opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 57 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Strike by Railway Employees
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 57

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## STRIKE BY RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

## 57. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  railway  employees  association  is  planning  to  go  on strike in the first week of March demanding 35 per cent hike in their salaries as against 14.29 per cent offered by the 7 th  Pay Commission and not to accept the recommendation of Debroy Committee report to privatize the Railways, scrapping of new pension scheme, etc;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)    the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Railways  to  alleviate  the problems of railway employees?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)  &  (b):  The  two  recognized  Railway  staff  Federations  have  not given  any  notice  so  far,  for  going  on  strike.    However  they  have informed that Strike Notice may be served on 11 th  March, 2016 for 'Indefinite Strike' from 11 th  April, 2016 in case there is no negotiated settlement on the Charter of Demands by that time. The Charter of Demands, amongst various issues, include the items mentioned in the question.

Contd.-----2/-

(c): On the Railways, there is well established system of Permanent Negotiating  Machinery  (PNM)  and  Departmental  Council  under  the Joint  Consultative  Machinery  (JCM)  with  the  recognized  Unions/ Federations. Regular dialogue with the organized labour is maintained  through  these  fora  to  sort  out  staff  grievances.  The Permanent Negotiating Machinery functions at three tiers -Divisional level, Zonal Headquarter level and Apex level at Railway Board. Departmental Council under JCM functions at the Apex level at  Railway  Board.  Further,  recognized  Unions/Federations  are  also members  of  the  Group  on  Participation  of  Railway  Employees  in Management (PREM).

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 56 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Passengers in Delhi Metro
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 56

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016

## PASSENGERS IN DELHI METRO

## No. 56. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  number  of  passengers  in  Delhi  Metro  train  has increased;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  reduce  the footfall and make the journey comfortable?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a): Yes, Madam.
- (b): The details of total ridership of Delhi Metro received from Delhi Metro  Rail  Corporation  Ltd.  (DMRC)  for  the  last  three  years  are  as under:

Cont…

|   Year | Total Ridership   | % increase over the last year   |
|--------|-------------------|---------------------------------|
|   2013 | 77,72,72,891      | --                              |
|   2014 | 86,01,53,294      | 10.66%                          |
|   2015 | 92,25,51,128      | 7.25%                           |

(c): Delhi  Metro  Rail  Corporation  Ltd.  (DMRC)  has  informed  that instead  of  reducing  footfalls,  they  plan  to  enhance  capacity  by providing  more  coaches  to  make  journey  comfortable.    For  this,  420 additional  coaches  are  approved  for  procurement;  out  of  which  84 coaches  have  been  commissioned  into  service  and  the  balance  336 coaches will be inducted by December, 2017 in phases.

x-x-x-x-x
Lok Sabha Question No. 55 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Indo-German Technology Centre
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: ARJUN RAM  MEGHWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.55 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/02/2016

## INDO-GERMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

## †55. SHRI ARJUN MEGHWAL:

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

- (a) whether  a  decision  has  been  taken  by  the  Government  and  Germany  to  extend  the duration of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC); (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  objectives  and  the  reasons  for  extending  the  duration  of  IGSTC  along  with  the benefits  likely to accrue as a result thereof?

## 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) & (b):  Yes, Madam. A   Joint Declaration between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany was signed on 5 th , October 2015 to extend the tenure of the bilateral Indo-German Science and Technology Center, beyond March 2017 until 2022, with doubling of annual funding from existing €2 million to € 4 million from each side.
- (c) IGSTC,  since  its  inception  in  2010,  has  been  promoting  Indo-German  research partnership connecting academia and industry from both the countries on a '2+2 model' with the aim towards translation of research results into product/processes/services using publicprivate partnership. A formal review of IGSTC was also undertaken in September 2013 by a Joint Committee with experts from India and Germany. The committee appreciated the role of IGSTC and recommended its extension of duration till 2022 including expansion of its scope and funding.

The  collaboration  through  the  IGSTC  will  help  strengthen  industry-  academia partnerships through joint research and development projects between India and Germany, leading  to  creation  of  new  knowledge  that  has  potential  for  industrial  application  and technological development.

- ********
Lok Sabha Question No. 53 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Skill Development Training Centres
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: C.R. CHAUDHARY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 53 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING CENTRES QUESTION

## †53.   SHRI C.R. CHAUDHARY:

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

- (a) the State-wise details of iconic model skill development training centres set up so far under the skill development project;
- (b) whether separate iconic model skill development training centres are likely to be set up in those States where skill development centres are already functioning; and
- (c) if so, the maximum number of such centres likely to be set up in a district?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  has  implemented  the flagship  scheme,  'Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY)'  on  15 th July,  2015 which aims to enable and mobilise youth to take up skill training and earn their livelihood. As  on  22 nd February,  2016,  12.50  lakh  candidates  have  been  enrolled  in  9,314  training centres spread in 29 States and 6 Union Territories (UTs). Further,  with the objective to improve the training facilities.  National  Skill  Development  Corporation  (NSDC)  has  come forward with 44 iconic skill centres set up across the Country wherein training is provided under PMKVY.

