opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4339 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Reservation of Lignite Blocks
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: JAYSHREEBEN  PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4339 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2016

## Reservation of Lignite Blocks

## 4339.   SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Government  has  received  the  proposals  from  the  Government  of Gujarat for prior approval of reservation of four lignite blocks at Lakhpat-Punharajpur, Damlal-Padal, Ghala,  Bodhan, Pithor, Deheli  etc.  (EFG  Block)  under  section  17A  (2) and 2A of MMDR Act in favour of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government thereon, proposalwise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL, POWER  , NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGYAND MINES

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) & (b) Ministry  of  Coal  has  received  proposals  from  the  Government  of  Gujarat  for approval of reservation of four lignite blocks under section 17A (2) of Mines and Minerals  (Development  and  Regulation)  Act,  1957(MMDR  Act)  in  favour  of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited(GMDC). The said proposals of Government of Gujarat was examined and accordingly the Ministry hasaccorded the approval to the proposal of Government of Gujarat for reserving following three lignite blocksfor reservation under provision of Section 17 (A) (2) of MMDR Act 1957 in favour of GMDC:-
- i) 3015  hectare  area  pertaining  to  the  block  E,F,G  in  ValiyaTaluka  of District Bharuch
- ii) 1400 hectare area of Damlai and
- iii) 1600 hectare area of Ghala lignite blocks

As regards the fourth area of village lakhpat and punrajpur, the Ministry has requested for 'No Objection' from Director General of Hydrocarbons as there is some overlapping with the CBM block allocated by DGH for prospecting.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4336 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Expressway between Delhi and Katra
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to build the 600 kms. of Expressway between New Delhi and Katra;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c) the details of the total cost involved to build this longest corridor;

- (d) whether the Expressway would reduce the road travel time between New Delhi and Katra and if so, the details thereof; and

- (e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)to(e)  The  proposals  for  preparation  of  Feasibility  Report  has  already  been  invited  by  the  National Highway  Authority  of  India.  The  details  including  cost,  travel  time  etc.  can  be  known  only  after completion of Feasibility Report.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4336

ANSWERED ON 11 TH  AUGUST, 2016

## EXPRESSWAY BETWEEN DELHI AND KATRA

4336. SHRI E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## सडक़ परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 4335 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Ongoing Irrigation Projects in Chhattisgarh
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: LAKHAN LAL SAHU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4335

ANSWERED ON 11.08.2016

## ONGOING IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN CHHATTISGARH

## †4335. SHRI LAKHAN LAL SAHU

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

- (a) the details of ongoing irrigation projects in Chhattisgarh State at present and the funds released for these projects;
- (b) whether some of these projects are running behind the schedule;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

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

(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

- (a)  to (d) Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by  the  State Governments  themselves as per their own resources  and priority. In order to supplement  the efforts  of the State  Governments,  this  Ministry  provides financial  assistance to  State  Governments to  encourage sustainable  development  and  efficient management   of  water  resources  through  Accelerated  Irrigation Benefits  Programme (AIBP) under Pradhan Manti Krishi Sichayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Ninety   Nine ( 99)   on-going    Major/Medium    Irrigation   (MMI)   Projects   (including phases)  under AIBP,  have  been  prioritised  in  consultation  with  states.  Out  of  these  99 projects,    target  date/year  of completion  for 23  projects  is Mar.-2017;  for  31  projects  is 2017-18;   and  for  balance   45  projects   is Dec.-2019.  Decision   has  been   taken  to provide  the requisite  central and  state  share  for these  projects through  NABARD so as to complete  them  in a time bound  manner.  Out of these  99 projects,  3 projects are from Chhattisgarh. The details are as under:

| Name          |   Total Central Assistance Released (Rs. In Cr.) | Target year of completion   |
|---------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Kelo          |                                            40.63 | 2018                        |
| Maniyari Tank |                                            43.58 | Mar.,2019                   |
| Khuraung      |                                            10.47 | Mar.,2019                   |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Promotion of Hydro Electricity
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: RATTAN LAL KATARIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4333 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2016

