opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2931 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Dams on Narmada River
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: JYOTI DHURVE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

## RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2931

## ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

## 

**Dams on Narmada River**

†2931.   SHRIMATI JYOTI DHURVE

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) the details of dams constructed on Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan;

(b) the State-wise details of water and electricity produced from these dams as on March 31, 2015; and

(c) the quantum of funds received from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan and paid to Gujarat as on march 31, 2015?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

(PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a)  The dams constructed over main river Narmada are Bargi Dam (Madhya Pradesh), Indira Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh), Omkareshwar Dam (Madhya Pradesh), Maheshwar Dam (under construction in Madhya Pradesh) and Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Dam (under construction in Gujarat).

(b)  As on 31 st March, 2015, the State of Madhya Pradesh has produced 12618.64 Million Units (MU) of electricity  with live storage of  1326 Million Cubic Metres (MCM) of water from Bargi Dam; 28145.67 MU of electricity with live storage of 2880 MCM of water from Indira Sagar Dam and 8856.53 MU of electricity with live storage of 424 MCM of water from Omkareshwar dam.  Maheshwar Dam (Madhya Pradesh) and Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Dam (Gujarat) are under construction. However, as on 31 st March, 2015, 35502.85 MU of electricity has been generated from Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Dam (Gujarat)  with live storage of 1116 MCM of water,

(c)  As on 31 March, 2015 Gujarat has received Rs. 2185.69 Crore from  Madhya Pradesh, Rs. 1393.80 Crore from Maharashtra and Rs. 720.73 Crore from Rajasthan, respectively.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2930 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Utilization of Electricity Transmission Line by PGCIL
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: RAVINDRA BABU  PANDULA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2930 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

## UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION LINE BY PGCIL

2930.  DR. RAVINDRA BABU:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has any mechanism to assess the transmission lines which has resulted in 'congestion' and 'redundancy';
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that there is vast gap between 'cumulative transmission capacity' and 'cumulative transfer capacity'; and
- (d) if so, the details and reasons thereof along with action taken thereon?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) & (b) : Power  System  Operation  Company  (POSOCO),  a  subsidiary  company  of Power  Grid  Corporation  of  India  Limited  (PGCIL),  does  regular  assessment  of  the utilization  of  electricity  transmission  lines.  This  is  done  by  calculating  the  Total Transfer Capability (TTC), Available Transfer Capability (ATC) and Transfer Reliability Margin  (TRM)  of  various  transmission  corridors,  in  accordance  with  the  guidelines approved by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Transmission system, which is being developed in the country also considers POSOCO's recommendation so that congestion in the transmission corridors can be eliminated or further minimized.

- (c) & (d) : As  regards  the  gap  between  Total  Transfer  Capability  and  Available Transfer  Capability,  it  is  stated  that  the  ATC  is  calculated,  inter-alia,  taking  into account secure grid operation standards.

It is further explained that the transmission grid is a mesh network interconnecting a number of transmission lines of various capacities and the ATC takes into account constraints like voltage stability and angular stability of all the transmission lines connected to the grid.

***********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2929 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Alleged Irregularities in NRE Schemes
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

## 2929. :

SHRIMATI  KOTHAPALLI  GEETHA

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  has received any complaints / information on alleged irregularities/malpractices  from  various  States  in  implementation  of  various  solar  and  new renewable energy sources schemes and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  appointed  any  commissions  or  set  up  any  committees inquiring into such cases which are reported in some States including Kerala;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken so far;
- (d) the estimated loss incurred by the Union and State Governments from such cases; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken to avoid such irregularities in future?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a): Information has been received regarding alleged irregularities by a company in Kerala.
- (b)&(c): Government  of  India  has  not  appointed  any  commission  or  committee  as  this does not relate to Government of India schemes or funded by Government of India. The matter relates  to  state  Government and Kerala Government has filed a police complaint against that company for which  investigation is going on.
- (d): No loss has been incurred by Union Government.
- (e): Government of India strictly enforces financial rules and scheme guidelines.