In addition, with the objective to provide skilling opportunity to the people across the Country  through  high  quality  training  centres,  the  Government  has  entrusted  NSDC  to promote  a  Model  Skill  Centre  (MSC)  in  more  than  500  districts  across  the  Country. Expression of Interest (EoI) for setting up of these MSCs was invited against which more than 1800 companies have applied.

- *********
Lok Sabha Question No. 52 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Rail Over Bridges
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: G. HARI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.52 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## RAIL OVER BRIDGES

52. SHRI G. HARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the Railways has taken a decision to build 225 rail over bridges across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also true that a sum of Rs.5,100 crore would be required to construct these rail over bridges; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 52 BY SHRI G. HARI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 24.02.2016 REGARDING RAIL OVER BRIDGES. (a)  &  (b):    At  present,  there  are  1,156  sanctioned  works  for construction of 1,399 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) across the country.

Zone-wise details in this regard are as under:

| S. No.   | Zone                          | No. of ROBs sanctioned   |
|----------|-------------------------------|--------------------------|
| 1.       | Central Railway               | 55                       |
| 2.       | Eastern Railway               | 100                      |
| 3.       | East Central Railway 118      |                          |
| 4.       | East Coast Railway 25         |                          |
| 5.       | Northern Railway 194          |                          |
| 6.       | North Central Railway 125     |                          |
| 7.       | North Eastern Railway 34      |                          |
| 8.       | Northeast Frontier Railway 35 |                          |
| 9.       | North Western Railway 73      |                          |
| 10.      | Southern Railway 209          |                          |
| 11.      | South Central Railway         | 94                       |
| 12.      | South Eastern Railway 33      |                          |
| 13.      | South East Central Railway 29 |                          |
| 14.      | South Western Railway 74      |                          |
| 15.      | Western Railway 142           |                          |
| 16       | West Central Railway          | 59                       |
|          | Total                         | 1399                     |

(c)  &  (d):  Fund  for  construction  of  Road  Over  Bridges  (ROBs)/Road Under  Bridges  (RUBs)/Subways;  elimination  of  level  crossings  and other  safety  works  related  to  level  crossings  come  from  Central Road Fund (CRF) as a percentage of cess collected on petrol and diesel by Ministry of Finance. Present throwforward of these works is ₹ 31,700 crores approximately.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 50 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Extension of Jodhpur-Jaipur Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DEVJI MANSINGRAM PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 50 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## EXTENSION OF JODHPUR-JAIPUR EXPRESS

†50. SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the main reasons for not extending Jodhpur-Jaipur Express (JU JP SF  Exp  22477/78)  upto  Raniwada  station  of  Samdadi  Bhildi  section running between Jaipur to Jodhpur in view of problems being faced by citizens  of  hundreds  of  villages  of  Raniwada  Bhinmal,  Modra,  Jalore etc. in view of answer given on 23/12/15;
- (b)  infrastructure  required  to  extend  it  upto  Raniwada  station  along with details thereof;
- (c) the total amount required to set up this infrastructure;
- (d)  whether  this  infrastructure  is  proposed  to  be  set  up  through  PPP model and MPLADS; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) Presently, 03 pairs of Mail/Express train and 02 pairs of Passenger train services are available between Jodhpur and Raniwara stations. Further, extension of 22477/22478 Jodhpur- Jaipur Superfast Express upto Raniwara station is not feasible, at present, as Raniwara station is  a  small  way  side  station,  where  basic  infrastructure  facilities  for originating and terminating of trains are not available.

- (b) One  storage room, road transportation facility, mobile high pressure  cleaning  machines,  water  connections,  washable  apron  on the  platform  lines  with  covered  drains,  standard  watering  hydrants, flood  light  at  the  platform  ends,  inspection  lights  etc.  would  be required for undertaking terminal attention at Raniwara.

(c)Total amount required to set up this infrastructure is approximately 5 crores.

- (d) No, Madam.

(e) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 49 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Food Prices more than MRP
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: BANSHILAL MAHTO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 49 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## FOOD PRICES MORE THAN MRP

†49. DR. BANSHILAL MAHATO:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  prices  of  food  items, tea, drinking water, etc. being sold at railway stations and trains are more than Maximum Retail Price (MRP);
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps being taken by the Railways to ensure quality food items at fair prices at all railway stations and in trains of the country?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## ANSWER (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) and  (b):  Authorized  Railway  Contractors  (licensees)  provide  food items, tea, drinking water, etc. in  trains and stations as per approved rates  provided  by  the  Railways.  However,  about  2334  complaints  of overcharging  have  been  reported  during  last  year  (i.e.  01.01.2015  to 31.12.2015).  Action  has  been  taken  against  defaulting  licensees including imposition of fines in 1601 cases.

