opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Export Potential of Pharmaceutical Industry
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

## Government of India Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers Department of Pharmaceuticals

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 316 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 th  July, 2016

## Export Potential of Pharmaceutical Industry

## 316. SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the growing pharmaceuticals industry which has export potential to the tune of nearly 50% of the production (by volume) in the country;
- (b) the details of the study and analysis done by Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to lay down staffing norms for regulating the speedily growing pharmaceuticals industry and the pharmacists shops; and
- (d) whether the Government is planning to set up a National Drug Regulation Training Academy for conducting foundation and refresher courses for the officials in the drug regulatory set up at central as well as State levels for stringent adherence to the quality norms, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Yes Madam.
- (b) The Department of Pharmaceutical has not conducted any such study. However, the  National  Pharmaceuticals  Pricing  Policy  (NPPP),  2012  was  notified  on  7 th December,  2012,  with  the  objective  to  put  in  place  a  regulatory  framework  for pricing  of  drugs  so  as  to  ensure  availability  of  required  medicines  -  'essential medicines'  at  reasonable  prices  even  while  providing  sufficient  opportunity  for innovation  and  competition  to  support  the  growth  of  pharma  industry  thereby meeting the goals of employment and shared economic well-being for all.
- (c) No Madam.
- (d) A  Training  Academy  for  conducting  foundation  and  refresher  courses  for  the officials  in  the  drug  regulatory  set  up  at  Central  as  well  as  State  levels  is functioning from National Institute of Biologicals, Noida.
Lok Sabha Question No. 313 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Difference in Prices
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: GOPAL CHINAYYA SHETTY

## Government of India Department of Consumer Affairs

## ORIGINAL IN HINDI

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 313

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2016

## DIFFERENCE IN PRICES

313. SHRI GOPAL SHETTY:

(OIH)

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 there are presently any provisions regarding regulation of profit margin and the maximum  difference  between  actual  cost  and  printed  cost  of  food  items  including packaged consumer items, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the arrangement made to check the violation of the said provisions;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any action on the complaints received in this regard during the last three years; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h ¼Jh jke foykl ikloku½

## THE MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

- (a) :  There  are  presently  no  provisions  regarding  regulation  of  profit  margin  and  the maximum  difference  between  actual  cost  and  printed  cost  of  food  items  including  packaged consumers items.

However  under  the  Legal  Metrology  (Packaged  Commodities)  Rules,  2011  certain mandatory declarations are required like name and address of the manufacturer/packer/importer, name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacturing, retail sale price in the form of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) Rs…….inclusive of all taxes and consumer care details. Rules protect the consumers that commodities in packaged form cannot be sold at a price higher than MRP.

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

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 312 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Agricultural Market Reforms
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, SANTOSH AHLAWAT

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

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 312

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH   JULY, 2016

## AGRICULTURAL MARKET REFORMS

312.   SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI: SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government has a proposal to consult States over major changes in agriculture sector such as expansion of the market reforms to promote competitiveness, freeing fruits  and  vegetables  from  fixed  sale  points  and  increasing  multi  crop  areas  as  part  of  the Government effort to double the farm income;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any suggestions have also been sought from NITI Ayog in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details of the suggestions received from NITI Ayog in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) & (b): All  Policy  matters  concerned  with  major  changes  in  agriculture  sector  are conducted in consultation with States, as agriculture is a State subject.. Likewise, Government efforts to double farmer income will involve active engagement with the States.  For instance, as far  as  agri-marketing  reforms  are  concerned,  the  Government  of  India  has  engaged  actively with  the  States  in  conducting  the  reforms  dialogue,  including  at  the  stage  of  formulation  of Model Act, 2003/Model Rules, 2007 or later in 2010 during deliberations of the Committee of State  Ministers,  In-charge  of  Agriculture  Marketing  to  Promote  Reform.    As  marketing  is perceived as a major force that will drive agriculture incomes, the Government has also recently launched National Agriculture Market after having consulted the States.
- (c) & (d): Task  Force  on  Agricultural  Development  constituted  in  the  NITI  Ayog  in  its report (May 2016) has suggested, inter alia, promotion of contract farming, direct sale by farmers  to  consumers,  marketing  of  fruits  and  vegetable  on  cooperative  milk  marketing model,. National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), etc.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 311 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Permission for Visit to Restricted Areas
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.311