****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2929

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

## ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES IN NRE SCHEMES
Lok Sabha Question No. 2928 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Fund Crunch
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: RAM CHARITRA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2928**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

**FUND CRUNCH**

**2928.** SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to State **:**

1. whether the  Department of Panchayati Raj has been facing fund crunch for  the last one year;

1. if  so, whether due to fund drought, many of its programmes could not be continued;

1. if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

1. whether it is a fact that finally the Union Government has made an additional allocation of Rs. 1000 crore to this Department; and

1. if so, the details thereof ?

**ANSWER**

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

(SHRI NIHAL CHAND)

1. to (c) : The two Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the  Ministry of Panchayati Raj, i.e. the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) and  the State component of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), have been transferred to States from the year 2015-16.  In view of this, as against the Budget Estimates (BE) of Rs.7000.70 crores for the year 2014-15 for Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the BE for the year 2015-16 is Rs.94.00 crores. However, Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) has recommended an allocation of Rs. 2,00,292.20 crores as Grants to duly constituted Gram Panchayats during the award period 2015-20, which constitutes an assistance of Rs.488 per capita per annum at an aggregate level.

(d) & (e) : Ministry of Panchayati Raj has requested  Ministry of Finance for additional allocation in the First Batch of Supplementary Grants for 2015-16.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2926 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Agreements with Other Countries
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI, V. PANNEER SELVAM, RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2926 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 th  AUGUST, 2015

## AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

2926.  SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI: SHRI V. PANNEERSELVAM: SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be please to state :

## पोत प�रवहन मंत्

- (a) whether the Government has signed any agreement with some countries particularly Iran  and  Netherlands  for  development  of  certain  ports  in  the  respective  countries including Port of Chabahar;
- (b) if so, the details and objectives thereof;
- (c) whether these countries particularly Netherlands intends to provide expertise to India for ship-building industries; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)&(b):Yes,  Madam.    A  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  has  been  signed  with Government  of  Netherlands  on  12/5/2008.  The  fields  of  cooperation  in  the  MoU include Ship Building, Port Planning & Development. A Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU)  has  also  been  signed  by  the  Government  of  India  with  the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran on 06.05.2015 regarding India's participation in the Chahbahar Port Project.
- (c)&(d):Cochin  Shipyard  Ltd.  (CSL),  a  Government  of  India  Undertaking,  under  the administrative  control  of  Ministry  of  Shipping  and  IHC  Holland  B.V,  a  limited liability  company  have  signed  a  Memorandum of Understanding on 09.02.2015 for construction of trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHD) and cutter suction dredgers (CSD).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2925 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Seafarers Identity Document
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE, PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2925 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  AUGUST, 2015

## SEAFARERS IDENTITY DOCUMENT

## 2925. SHRI J. J. T. NATTERJEE:

DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

## पोत प�रवहन मंत्

- (a) whether the Government has approved the ratification of the International Labour Organisation convention of Seafarers Identity Documents (SID);
- (b) if so, the details and present status thereof; and
- (c) the time-frame set for implementation thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)&(b):Yes,  Madam.  Government  has  approved  on  10.06.2015  the  ratification  of International  Labour  Organisation  (ILO)  Convention  No.  185  on  the  Seafarers Identity Document (SID).
- (c) The Ministry of External Affairs has been requested to arrange for the instrument of  ratification  and  to  duly  obtain  the  signature  of  President  of  India  on  the instrument. Thereafter, the formal ratification of this Convention  shall be communicated  to  the  Director  General  of International Labour  Office for registration.  This Convention shall come into force after six months from the date on which its ratification has been registered.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2924 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Service Lane Parallel to Toll Plazas
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO JADHAV, RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY, K.R.P. PRABAKARAN, VASANTHI M.

