opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Felling of Poplar Trees
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3847

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2016

## Felling of Poplar Trees

## 3847.  SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government is aware of axing of poplar trees in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of such trees axed across the State so far and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has received requests/representations from various quarters to protect felling of the said trees across the State;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken/being taken by the Government on such requests/ representations so far; and
- (e)  the  other  steps  taken/being  taken by  the  Government to protect felling of the said trees  and protect the livelihood of the people dependent on such trees?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) and (b) As per the information received from the Forest department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in compliance of orders of Hon'ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and  administrative  orders,  2,28,36,043  female  poplar  trees  on  revenue  land  and 6,933 trees from forest plantations have been felled in the Kashmir valley.
- (c) to (e) No  such  requests/representations  have  been  received  in  the  Ministry.  However, requests/representations have been received by the State Government in this regard. As per the information received from the Forest department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, a review petition in the Hon'ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir has been filed by the State Government.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3846 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Straw Burning
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3846

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09/08/2016

## Straw Burning

## 3846. SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether  the  Government  recognize  paddy  and  wheat  straw  burning  as  a  source  of pollution; and
- (b)   if so, the steps taken by the Government to check paddy or wheat straw burning in the post-harvest season?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a)  &  (b)    The  Government  is  aware  of  paddy  and  wheat  straw  burning  as  a  source  of pollution. Government has issued advisory to State/UT Governments in northern India and advised  them  to  curb  stubble  burning  to  mitigate  air  pollution  in  the  region.  Besides, directions have also been issued under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees of  Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi for abatement of air pollution and improvement  of  ambient  air  quality  in  Delhi  and  National  Capital  Region  (NCR).  These include directions for ensuring strict enforcement of ban on burning of agricultural waste and crop  residue.  Notifications  under  Section  19  (5)  of  the  Air  (Prevention  &  Control  of Pollution)  Act,  1981  have  been  issued  by  Government  of  Punjab,  Govt.  of  Haryana  and Government of Rajasthan prohibiting or restricting the open burning of straw. Regular coordination  meetings  at  official  and  ministerial  level  are  conducted  by  this  Ministry  with Governments  of  NCT  of  Delhi,  Punjab,  Haryana,  Uttar  Pradesh  and  Rajasthan  to  resolve issues and coordinate actions in this matter.

National  Green  Tribunal,  Principal  Bench,  New  Delhi  also  has  directed  Governments  of National Capital Territory of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to prevent stubble burning which is a banned activity.

- - - -
Lok Sabha Question No. 3845 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Finger Scanning Machines under PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: HARISH CHANDRA MEENA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3845 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  AUGUST, 2016

## FINGER SCANNING MACHINES UNDER PDS

## 3845. SHRI HARISH MEENA:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether despite directions from the Government many States are yet to install finger scanner machines at ration shops;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  further  action  taken/proposed  to  be taken  in this regard in order to plug leakages of subsidized foodgrains and
- ensure that the benefits reach the entitled beneficiaries; and
- (c) the time by which the Government proposes to complete cent per cent coverage in the country?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): This Department has prepared guidelines for Fair Price Shop (FPS) automation, which have been shared with all States/UTs. FPS automation involves, installation of Point of Sale (PoS) devices at FPS for authentication of beneficiaries, recording  of sales to  beneficiaries  at  the  FPS;  and uploading  of  transaction  data  in  central  server.  As  regards  financial assistance, Government has approved FPS dealers' margins (@ Rs. 87/qtl.) under  NFSA  which  also  includes  reimbursement  of  Rs.  17/qtl.    for  their expenditure  towards  purchase  and  operations  of  the  PoS/Mobile  Tablet device at the FPS for automation. Such expenditure is to be shared between Centre and State Govts. On 75:25 basis for special category States/UTs and on  50:50  basis  for  general  category  States/UTs.  Besides,  Department  has also  pursued  with  States/UTs  to  opt  for  Direct  Benefit  Transfer  (DBT)  for food grains. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for food grains have been implemented in 3 UTs  namely Chandigarh, Puducherry and partially in Dadra  &  Nagar  Haveli.  None  of  the  other  State/UT  has  indicated  its willingness  to  implement  cash  transfer  scheme.  Out  of  5.28  lakh  FPSs across the country,  about  1,26,663  FPSs  have  been  automated  so  far.  All States/UTs have been requested to expedite the pace of FPS automation.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Plantation of Oil Palm
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3844

