opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Development of Degraded Forests
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2572

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2015

## Development of Degraded Forests

## 2572. SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHNAGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  a  new  scheme  to  develop  degraded forest land under PPP mode and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  grow  local  species  of  plants  and  trees  on such land for sustainability of flora and fauna?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a) There is no proposal to launch a new Scheme to develop degraded forest lands under  PPP  mode.    However,  the  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate Change  is  working  on  policy  guidelines  for  encouraging  participation  of  all stakeholders including public and private sector in afforestation and restoration of degraded forests with the objectives to improve forest cover, productivity and quality.
- (b) Choice of species for plantation on any forest land depends on number of factors including  site  quality,  climatic  and  edaphic  factors  etc.,  which  contribute  to sustainability of flora and fauna.  The National Afforestation Programme of the Ministry  emphasizes  selection  of  suitable  species  for  improvement  of  forests under  different  models  of  plantations  like  aided  natural  regeneration,  artificial regeneration, mixed  plantation of trees having minor forest produce and medicinal values, pasture/silvi-pastoral development, bamboo and cane plantation  and regeneration of perennial herbs and shrubs.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2570 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Discontinuation of Food Subsidy
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2570

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH   DECEMBER, 2015

## DISCONTINUATION OF FOOD SUBSIDY

2570. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL:

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 some States have stopped providing food subsidy to the poor families in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, State-wise; and
- (c) the corrective steps being taken in this regard?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM  VILAS PASWAN)

- (a)  &  (b):  No  reports  have  been  received  from  State  Governments regarding  removal  of  poor  families  from  the  ambit  of  subsidised  food grains. It is, however, stated that against 6.5 crore households covered under  Below  Poverty  Line  (BPL)  category  (including  Antyodaya  Anna Yojana) under the erstwhile Targeted Public Distribution Scheme (TPDS), the  coverage  under  National  Food  Security  Act  (NFSA)  is  up  to  75%  of rural  population  and  50%  of  urban  population.  Thus,  under  NFSA  about 81.35 crore persons in the country are covered. The large coverage under NFSA  ensures  coverage  of  all  vulnerable  and  needy  sections  of  the society.
- (c): For  better  targeting  of  food  subsidy,  removing  bogus  ration  cards, ensuring timely availability of food grains, check on leakage and diversion of  foodgrains,  introducing  public  accountability,  etc.,  Government  has taken  various  steps  in  implementation  of  Targeted  Public  Distribution System  (TPDS)  in  States/Union  Territories  (UTs).  The  TPDS  (Control) Order, 2015 mandates the State/UTs to take action for smooth functioning of  TPDS.  The  National  Food  Security  Act  (NFSA),  2013  also  prescribes essential reforms in the TPDS and accordingly, government has taken up with States/UTs for implementing measures such as door-step delivery of foodgrains, correct identification of beneficiaries, monitoring and vigilance, improving viability of fair price shops operations. Further, with a  view  to  modernising  the  system,  the  Government  has  initiated  a  plan scheme on end-to-end computerisation of TPDS operations.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Production and Import of Urea
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: KUNWAR SARVESH  KUMAR

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2565 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 15.12.2015

Production and Import of  Urea

## 2565 SHRI KUNWAR SARVESH KUMAR:

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

- (a) the details of the total annual requirement of urea in the country;
- (b) the quantum of urea produced in the country during the financial year 2014-15; and
- (c) the quantum of urea imported during the financial year 2014-15 along with the value thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTEROFSTATEINTHEMINISTRYOFCHEMICALs& ERTILIZERS

(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): The total annual requirement of urea during the year 2014-15 was 306.70 LMT and for the current year 2015-16is 314.24 LMT.

- (b): The quantum of urea produced in the country during the financial year 2014-15 is 225.85LMT .

(c): The quantum of urea imported during the financial year 2014-15 is 87.49LMT and value thereof is $ 2477.27 millions.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2564 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Staff to Sanctuaries/National Parks
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: P. C. MOHAN

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2564

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2015

## Staff to Sanctuaries/ National Parks

## 2564. SHRI P.C. MOHAN:

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

- (a) whether many of the protected sanctuaries/national parks are not having sufficient staff and are facing difficulties in protecting the endangered animals and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  steps  have  been  taken  by  the  Government  to  sanction  and  provide adequate staff to the sanctuaries/national parks besides financial assistance to the State Governments in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a),(b)and (c) It  has come to the notice of the Ministry that many National Parks and Sanctuaries  do  not  have  sufficient  staff  and  are  facing  difficulties  in protecting wildlife including endangered animals. Sanctioning and providing adequate posts of Forest staff/hiring of staff in Protected Areas is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. Data of staff in the National Parks and sanctuaries   are not collated in the Ministry.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2563 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Price of Processed Food
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.

2563

ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2015.