(c):  Steps  taken  to  ensure  that  good  quality  and  hygienic  food  is served to the passengers include: (i) Imposition of penalties in  case of

Contd..2/-

deficiencies  detected  in  services.    (ii)  Introduction  of  station  based E-Catering for widening the range of options available to passengers for  ordering  food  of  their  choice.  (iii)  Introduction  of  precooked  food ('ready to eat' meals) in the range of options available to passengers. (iv) Operation of  centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell (CSMC) (toll  free  number  1800-111-321)  for  prompt  redressal  of  passenger grievances relating to the catering activities and real time assistance to travelling public. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for railusers  to  lodge  complaints/suggestions  regarding  food  and  catering services.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 48 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Smart Cities
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 48

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016

## SMART CITIES

No. 48      SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)
- whether according to a study, a majority of contenders vying for the smart city tag still have lot of catching upto do in terms of suing the digital platform as in interface between citizens and the administration;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons thereof;
- (c) whether  it  is  also  true  that  of  the  98  potential  smart  cities sides, 17 have no official website while three do not have theirs
- in working conditions;
- (d) whether it is also true that more than half the cities have not
- put up any updates so far about ongoing smart city initiatives while 64% have not invited suggestions from the public in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a) & (b):  No  madam.  No  such  study  has  been  conducted  by  the Ministry  of  Urban  Development.    However,  in  order  to streamline  and  systemize  citizen  consultation,  MyGov, which is a citizen-centric platform, has played an important role involving the common citizens at large.  95 cities  out  of  98  shortlisted  potential  smart  cities  have

used  this  platform  to  create  an  interface  between  the administration and the city.

- (c) to (e): Information from the Smart City Proposals (SCPs) shows that out of 98 shortlisted potential smart cities, 85 cities used  their  own  independent  Smart  Cities  websites  or  a smart  city  link  on  their  ULB  websites  for  carrying  out extensive citizen consultations. However, 95 cities have extensively used the MyGov platform for various activities such as essay competition (Mere sapnokashaher), discussion, task, talks, polls and blogs. These cities have organized discussion with their cities in order to disseminate  the  concept  of  Smart  Cities  and  81  cities have initiated action for the essay contest.  Various cities have also used social media tools (e.g. twitter, facebook), in addition to local papers, radio spots, local TVs, pamphlets,  and  bulk  SMS,  workshops  and  seminars  for inviting the suggestions from local citizens. Overall, MyGov  has  enlisted  an  unprecedented  response  from citizens  and  other  stakeholders  with  2.50  million  (25 lakhs) sharing their views, comments, suggestions etc.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 47 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Review of Performance of Bureaucrats
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 47

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016)

## REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE OF BUREAUCRATS

## 47. SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the performance of bureaucrats including those working under Delhi Government; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  finding  of  the  review  panel  and  recommendations made in this regard?

## 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) & (b):    Review of Performance of the Government officials is an ongoing process, in terms of the provisions in the relevant rules and instructions issued from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 45 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Accidents in Installation of Towers
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: KAUSHAL KISHORE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.45 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 th  FEBRUARY, 2016

## ACCIDENTS IN INSTALLATION OF TOWERS

†45. SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE::

Will  the  Minister  of  COMMUNICATIONS  AND  INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  accidents  occured  due  to  electricity supply to BSNL towers especially in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that BSNL towers have also been installed in residential colonies on vacant plots; and
- (d) if  so,  the action by the Government to remove such towers and also to provide compensation to accident victims?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (d) Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited  (BSNL)  has  informed  that  one  accident occurred in overhead 11 KV high tension line of Lucknow Electricity Supply Authority (LESA) near adjacent plot where BSNL tower is installed.  BSNL has informed that the installation  and  maintenance  of  11  KV  high  tension  line,  transformer  and  LT  line termination upto energy meter is the responsibility of LESA.  As BSNL is not responsible for  the  accident,  therefore,  compensation  to  accident  victims  does  not  arise.    BSNL erects/removes  its  mobile  towers  based  on  its  techno-commercial  considerations including the spaces in its residential colonies and vacant plots.

***************
Lok Sabha Question No. 43 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Shifting of Western Railway Head Quarter
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: CHANDRAKANT RAGHUNATH PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 43

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## SHIFTING OF WESTERN RAILWAY HEAD QUARTER

43.  SHRI C.R. PATIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  Gujarat  contributes  a  major  share  in passenger and goods traffic to Western Railways;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  State  Government  of  Gujarat  has  requested  for shifting of Western Railway Head Quarter from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has accepted the above request;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): Yes, Madam.

(b) to (e): Representations for shifting Western Railway Headquarters from  Mumbai  to  Ahmedabad  have  been  received  from  time  to  time from various fora, including the State Government of Gujarat.

The  location  of  the  headquarters  of  a  Zonal  Railway  depends  on operational  and  administrative requirements,  consistent  with  the needs of economy and efficiency and not on regional considerations. Western Railway headquarter at Mumbai is working satisfactorily. The proposal to shift Western Railway's headquarters from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was examined in the light of the above and has not been considered feasible.

****