opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1621 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Hiring Professional in CPSEs
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1621

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2016)

## HIRING PROFESSIONAL IN CPSEs

## 1621. SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI RAJEEV SATAV:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  notified  new  rules  to  allow  hiring  of  private  sector professionals at senior positions in Central Public Sector Enterprises;
- (b) if so, the details therof;
- (c) the eligibility criteria fixed for this purpose; and
- (d) the time by which these rules will be put into operation or are likely to be effective?

## 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)  to  (d):      Yes  Madam.  Government  of  India  has  issued  the  Resolution  dated 10 th June, 2016 amending the original Resolution dated 3 rd March 1987 relating to constitution of the Public  Enterprises  Selection  Board  (PESB).  The  amendments  made  inter-alia  includes  the following:

'candidates from State Public Sector Enterprises and Private Sector subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria will also be considered as non-internal candidates along with the candidates of other Public Sector Enterprises for a period of five years from the date of this Resolution.'

Further, the guidelines issued earlier provide inter-alia that the Ministry/ Department concerned shall finalize/ modify the job description/ qualifications / eligibility conditions and communicate the same to the PESB, three months in advance of the stipulated period of one year.  In the event of such a job description/ qualifications/ eligibility conditions  not being received  by  the  stipulated  time,  the  PESB  shall  finalize  the  same,  on the  basis of  existing description so that the schedule for advertising vacancies is adhered to strictly.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1619 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Funds Through Commercial Development
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DUSHYANT CHAUTALA, K. GOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1619 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2016

## FUNDS THROUGH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

1619.  SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA: DR. K. GOPAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has identified 15 key parameters on which the 400 railway stations will be redeveloped with world class facilities and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Railways has planned  to raise fund through commercial development of railway lands at these stations; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the followup action proposed by the Railways in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

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

****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1619 BY SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA  AND  DR.  K.  GOPAL  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK SABHA ON 27.07.2016 REGARDING FUNDS THROUGH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT (a)  to  (c):  Indian  Railway  has  advertised  its  plan  to  redevelop 'A-1'  and  'A'  category  stations  on  'as  is  where  is'  basis,  by inviting proposals from developers with their designs and business ideas.  The entire cost of station redevelopment is to be  met  by  leveraging  commercial  development  of  land  and  air space  in  and  around  the  stations.  The  facilities  proposed  in  a redeveloped station include congestion free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure  of  passengers,  adequate  concourse  without overcrowding,  integration  of  both  sides  of  the  city  wherever feasible, integration with other modes of transport systems e.g. Bus, Metro, etc., user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking etc. The general guidelines have been issued to Zonal Railways in this regard. Model Bid Documents and Development Agreements  have  been  prepared  and  uploaded  on  Railways' website for stakeholders' consultation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1617 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Deportation of Students
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE, A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1617 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2016

## DEPORTATION OF STUDENTS

1617. SHRI RAOSAHEB DANVE PATIL: SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether students, tourists and business persons, have been deported by the US recently;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there are reports/complaints of students being ill-treated and harassed at immigration;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;
- (e) whether the Government has urged the US to honour the visas issued by their own embassies/consulates; and
- (f) if so, the response  received by  the  Government  from  the  US authorities  and  other  measures  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- In end 2015 - early 2016, there were several instances of denial of entry by the US Immigration authorities to Indian students, tourists and businessmen holding valid visas. According to the US Government, they had presented  information  to  the  Border  Patrol  agent  which  was  inconsistent
- (a) & (b) with their visa status.
- (c) to (f) Government  of  India  strongly  took  up  the  matter  with  the  US Government and emphasized the need for the US authorities to honour the visas issued by their own Embassy/Consulates and to ensure that there is no  harassment  or  injustice.  Government  is  closely  engaged  with  the  US Government with the aim of ensuring that no bonafide students were denied entry.  The  Government  also  issued  advisories  for  the  students  seeking admission in the US educational institutions to do due diligence to ensure that  the  institutions  to  which  they  were  seeking  admission  had  proper authorization  and  capacities.  The  students  were  also  advised  to  carry  all required documentation. Government was also in contact with the concerned State Governments on the issue.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1614 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Speed of MEMU Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1614 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2016

## SPEED OF MEMU TRAINS

## †1614.  SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  maximum  speed  at  which  MEMU  train  can  ply  between  one city to another city;
- (b) whether  toilets  have  been  provided  in  the  coaches  of  MEMU trains; and
- (c) if  not,  the  time  by  which  the  said  facility  is  likely  to  be  made available in all the MEMUs?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

ANSWER (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) The maximum permissible speed of Main line Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains is 100 Kmph.