## PRICE OF PROCESSED FOOD

2563. SHRI KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASA:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a)  whether the Government proposes to regulate the price of packaged processed food items; and

- (b)  if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

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

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2562 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Security of Border
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2562

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2015/AGRAHAYANA 24,1937 (SAKA)

SECURITY OF BORDER

2562. SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  make  the  gates  at  the international  border  of  Attari,  Hussaniwala  and  Sadqi  bullet  proof  to bolster its  defence against any  cross-border attack keeping in mind the Wagah border suicide bombing in Pakistan;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  it  is  true  that  this  is  the  first  time  since  partition  that  the Government  has  installed  rolling  bullet  proof  screens  in  front  of  Attari land border gates to protect viewers from any direct small arm fire from across  the  border  or  from  stray  splinters  in  case  of  a  suicide  bombing near the border; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): There  is  no  proposal  under  consideration  to  bulletproof  the gates  at  the  international  border  of  Attari,  Hussainiwala  and  Sadqi. However, 02 numbers of improvised rolling bullet proof screens (size 8' x 8')  have    been  placed  besides  the  iron  gates  installed  at  international border  of  Attari.    These  rolling  bullet  proof  screens  can  be  rolled  and placed in front of Attari gate to  prevent any small arm  fire from across the border or from the stray  splinters  case of suicide bombing near the border.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Revival of PSUs
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, Shrirang Appa Barne, ANANDRAO  ADSUL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.2560 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2015

## Revival of PSUs

## 2560.  SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO: SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES & PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  decided  to  revive  ailing  Public  Sector  Undertakings (PSUs) and is working on one time settlement involving voluntary retirement scheme for the employees of ailing PSUs on the basis of the recommendations made by the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, PSU-wise;
- (c) the names of PSUs which could not be revived along with the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to safeguard the interests of the employees of ailing PSUs

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES & PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI G.M.SIDDESHWARA)

- (a) to (c): It is the responsibility of the concerned administrative Ministry/ Department for  revival/  restructuring/  privatization  of  sick/  loss  making  CPSEs which  may include one-time settlement involving voluntary retirement scheme to the employees.

Role of the Department of Public Enterprises is to issue policy guidelines. Towards this,  Department  of  Public  Enterprises  has  issued  on  29.10.2015  guidelines  for 'Streamlining  the  mechanism  for  revival  and  restructuring  of  sick/  incipient  sick  and weak  Central Public Sector Enterprises: General principles and mechanism  of restructuring" to be followed by the administrative Ministries /Departments for revival/restructuring  or  closure  of  CPSEs  under  their  administrative  control  in  a  time bound manner.

(d): The interests of the employees are kept in view by the administrative Ministry/Department  while  formulating revival/restructuring  plans  which  may  include provision of VRS, settlement of employee related dues, statutory dues, etc.

* * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 2559 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Mobile Ration Shops
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2559 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH   DECEMBER, 2015

## MOBILE RATION SHOPS

2559. SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

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  has  taken  note  of  the  scheme  of  Mobile Ration  Shops  for  supply  of  essential  commodities  at  the  doorstep  of  the beneficiaries including tribals being implemented in some States;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has urged the other States to adopt the said scheme; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the States thereto?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM  VILAS PASWAN)

(a)  to  (d):  Targeted  Public  Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint  responsibility  of  the  Central  and  the  State/Union  Territory  (UT) Governments wherein operational responsibilities for allocation of foodgrains  within  the  States/UTs,  identification  of  eligible  beneficiaries, issuance of ration cards to them and supervision over and monitoring of functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) rest with the concerned State/UT Governments.

Under the guidelines issued by the Department for strengthening of PDS, States/UTs are to ensure that no consumer/card holder has to travel more than 3 kms to reach his FPS. As per the guidelines, in areas which cannot  be  covered  by  static  fair  price  shops,  mobile  vans  may  be introduced  to  cover  the  consumers  residing  in  hilly  remote,  far-flung, desert, tribal and inaccessible areas. The guidelines include provision of sales centre at weekly Haats to provide essential commodities at fixed prices  in  some  rural  areas,  particularly  in  Tribal  Areas  which  will  be  a great boon to consumers of these areas.

The  Targeted  Public  Distribution  System  (Control)  Order,  2015 notified on 20.03.2015 requires the State Government to ensure that the FPS is so located that the consumer or ration card holder does not have to face difficulty to reach the FPS and that proper coverage is ensured in hilly, desert, tribal and such other areas difficult to access.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2555 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Research on Marble Slurry
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2555