**भारत सरकार**

**सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्रालय**

**लोक सभा**

**लिखित प्रश्‍न सं. 2924**

**गुरुवार, 6 अगस्त, 2015/15 श्रावण, 1937 (शक)**

**टोल प्लाजा के समानांतर सर्विस लेन**

**2924. श्री प्रतापराव जाधव:**

**श्री राम टहल चौधरी:**

**श्री के. आर. पी. प्रबाकरन:**

**श्रीमती एम. वसन्ती:**

क्या **सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्री** यह बताने की कृपा करेंगे कि:

(क) क्या यह तथ्य है कि निकटवर्ती ग्रामों में रहने वाले लोगों को टोल प्लाजा का उपयोग करना पड़ता है चूंकि और सभी सड़कें बंद कर दी गई हैं;

(ख) यदि हां, तो इसके क्या कारण हैं;

(ग) क्या सरकार ने स्थानीय प्रशासन से टोल प्लाजा के समानांतर मार्गों को बंद करने की अनुमति प्राप्त कर ली है;

(घ) यदि नहीं, तो उक्त मार्गों को किस आधार पर बंद किया गया है; और

(ङ) इस पर सरकार की क्या प्रतिक्रिया है?

**उत्‍तर**

**सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्रालय में राज्‍य मंत्री**

**(श्री पोन्. राधाकृष्‍णन)**

**(क)** जी, नहीं । यथासंशोधित राष्‍ट्रीय राजमार्ग शुल्‍क (दरों का निर्धारण और संग्रहण) नियम, 2008 के अनुसार जहां सर्विस रोड़ अथवा वैकल्‍पिक मार्ग उपलब्‍ध न हो वहां स्‍थानीय प्रयोक्‍ता उन वाहनों के लिए रियायती दरों पर मासिक पासों का विकल्‍प चुन सकते हैं जो वाहन छूट-प्राप्‍त  श्रेणी के अंतर्गत नहीं आते ।

**(ख) से (ड.)** प्रश्‍न पैदा नहीं होते ।

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Increase in Sewage
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: HEMAMALINI, ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

**Government of India**

**Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation**

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. **2922**

TO BE ANSWERED ON **6-8-2015**

**Increase in Sewage**

**2922. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI:**

**SHRI ELUMALAI V.:**

Will the Minister of **DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION** be pleased to state **:**

(a) the expected increase in sewage with the construction of toilets across the country under the Swachh Bharat Mission, State-wise;

(b) whether existing toilets are being provided with proper sewage connections; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

(a)  to (c) The generation of sewage is dependent on the water used and technology for construction of toilet. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the choice of technology lies with the States. The most commonly used technology in rural areas is Twin Pit Pour Flush Water Seal toilet, under which no sewage is generated.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Study on River and Ground Water Management
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN, VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK, KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

## RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2921

## ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

## 

**Study on River and Ground Water Management**

2921. 	SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE			DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE

SHRI NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN		SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK

SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO 			SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government proposes to send teams of entrepreneurs to abroad to study river and ground water management;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the criteria fixed for selection of entrepreneurs for the said purpose;

(c) the details of expenditure to be incurred on such study tours and the countries in which the study will be conducted by such study group;

(d) whether any agreement with such countries has been signed by the Union Government and if so, the details thereof and the issues likely to be covered under the study tours; and

(e) the time by which such study will be completed along with the benefits likely to be accrued therefrom?

## 

## 

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

(PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a)   No, Madam. This Ministry does not have any proposal to send teams of entrepreneurs abroad to study river and ground water management.

(b) to (e)  In view of reply to Part(a) above, questions do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2920 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Setting up of Apparel and Garment Making Centres
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE, RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN, RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE, VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK, KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2920

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015

**SETTING UP OF APPAREL AND GARMENT MAKING CENTRES**

2920. 	SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE:

SHRI NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN:

SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK:

SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री

be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether there is any proposal to set up apparel and garment making centres in

various parts of the country;

(b) 	if so, the details along with the aims and objectives for setting up of such centres;

(c) 	the criteria fixed for setting up of such centres in the country;

(d) 	the details of such centres set up and functioning in the country, State-wise;

(e) 	the details of expenditure likely to be incurred on setting up of such centres

along with the details of funds allocated and so far released, State-wise; and

(f) 	the employment likely to be generated by such centres in the country?