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9 TH   AUGUST, 2016

## PLANTATION OF OIL PALM

3844.     SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  financial  assistance  to  encourage  the

be pleased to state: plantation of oil palm in the drought prone areas; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a): No, Madam.
- (b): Does not arise.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3843 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Permanent Resident Scheme
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3843

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9 TH  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 18, 1938 (SAKA)

PERMANENT RESIDENT SCHEME

†3843. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  Government  is  considering  "Permanent  Resident  Scheme" with a view to attract foreign investors and if so, the details thereof;

- (b)  whether  all  aspects  of  strategic  and  security  importance  have  been taken care of while implementing this scheme;
- (c)  whether  a  Pakistani  national,  who  is  capable  of  making  large investment, can become a permanent resident of India under this scheme;
- (d)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  has  made  special  provisions  in  this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  review  Indian  Single Citizenship and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI  KIREN  RIJIJU)

- (a)  to (e): A proposal to grant Permanent Residency Status (PRS) to

## L.S .U.S.Q .No. 3843 FOR 09.08.2016

the  foreign  investors  fulfilling  the  prescribed  eligibility  conditions  and making investment under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route subject to relevant conditions as specified in the FDI policy notified by the Government from time to time is under consideration in consultation with all stakeholders.  All aspects of strategic and security importance will be duly considered before implementing the scheme.

(f): No such proposal is under consideration at this stage.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3842 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Tribal Battalion of CRPF
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: C. N. JAYADEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3842

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9 TH  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 18, 1938 (SAKA)

TRIBAL BATTALION OF CRPF

3842. SHRI SHRI C.N. JAYADEVAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Government  has  approved  the  proposal  of  the Chhattisgarh  State  Government  for  setting  up  of  a  tribal  battalion  of CRPF;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c) whether it is a fact that the activists have opposed this move as the Supreme Court had struck down the formation of Salwa Judum in 2011; and

(d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  Government  in  this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a)  &  (b):  An  approval  for  raising  of  a  Battalion  in  Central  Reserve

Police Force (CRPF) from Schedule Tribe (ST) candidates belonging to four districts viz.

...2/

## LS USQ No. 3842 FOR 09.08.2016

Bijapur,  Dantewada,  Narayanpur  and  Sukma  of  Chhattisgarh,  has been accorded by the Central Government.  The Battalion is to be raised  by  recruiting  744  ST  Candidates  from  the  above  mentioned four districts.

(c)  &  (d):  The  decision  to  set  up  a  tribal  battalion  has  been  taken with a view to give more employment to the tribal youth keeping in mind their unique characteristics. There is no rationale for opposition to the setting up of the tribal battalion as recruitment of tribals from Bastar region in CRPF will help addressing unemployment and inequality, and also wean away youth from Left Wing Extremism.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3839 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Trafficking of Women
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RATTAN LAL KATARIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3839 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9 TH  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 18, 1938 (SAKA)

TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN

3839. SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether an increase in cases of trafficking of women and children has been reported in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  the  Government also proposes to establish a single agency called organised crime investigating agency and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (b): As  per  the  information  provided  by  the  National  Crime

Records Bureau(NCRB), a total 3554, 3940 and 5466 cases of human trafficking (including trafficking of women & children)and a total 991,

1361 and 2204 cases of child trafficking were reported during 2012,

2013 and 2014, respectively.