(b) & (c) From April 2010 onwards, all newly manufactured MEMU trailer coaches have been provided with toilet facilities. Directives have also been issued that all existing old MEMU trains should be provided with at least one trailer coach having toilet facility.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1613 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Hailstorm Control Technology Programme
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: KUNWAR SARVESH  KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1613 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, July 27, 2016

## HAILSTORM CONTROL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

1613. KUNWAR SARVESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to launch Hailstorm Control Technology  Programme  for  accurate  forecast  of  Monsoon, Cyclone and other emergent incidents related to weather and if so, the details thereof; (b) the  capacity  of  hailstorm  control  technology  programme  i.e. weather monitoring capacity in the area thereof; (c) whether this technology provides twenty four hours updation of cloud mass and rain path after every ten minutes; and (d) if so, the details and the benefits to farmers thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI Y. S. CHOWDARY)

(a-b) No Madam.

- (c) Does not arise.
- (d) Does not arise.
- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1612 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-27
Subject: Collaboration with UK
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: K. C. VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1612 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/07/2016

## COLLABORATION WITH UK

## 1612.  SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  increase  the  efficiency  and productivity of clean energy in the country;
- (b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard till date;
- (c) whether the Government has made any collaboration with the United Kingdom for setting up of a Joint Virtual Clean Energy Centre to tackle the challenges in the field of solar energy and the launch of a new Research Track on Smart Energy Grids; and
- (d)     if so, the details of the agreements and its proposed outcome in the field of clean
- energy to the country?

## 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.  The  Government  is  implementing  Clean  Energy  Research Initiative to further R&D  activities in solar energy, energy efficiency, energy conservation, smart energy grids and energy storage etc to increase the efficiency and productivity of clean energy in country. So far, 167 national research projects have been supported at a cost of Rs 257 crores, which have resulted in training of 160 research professionals and setting up of 6 advanced  industrial scale research facilities and test beds.
- (c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Department of Science and Technology has collaborated with Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of United Kingdom (UK) for setting up of United Kingdom - India Virtual Joint Clean Energy Centre on Energy Storage and Smart Grids with a matching contribution of £ 5 million. The centre aims at research and development on systems for harnessing solar energy integrated with energy storage and networks for off/on grid scenarios.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 140 (STARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Delay in Implementation of NFSA
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: BHOLA SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH  JULY, 2016

## DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF NFSA

- *140. SHRI BHOLA SINGH:

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 delay in the implementation of the National Food Security Act  (NFSA)  has  severely  affected  the  people's  health/nutrition  levels/food habits in the drought affected regions including the State of Uttar Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  short  term  and  long  term measures  in  order  to  improve  the  nutrition  level  of  the  people  in  drought affected  areas  in  the  country  including  such  regions  in  the  State  of  Uttar Pradesh; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor?

A N S W E R MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM  VILAS PASWAN)

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

***

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  of  STARRED QUESTION NO. 140 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 26.07.2016  IN THE LOK SABHA

- (a): The  National  Food  Security  Act  (NFSA)  is  being  implemented  in  34 States/UTs,  including  Uttar  Pradesh,  and  highly  subsidized  foodgrains  under the Act are being allocated to them . In the remaining two States, allocation of foodgrains  under  erstwhile  TPDS  is  continuing,  for  which  also  prices  are subsidized.
- (b) & (c): On request of State Governments, additional foodgrains are allocated for  calamity  relief  including  drought  relief.  During  2015-16  &  2016-17,  30.89 lakh  tons  of  additional  foodgrains  has  been  allocated  to  10  States/UTs, including an additional 7.59 lakh tons to Uttar Pradesh in 2016-17.

Further, under the Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme, Government/ Government aided elementary schools, proposals for serving mid day meal in drought affected areas of 12 States have been approved for summer vacations of 2016, which includes Rs. 125.61 crore for Uttar Pradesh.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 138 (STARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Training for Police Personnel
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*138 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 TH JULY, 2016/SHRAVANA 4, 1938 (SAKA)

TRAINING FOR POLICE PERSONNEL

*138. DR. UDIT RAJ:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is extending specialized training to police forces to deal with terrorists/naxalites/maoists;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  the  other  effective  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  modernize Police forces in this regard; and

(d) the details of compensation given to police personnel who fall prey to maoist attacks?

ANSWER

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

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

******

## STATEMENT  REFFERED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED QUESTION NO.*138 FOR 26.07.2016.

(a): Yes, Madam. 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects as per provisions  of  the  Constitution  of  India.  The  responsibility  of  providing training  including  specialized  training  rests  primarily  with  the  State Governments. However, the Central Government  supplements  the States  by  providing  assistance  in  both  training  and  modernization  of police forces.

(b): The Central Government, through the National Police Academy is organizing  tactical  training  of  Police  officers  at  the  foundation  level, functional  level  and  directional  level.  2075  police  officers  have  been trained so far. The Army, NSG and Greyhounds, Hyderabad are providing specialized  pre-induction,  commando,  counter-naxal  and  counter-IED training to both CAPF and State Police personnel. Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist (CIAT) Schools are providing specialized antiterrorist/naxal training to State  Police personnel. In addition, all CAPF and  State  Police  Forces  have  developed  inherent  capabilities  for providing specialized training at their respective training institutes.