उत्तर

ANSWER

वस्त्र राज्‍य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार) (श्री संतोष कुमार गंगवार)

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

**(a) to (d):** Yes, Madam. Ministry of Textiles is setting up modern apparel and garment making centres, in Plug and Play Mode in all eight North East States. In addition to the above project, with a view to create an integrated workspace and linkages based entrepreneurial ecosystem for the start-ups, Government has introduced the Scheme for Incubation in Apparel Manufacturing (SIAM) during the 12 th Five Year Plan.  Two projects have been sanctioned in the State of Haryana and Odisha under this scheme.  These centres are to promote apparel manufacturing which is one of the most employment intensive segments of the Textile Industry.  Under the scheme the State Government agencies are required to provide 1.5 acres of land free of cost and nominate project Implementing Agency (PIA) to implement the project.  All the 10 Centers are at different stages of implementation.

**(e):** Under NERTPS, each North East State has been sanctioned a project cost of Rs. 18.18 cr in which Rs. 4.75 cr has already been released as first instalment. Under SIAM, cost per centre has been approved @ Rs. 12.93cr per centre of which Rs. 4cr have been released each to the Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and SPINFD Orissa.

**(f):** Each centre is expected to generate an employment for 1200 persons when fully operational.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2918 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Pre-Trial Hearing
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER, MANOJ RAJORIA, VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE**

**DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2918**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015**

**Pre-trial Hearing**

**2918** SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

DR. MANOJ RAJORIA:

SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state

(a)   whether the Government proposes to introduce the system of pre-trial hearings in the country as followed in some other countries like United States and United Kingdom;

(b)   if so, the details and the objectives thereof;

(c)   whether the existing laws allow the said system in the country;

(d)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the steps proposed to be taken  by the Government for amendment of relevant laws for the purpose; and

(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE**

**(SHRI D.V.SADANANDA GOWDA)**

(a)  to (e)  The information is being collected and will be laid on    the Table   of the House.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2917 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Eight Laning of Road to Puri
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: PINAKI MISRA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2917**

ANSWERED ON 6 TH AUGUST, 2015

**EIGHT LANING OF ROAD TO PURI**

2917.      SHRI PINAKI MISRA:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

**सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्री**

be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government proposes to convert roads approaching Puri, Odisha, into an eight lane cemented road; and

(b) If so the details thereof?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

1. & (b) There is no proposal of converting road from Bhubaneswar approaching Puri into an eight lane cemented road. Four lane Highway section from Bhubaneswar to Puri on NH-316 has recently been opened to traffic.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2914 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-06
Subject: Swiss Challenge System
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: T. RADHAKRISHNAN, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL

GOVERMNENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2914**

ANSWERED ON 06 TH AUGUST, 2015

**SWISS CHALLENGE SYSTEM**

2914.	SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

**सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्री**

be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to adopt Swiss Challenge System for the construction of National Highways;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the National Highways proposed to be undertaken under the system;

(c) the response of the private players to this system;

(d) the time by which the proposed system is likely to be made operational; and

(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to encourage private developers to develop expressways in the country?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) to (d)	Adoption of the Swiss Challenge System for the construction of National Highways by the Government is still at a conceptual stage.

(e)	Conscious steps have been taken by the Government to encourage private developers to develop national highways including expressways in the country. Major steps undertaken in this direction include emphasis on better project preparation including land acquisition, undertaking major policy initiatives and simplification of procedure for project appraisal, exit policy for concessionaires,, amicable settlement of disputes, addressing issues for languishing projects,  promoting innovative project implementation through Hybrid Annuity Model etc. As a result, participation of the Private Sector in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects has started showing signs of recovery.

*****