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2015

## Research on Marble Slurry

## 2555. SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  environmental  study/research  on  health  and environmental impact due to haphazard disposal of marble slurry;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the findings of such study/research;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  evolved  any  environment  friendly  methods  for  economic  and technical solutions of the problems occurring at marble scurries, processing plants, polishing facilities and machineries and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the  details  of  steps  taken  or  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  for  adopting  clean environment methods by various marble industries in the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a)&(b) The  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  commissioned  a  study  on 'Recycling  of  Marble  Slurry  waste  for  Environmental  Improvement'  through  Indian Environmental Society. The important recommendations made in the study report include:
- (i) Marble processing units may be persuaded to make use of Filter Press.
- (ii) Proper  land  area  may  be  identified  and  allotted  closer  to  the  marble  processing centres, for disposal of the pressed marble slurry cake.
- (iii) It should be ensured that the marble slurry is disposed of only at  earmarked sites.
- (iv) Marble slurry may be used in road construction, embankments or as back fill material.
- (c)&(d) The  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  through  a  study  report  has identified that Rajasthan produces 95 percent of marble quarried in India. A 'Status Report on commercial utilization of marble slurry in Rajasthan' has been formulated by MSMEDevelopment  Institute, Jaipur. The Government  of Rajasthan has come  out with modifications in Rajasthan Mines and Mineral Concession Rules, 1986 by incorporating provisions for management of the mineral wastes. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board is imposing conditions through consent mechanism on marble processing units to take steps to reuse and process the slurry generated.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2554 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Development of Biological Park
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MUKESH RAJPUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2554

## TO BE ANSWERED ON  15.12.2015

## Development of Biological Park

## 2554.  SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that 1000 Bigha land of Forest department in Ramanna  Gudjar  Garden  at  Farrukhabad-Chilsana  Road,  1  km.  away  from Farrukhabad city is lying unused;
- (b) if  so,  whether the Government proposes to develop a bio-park on the said land; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a)&(b) As informed by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, there is 157.89 ha of forest  land  in  Rawanna  Gudjar  Bagh  Forest  Block  in  Farrukhabad  Forest Division which is under the control of the Forest Department.  The vacant land in this forest block is used for plantation purposes. Plantation has been done on 38 ha of vacant land in this forest block in last three years. There is no proposal for development of bio park on this land by the Forest Department.
- (c) Does not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2553 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Birth Certificate
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAKESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2553

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2015/AGRAHAYANA 24,1937 (SAKA)

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

†2553. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  mention  the  caste  of children in birth certificates;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether such caste certificates are likely to be useful in every need of caste certification; and

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

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a): No Madam; there is no proposal to mention the caste of children in birth  certificate.    It  is,  however,  clarified  that  entries  in  birth  and  death registers  are  public  documents  and  are  admissible  as  evidence  under section 35 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872.  But,  these entries are only conclusive  evidence  of  the  fact  of  birth  or  death,  as  the  case  may  be. Other particulars as to which the registering officer concerned can have no personal knowledge or no means of checking cannot be treated as a conclusive evidence.

(b) to (d): Do not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2552 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Pay Parity for Employees of Prison Department
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: BISHNU PADA RAY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2552

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2015/AGRAHAYANA 24,1937 (SAKA)

PAY PARITY FOR EMPLOYEES OF PRISON DEPARTMENT

2552. SHRI BISHNU PADA RAY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  public  representative  of  Andaman  and  Nicobar  Islands had  taken  up  the  matter  with  the  Home  Minister vide  letter  dated 06.01.2015 for grant of pay parity to the employees of Prison department of Andaman and Nicobar Administration at par with that of equal ranked police personnel of Andaman and Nicobar Police department;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and

(c) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): The matter relating to grant of pay parity to the employees of Prison department of Andaman and Nicobar Administration at par with that of equal ranked police personnel of Andaman and Nicobar Police department was referred to the 7 th  Central Pay Commission by the Union Territory,  Andaman  &  Nicobar  Administration.      The  position  was  also apprised to the Hon'ble Member of Parliament vide this Ministry's letter dated 8.05.2015.

(c): The Pay Commission has since submitted its recommendations and the Government has initiated the process to examine the recommendations of the Commission.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2551 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-15
Subject: Establishment of RAF Battalion
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: DUSHYANT SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2551

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2015/AGRAHAYANA 24,1937 (SAKA)

ESTABLISHMENT OF RAF BATTALION

2551. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number  of  States  where  Rapid  Action  Forces  (RAF)  of  Central Reserve  Police  Force  (CRPF)  has  been  located  along  with  their  present strength in respective States, State-wise;

(b) the details of the criteria adopted for the establishment of RAF;

(c) whether the State Government of Rajasthan has submitted a proposal for establishment of RAF battalion of CRPF in the State; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (b):   The location of Rapid Action Force (RAF) Battalions are decided based on requirement and on availability of land.  So far 10 RAF Battalions have been established in the States of Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand,  Madhya  Pradesh,  Maharashtra,  Tamil  Nadu,  Telengana  and Uttar Pradesh.  Each RAF Battalions has a sanctioned strength of about 1300 personnel each.

(c) to (d) A request has been received from Government of Rajasthan for establishment of a new RAF Battalion at Jaipur.  The State Government has been requested to clarify whether land required for establishment of RAF Battalion will be provided free of cost.

******