## PROMOTION OF HYDRO ELECTRICITY

†4333.  SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any tariff policy to promote Hydro Electricity;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the Government has decided to provide long term loan to power projects, and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether Government has formulated any scheme to revive 1200 MW Teesta Hydro Electric Project through the economical restructuring of the same; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) & (b) : Ministry of Power, Government of India has notified the revised Tariff Policy on 28 th January,  2016, with the objectives, inter-alia,  to  promote hydroelectric power generation. In view of geological uncertainties and clearance issues  faced  by  Hydro  projects,  Hydro  projects  have  been  exempted  from competitive  bidding  till  15 th   August      2022.    A  provision  has  been  made  for extension  of  PPA  for  hydro  projects  beyond  35  years  for  a  further  period  of  15 years.  Further,  hydro  power  has  been  excluded  for  estimating  Renewable Purchase Obligations.  A  provision  has  also  been  made  that  the  developer  shall have  the  option  of  indicating,  while  seeking  approval  of  tariff,    long  rate  of depreciation subject to the upper ceiling determined by Appropriate Commission.

- (c) : Two  Public  Sector  Undertakings  under  Ministry  of  Power  i.e. Power Finance Corporation Ltd. and Rural Electrification Corporation Limited are already  providing  long  term  loans.  Also,  the  Subordinate  debt  has  been provided by the Government of India in a few cases with a low rate of interest for period up to 30 years alongwith a moratorium period.

(d) & (e) : Due to fund constraints, the works of Teesta-III HEP (1200 MW) was held up from September, 2014 to October, 2015. However, due to interventions by Ministry of Power, Government of Sikkim has increased its shareholding in Teesta Urja Ltd. (TUL) to 51%. The work on the project has re-started from October, 2015 and the project is now scheduled to be commissioned during the year 2016-17.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4332 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Allocation under Regional Connectivity Scheme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: DINESH TRIVEDI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

(To be answered on the lith August 2016)

UNSTARRED QUESTIQN NO

4332

## ALLOCATION UNDER REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY SCHEME:

## 4332. SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state: -

- (a) the budget allocation for promotion of regional and remote area air connectivity in the country under the Regional Connectivity Scheme for year 2016-17;
- (c) the manner in which the Government proposes to implement the scheme?
- (6) the funds proposed to be allocated to various States including State of West Bengal under the Regional Connectivity Scheme; and

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) to (c): The Government of India has recently released National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 which envisages Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS): The Scheme wiil inter-alia be implemented by way of Viability Funding (VGF) for operators under RCS. VGF will be shared between Ministry of Civi Aviation and the State Government in the ratio of 80:20. For the North-Eastern States the ratio will be 90:10. The payment 0f the full amount of the VGF will be made to the airline operator from the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) and the State Governments will be subsequently asked reimbursement. The RCF will be funded by a from a date to be notified by the Government under Section 5(2) (ab) of the Aircraft Act 1935. Gap Jevy
Lok Sabha Question No. 4329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Delay/Cancellation of Flights of Air India
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: DILIP KUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI

'.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIQN NO. 4329

(To be answered on the iith August 2016

## DELA YICANCELLATION OF FLIGHTS OF AIR INDIA

## 4329\_ SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) whether the Government is taking any steps to curtail the delayed departure and improve B time efficiency of the Air india as a large number of air travellers are being affected due to delay or cancellation of flights; if so, the details thereof;
- (b The steps the Government proposes to take to review the guidelines of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in case 0f of flight; the cabin crew refuses to accompany the flight due t0 expiry of their working hours, if $0, the details thereof; delay
- (c) whether the Government proposes to review the security guidelines in case 0f flight diverted enroute due t0 had weather; and
- efficiency of Air India

