. if so, the details thereof;
- 1.5. if not, whether the Government has made any investigation in this regard;
- 1.6. if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
- 1.7. the steps taken by the Union Government to discourage such practice?

### 

### ANSWER

**okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h  )Lora= izHkkj)** ( **Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k** )

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

(a) to (d)  	The import and export policy of Wheat or Meslin Flour under Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System), 2012 Code 1101 0000 is “free”. Therefore, states/individuals do not require any authorisation/license/permission for exporting wheat and importing flour (atta).

(e) to (g)  Question does not arise.

********