(c):  Yes  Madam.  It  is  proposed  to  establish  a  single  agency  called

Organized Crime Investigating Agency.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Intermediate Godowns
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: KRISTAPPA NIMMALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3836

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  AUGUST, 2016

## INTERMEDIATE GODOWNS

## 3836. SHRI NIMMALA KRISTAPPA:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  intermediate  grain storage facilities at block level in each State for the implementation of the National  Food  Security  Act  and  has  directed  the  States  to  create  such facilities with a holding capacity of four months PDS supply;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and response of the States thereto;
- (c) whether  this  move  is  aimed  at  ensuring  steady  flow  of  foodgrains under the National Food Security Act and to prevent damages;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the said storages are proposed to be constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme; and
- (f)
- if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) to (d):   There  is  no  proposal  for  construction  of    intermediate  grain storage  facilities  by  Government  of  India  at  Block  level  in  each  State. However, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) had requested the state governments in 2013 to create intermediate storage capacities at Block/Panchayat level to store foodgrains collected from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots, for further distribution to fair price shops, as construction of such intermediate godowns is the responsibility of State Governments. The states were requested to create capacity at the block level sufficient for 3 months requirement of foodgrains to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of foodgrains and to reduce leakages.
- (e) & (f): The  state  governments  may  construct  such  godowns  using funds  under  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment  Guarantee Scheme.  Amendment  has  been  made  in  2013  in  the  Schedule-I  of  the relevant  Act  to  include  'construction  and  maintenance  of  modern  and scientific Food Grain storage facility for implementing the provision of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013'.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3835 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Registration Process for Foreign Students
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: VINCENT H PALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3835

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 9 TH AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 18, 1938, (SAKA)

REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

3835. SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the policy for registration of foreigners is different from the student  registration  currently  required  by  the  FRRO  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government intends to periodically track and verify the current status and location of all foreign students and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has details of all foreign students currently residing in the country if so, whether this information would be added to the FRRO database or a new central database is being created to house this data;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  all  the information submitted by foreign students is true and accurate; and
- (f)  the details of agency which will own/ manage/control this data and agencies which will have access to this database?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) & (b): There is no difference in the registration process. Registration of all foreigners, including foreign students, is governed by the provisions in the Registration of Foreigners Rules,

## LS.US.Q.No.3835 FOR 09.08.2016

1992 and executive instructions issued by the Central Government from  time  to  time.  However,  as  per  the  provisions  in  Foreigners Order, 1948, every University and Educational Institution is required to furnish information in respect of foreign students enrolled in the University or the Educational Institution in the prescribed format to the Registration Officer.

(c) & (d): The details of all foreign students registered are available in  the  IVFRT  (Immigration,  Visa  and  Foreigners  Registration  & Tracking) database. As per information available, there are 46,367 foreign students registered in India as on 31.07.2016.

(e): During  registration  of  foreign  students,  random  enquiries,  in case of doubt, are made to ensure genuineness.

(f): The database is managed/ controlled by the Bureau of Immigration. All law enforcing agencies of the Government can seek details form the Bureau of Immigration as per their requirements.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3834 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: Animal Identification and Traceability System
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## भारत सरकार

## कृ ष और कसान क  याण मंालय

## पशुपालन , डेयर और म    यपालन वभाग लोक सभा

## अतारांकत   न सं. 3834 दनांक 9 अग  त , 2016 क े  लए   न

वषय: पशु पहचान और नगरानी णाल

3834. ी फरोज़ वण गांधीः

या क ृ ष और क ृ षक कयाण मंी यह बताने क क ृ पा करगे कः

- (क)  पशु  पहचान  और  नगरानी  णाल  (एआई  एंड  टएस)  क े   लए  भारतीय  खाय  सुरा  और  मानक ाधकरण (एफएसएसएआई) वारा सुझाई गई/कायािवत क गई रणनीतय का यौरा या है;
- (ख) एफएसएसएआई वारा इसक े  अधकार े मामले क े  कारण अनछा यत करने क े  कारण कस कार से सरकार इस रणनीत को कायािवत करने क योजना बना रह है और तसंबंधी यौरा या है;
- (ग) पहचान क े  लए एआई एंड टएस सूची म कन पशुओं को डालने का नणय लया गया है उसका यौरा या है; और
- (घ)  सरकार  कस कार म एआई एंड टएस णाल म पशु रोग क े  फ ै लने क समया से नपटने क योजना बना रह है?