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

- (2): The Following measures have been taken to improve the punctuality/on time performance:
- () Initiatives have been taken to increase the availability Of resources in terms 0f crew and aircraft there by improving the on time performance. Extra efforts are made to ensure passenger connection.
- (ii) To ensure better 0 time performance: a meeting is conducted by Air India every day 'herein Heads 0f Verticals as weli as regional Heads discuss the previous operation and take corrective steps based On the review. day
- (iii) Block times of flights have been revised to factor in congestion at airports and airspace, s0 that en-route delays are minimized
- (iv) Regular meetings are held with other stake holders like ground handlers ard airports operator to minimize delays
- (b): DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Secticn-7 Series-I; Part-I which specify the requirements %f Flight Duty and Flight Time Limitation (FDTL for cabin crew\_ The existing CAR has been reviewed and revised CAR Section-7; lays down the provision for extension of FDTL of cabin crew under unforeseen operational circumstances
- (c): The security at airports in India is reviewed from time t0 time and upgraded as per requirements with involvement %f all security agencies and strengthen security arrangements include \_time bound depleyment %f Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at major airports; deployment of Quick Reaction Teams(QRTs) at major airports and regular monitoring 0f security arrangements through inspections and dummy checks. system
- (d): Details   provided in part (a) & (b) above:

.

.

.

'

`
Lok Sabha Question No. 4328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Pension to Old Age Persons
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV, RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .4328 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.0 8.201 6

## PENSION TO OLD AGE PERSONS

## 4328. SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV: SHRI R. DHRUVA NARAYANA:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  denied  social  security  pensions  to  beneficiaries their declaration as "dead persons" in the official documents due to errors;
- (b) ifso,  the  details  thereof  and  the  procedure  adopted  by  the  Government  to  e disbursal  of  pension  to  such  old  age  persons  who  are  affected  by  such  err official records;
- (c) whetherthe Government has come up with other schemes for old age persons belo the poverty line; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV )

- ( a) & (b ): No  Madam. No  such  incidence  of  denying  social  security  pension  t beneficiaries  under  the  schemes  of  National  Social  Assistance  Programme(NSAP)  a declaration as ' dead persons' in the official documents due to errors has come to the notice of  this Ministry.  Moreover,  Identification  of  beneficiaries,  sanction  and  disburse benefit under the schemes of   National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP) is done b State/UT Governments.
- ( c) & (d):No Madam. A t present, there is no proposal to introduce other schemes fo age persons below the poverty line household.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Agreement between NTPC and Government of Jharkhand
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: ARUN KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4327 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2016

## AGREEMENT BETWEEN NTPC AND GOVERNMENT OF JHARKHAND

4327.  DR. ARUN KUMAR:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether an agreement has been signed between NTPC and Government of Jharkhand  for  construction  of  an  8000  MW  thermal  power  station  at  Patratu (Jharkhand), if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) if  so,  the  salient  features  of  the  agreement  including  the  cost  sharing, funding,  share  of  power  to  different  States,  allocation  of  captive  coal  mine, allocation  of  land  covering  the  plant  and  coal  mine  area  and  commissioning schedule?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

- (a) :     NTPC Ltd., Government of Jharkhand, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL),  Jharkhand  Urja  Vikas  Nigam  Limited  (JUVNL)  and  Jharkhand  Urja Utpadan Nigam Limited (JUUNL) signed a Joint Venture Agreement on 29.07.2015 to form a Joint Venture Company  between NTPC Limited and JBVNL with 74:26 equity participation respectively to takeover and operate the existing capacity of Patratu Thermal Power Station (PTPS) and its capacity expansion by 4000 MW in two phases (Phase-I : 3x800 MW; Phase-II : 2x800 MW).
- (b) : Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUNL) has been incorporated on  15.10.2015  and  has  taken  over  PTPS.  The  capacity  expansion  of  Patratu  is proposed to  be  funded  with  debt:  equity  ratio  of  75:25.  The  debt  will  be  raised from the Bank/Financial Institutions and the required equity will be infused by the promoters.