…..3/

## L.S.S.Q.NO.*138 FOR 26.07.2016

(c): The Central Government is providing funds to State Governments under the 'Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)' Scheme for modernization  of  Police  Forces.  The  focus  is  to  strengthen  mobility, weapons, equipment, training infrastructure, computerization and forensic science and Mega City Policing (MCP).

(d): Ex-gratia compensation of Rs 15 lakh is paid to the next of kin of personnel  of  CAPF  killed  in  maoist  violence.  In  addition,  ex-gratia payment with a maximum ceiling of Rs 3 lakh is paid to the families of next of kin of police personnel under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE)  Scheme  which  is  reimbursed  to  the  State  Governments  by  the Central Government. Premium for insurance of police personnel engaged  in  anti-LWE  operations  is  also  reimbursed  from  the  SRE Scheme subject to a maximum of    Rs 1000/- per personnel per year. The insured amount is generally Rs 10 lac or above.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 126 (STARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Loss of Forest Wealth
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: KIRIT SOMAIYA

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *126

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2016

## Loss of Forest Wealth

## *126. DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA:

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

- (a)  whether  a  large  areas  of  forest  cover  in  the  country  have  been  affected  by  plant  diseases, insects and pests resulting in considerable loss of forest wealth;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that Sal forests in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have been affected/threatened by Sal borers and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has adopted modern scientific method to save the Sal forests from the onslaught of the Sal borers and if so, the details and outcome thereof; and
- (e) the comprehensive measures proposed to be taken by the Government to protect and save the forest/tree  cover  in  the  country  from  plant  diseases  and  destruction  caused  by  insects  and pests in order to prevent loss of forest wealth?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) to (e) The statement is laid on the Table of the House.

***

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *126  BY  DR.  KIRIT  SOMAIYA  REGARDING  'LOSS  OF FOREST WEALTH' DUE FOR REPLY ON 26.07.2016

- (a) & (b) No Sir. However, sporadic incidents of plant diseases, insects and pest attacks have been  reported  in Anogeissus  pendula (Dhok)  trees  in  Kota  and  Bundi  Forest Divisions  of  Rajasthan  and  silver  fir  and  Spruce  Forests  in  Hirpora  Wildlife sanctuary  of  Jammu  &Kashmir  during  2015.  Attack  of  Deodar  Defoliator  pest  in Deodar Forests of Rajgarh Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh was reported during 2014.
- (c) Sporadic incidents of Sal forests affected by Sal borer pest has been reported from certain areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
- (d) & (e) The management of forests is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. The action to save Sal forests from the onslaught of Sal borers is taken as per the prescriptions of the approved working plan of the area and in consultation with the research institutions of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1609 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Modernisation of PSUs
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE, LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV

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

*****

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1609 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 th  JULY, 2016

## Modernisation of PSUs

## 1609. SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE: SHRI LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV:

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

- (a) whether any Public Sector Undertaking has been modernized during each of the last three years;
- (b)  if  so,  the  names  of  the  undertakings  and  details  of  modernisation  work  carried  out during the last three years;
- (c)  the details of funds allocated for modernisation works undertaking-wise; and
- (d)  the criteria laid down for modernisation of the public sector undertakings?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)  to  (d)  :  The  Government  has  empowered  the  Boards  of  Maharatna,  Navratna  and Miniratna  Central  Public  Sector  Enterprises  (CPSEs)  to  incur  capital  expenditure,  interalia,  for  modernization.  Modernisation  of  CPSEs  is  a  continuous  process  which  is undertaken by the management of CPSEs in order to address challenges in the areas of technological  obsolescence,  competition,  upgradation  of  facilities,  quality  of  products/ services, customer satisfaction, environment protection, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1608 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-26
Subject: Development of New Varieties of Crops
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: HARISHCHANDRA DEORAM CHAVAN, LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1608

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26/07/2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF NEW VARIETIES OF CROPS

## 1608. SHRI HARISHCHANDRA CHAVAN: SHRI LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several steps have been taken by the Government through research measures  undertaken  by  various  institutes  under  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural Research for developing improved varieties of crops for increasing productivity;
- (b) if  so, the details thereof along with the achievement made by these research institutes during the last three years in this regard; and
- (c) the extent to which these research institutes have succeeded in developing the improved varieties of various crops?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has prioritized research programme pertaining to development of improved varieties of crops for increasing productivity.  Research  programme  is  undertaken  by  49  commodity/theme  based research institutes and 46 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) under crop  science  and  horticultural  science  divisions  to  develop  varieties  and  matching production  technologies  as  per  the  agro-ecological  conditions  and  needs  of  the farming community.

…..2/-

(b) The crop improvement programme of National Agricultural Research System comprising ICAR, central agricultural universities and state agricultural universities have led to development of 333 high yielding varieties/hybrids of different field and horticultural crops during the last three years (2013-2015). Moreover, one hundred sixty four varieties of field crops have been released till June 2016.

(c) Development of crop varieties is a dynamic and continuous process. Adequate steps  are  taken  for  developing  crop  varieties  with  yield,  quality  and  tolerance  to biotic and abiotic stresses superior to existing ones.

*******