## उ  तर कृ ष और कसान क  याण मंालय म रा  य मंी

## (ी सुदशन भगत)

- (क)    पशु  पहचान  और  नगरानी  णाल  (एआई  एंड  टएस)  क े   लए  भारतीय  खाय  सुरा  और  मानक ाधकरण (एफएसएसएआई) वारा सुझाई गई काया  वयन क गई रणनीत का यौरा पशुपालन, डेयर और म    यपालन वभाग (डीएडीएफ), नई द  ल क े  काय नयम क े  आवंटन क े  अनुसार ह।
- (ख) डीएडीएफ ने एआई एंड टएस तैयार कया है और व  त मंालय क े  साथ ईएफसी बैठक 5 अग  त , 2016 को ह ु ई  थी और ईएफसी क े  अनुमोदन क े  प चात् , ताव को मंमंडल क े  पास अनुमोदन क े  लए भेजा जायेगा।
- (ग) पहले चरण म पहचान; और क ृ म गभाधान और बछड़ क े  ज  म क मॉनीटरंग क े  लए एआई एंड टएस सूची क े  तहत गोपशु और भस को शामल कया जायेगा।
- (घ) पशुधन   वा    य और रोग नयंण (एलएच एंड डीसी) योजना म पशु   वा    य काड जार करने क परक  पना क गई िजसक े  लए डीएडीएफ व  तीय सहायता को एफएमडीसीपी और पीपीआरसीपी क े  तहत एक याकलाप के  प म इन पशुओं क े  टकाकरण क े  रकाड क े  रखरखाव क े  लए दान कर रहा है जो एआई एंड टएस क े  तहत   तावत जनन याकलाप क े  साथ ह पशुधन रोग क े  कोप क सम  या को हल करेगी।

........
Lok Sabha Question No. 3833 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-09
Subject: List of Essential Medicines
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: P. KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

*******

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3833

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 th  August, 2016

## List of Essential Medicines

## 3833.  SHRI P. KUMAR: SHRI V. ELUMALAI:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  National  Pharmaceutical  Pricing  Authority  has  decided  to  include  98 medicines under the List of Essential Medicines and if so, the details of such drugs;
- (b) the total number of drugs likely to come under the list with the above inclusion; and
- (c) the steps being taken by the Government against the pharma companies tampering with price and other things and for regulating drug prices in the retail market?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS;  MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) & (b): The  revision  of  the  National  List  of  Essential  Medicines  (NLEM)  is  done  by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NLEM 2015 was notified vide Ministry of Health and Family  Welfare  notification  dated  27 th December,  2015.  Department  of  Pharmaceuticals  vide notification dated 10.03.2016 has amended Schedule-I of DPCO, 2013 substituting NLEM, 2011 with NLEM, 2015. At present 790 scheduled formulations are under price control (NLEM 2011 and NLEM 2015).
- (c): National  Pharmaceutical  Pricing  Authority  (NPPA)  issues  notices  for  overcharging  as and when price violation cases come to notice based on the reports received from State Drug Controllers  or  based  on  samples  purchased  from  market  or  complaints  received  from  NGOs  / individuals or based on data. Action for recovery of the overcharged amount is taken as per the provisions  of  Drugs  (Prices  Control)  Order,  1995  (DPCO,  1995)  and  Drugs  (Prices  Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013). The cases are also referred to District Collector for recovery of the overcharged amount as arrears of land revenue under Section-3 of Essential Commodities Act, 1955.