Ministry of Power has allocated 100% power from the existing units of  Patratu  TPS  and  85%  power  from  the  proposed  expansion  to  the      State  of Jharkhand. Ministry of Coal (MoC) has accorded in-principle approval for transfer of  Banhardi  coal  block,  allocated  to  JUUNL  for  Patratu  TPS  to    PVUNL.  The requisite land for the proposed expansion of Patratu TPS has been allocated by

Government of Jharkhand to PVUNL.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4326 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Assistance to NGOs for Rainwater Harvesting
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4326

ANSWERED ON 11.08.2016

## ASSISTANCE TO NGOS FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING

## 4326. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

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

- (a)  whether  any  rainwater  harvesting  and  groundwater  recharging  schemes  are  being  implemented  by  the Government through Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), if so the details thereof;
- (b) the quantum of funds allocated/ released to each NGO for the purpose during the last three years and the current year in the country especially Kerala; and the funds utilised by them so far; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  evaluated  the  progress  of  the  said  schemes,  if  so,  the  details  and  the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  WATER  RESOURCES,  RIVER  DEVELOPMENT  AND  GANGA REJUVENATION (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

- (a) No, Madam.  As per information available, no rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging scheme  is  being  implemented  by  the  Central  Government  through  Non-Governmental  Organizations (NGOs).
- (b) & (c)    In view of reply to part (a)  above,  question does not arise

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: Development of Ports
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: SULTAN  AHMED

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 th AUGUST, 2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF PORTS

## 4325. SHRI SULTAN AHMED:

Will the Minister of SHIPPINGbe pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) whether certain countries haveshown interest in development of ports inIndia under the Sagarmalaprogramme andif so, the details thereof, country-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has madeofficial visits to certain countries includingthe United States for the purpose recently;
- (c) if so, the details and the outcomethereof;
- (d) the details of new ports andinfrastructure projects proposed to bedeveloped as a result thereof; and
- (e) the investment and employmentlikely to be generated as a result thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a):      The Maritime India Summit, 2016 (MIS 2016) was organized from 14-16 April, 2016 in Mumbai to  attract  investment  in  the  maritime  sector.    The  information  regarding  new investment  opportunities  in  the  ports,  shipping,  shipbuilding  and  Sagarmalaprogramme was  provided  to the delegates, including those from  foreign countries.  Business Agreements including MoUs, Letters of Intent and Concession Agreements were signed during the Maritime India Summit 2016. AnMoU was also signed with the Republic of Korea on co-operation in port development on sidelines of MIS 2016.
- (b)to(e):Visits  to  foreign  countries  and  International  Maritime  Organisation  are  undertaken mostly at the officer-level to foster and strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs. The recent visit to USA from 10th to 18th July, 2016 involved presentation to Chambers of Commerce  and  prominent  investors  in  Washington  DC,  New  York  and  in  the  Silicon Valley.  The potential investors were provided detailed information regarding potential projects  and  investment  opportunities  through  presentations,  electronic  documents  and publications. These investors have exhibited interest regarding bringing direct investment in the Indian Maritime sector.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4323 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-11
Subject: E-Voting Facility for Overseas Electors
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4323

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, 11 th  AUGUST, 2016

## E-Voting Facility for Overseas Electors

## 4323. SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce e-voting facility for overseas electors; (b) if so, the details and the present status thereof; (c)  the  measures  proposed  to  be  taken  to  ensure  that  there  is  no  manipulation  and rigging in the casting of votes through such facility by overseas electors; and (d) the estimated number of overseas electors likely to be able to exercise their franchise
- through such facility?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (c):  A  proposal  is  under  consideration  of  the  Government  to  introduce  e-postal ballot  system  for  Armed  Forces  Personnel  and  overseas  electors  which  envisages transmission  of  blank  postal  ballot  paper  electronically  and  thereafter  return  of  the same  by  the  registered post. At present, a  Committee  of  Ministers under  the chairmanship of Hon'ble Finance Minister is examining this matter.

(d): The Election Commission has stated that out of the total 13039 persons registered as overseas electors, only 8 overseas electors exercised their franchise in the last general election to Lok Sabha.  The Commission has further informed that as per electoral roll published in January, 2016, there are 19449 persons registered as overseas electors.

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