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH JULY, 2016/ASHADHA 28, 1938 (SAKA)

PERMISSION FOR VISIT TO RESTRICTED AREAS

311. SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether foreigners are issued access permits only in groups of two or more people to visit restricted/protected areas at present;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons thereof;

(c) whether the Government is planning to allow foreigners easier access to  restricted  protected  areas  in  Ladakh,  Arunachal  Pradesh,  Sikkim  and other North Eastern States;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e)  whether foreigners who are issued restricted protected area permits are also allowed to visit areas close to borders; and

(f)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not  the  time  by  which  this  facility  is likely to be extended to foreigners?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (f)  :    Under  the  Foreigners  (Protected  Areas)  Order,  1958  and  the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963, some areas have been declared as  Protected  and  Restricted  Areas  for  entry  and  stay  of  foreigners. However,   with   a   view   to   promote   tourism,  some  areas  within  the

## L.S.US.Q.NO.311 FOR 19.07.2016

Protected/ Restricted Areas have been opened for tourism purpose, from time to time,  which can be visited by foreign tourists, either in groups of two  or  more  or  as  a  couple  in  the  case  of  husband  and  wife,  or  by individuals, after obtaining a special permit from the designated competent authority.  Powers have been delegated to various authorities to  issue  such  special  permit.      In  the  case  of  individuals  visiting  the Protected/  Restricted  Areas,  prior  permission  of  the  Ministry  of  Home Affairs is required for grant of special permit.

The  entire  area  of  the  States  of  Manipur,  Mizoram  and  Nagaland  is excluded from the Protected Area Regime and this relaxation is presently valid till 31.12.2017.

Review of Protected Area/ Restricted Area Permit regime is a continuous process  in  consultation  with  various  stakeholders  and  no  specific  time line can be fixed for this purpose.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 310 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Inclusion of Beneficiaries Under PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 310

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  JULY, 2016

## INCLUSION OF BENEFICIARIES UNDER PDS

## 310.   SHRI B. SRIRAMULU:

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  migrant/seasonal  workers  are  currently  unable  to  procure essential food items from Public Distribution System (PDS) shops;
- (b)
- if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to make any provision to reach out to these poorest of the poor and homeless sections of the society; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

(a) to (d):  Government  of  India notified the National Food  Security Act, 2013(NFSA)  which  inter  alia  provides  for  coverage  of  upto  75%  of  the  rural population  and  upto  50%  of  the  urban  population  of  the  country  for  receiving foodgrains at subsidized prices under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). This  coverage  has  been  delinked  from  poverty  estimates  and  the  eligible households covered comprise of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority  Households[PHH].  Respective  State/UT  Governments    are  required  to identify beneficiaries under Priority  Household  (PHH)  and  AAY  categories. Guidelines  have  been  issued  to  State/UT  Governments  for  identification  of poorest of poor families as Antyodaya Families which include landless agriculture laborers,  marginal  farmers,  rural  artisans/craftsmen  such  as  potters  tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, slum dwellers, persons earning their livelihood on daily basis eg. porters, coolies, rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, fruit/flower sellers, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitute , households headed by widows/terminally ill persons/ persons aged 60 years or more with no means  of  subsistence  or  societal  support,  widows  or  terminally  ill  persons /disabled  persons    with  no  family  or  societal  support  or  assured  means  of subsistence, primitive tribal households, HIV positive persons etc.  Under the Act, Eligible  beneficiaries  are  entitled  to  receive  5  kg  of  foodgrain  per  person  per month for the PHH category and 35 kg foodgrain per household per month for AAY households  at  subsidized  rate  of  Rs.  3/2/1  per  kg  for  rice/wheat/coarsegrains respectively.

TPDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State/Union Territory (UT) Governments wherein the operational responsibilities for  implementation  of  TPDS  including  issuing  ration  card,    identification  and reviewing the list of beneficiaries rest with the State/UT Governments concerned.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 308 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Development of Flood Tolerant Seeds
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT, B. SREERAMULU

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 308 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19/07/2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF FLOOD TOLERANT SEEDS

308. SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: SHRI B. SRIRAMULU:

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

- (a) whether  various  agricultural  institutes  are  developing  eco-friendly  flood  tolerant seeds for protecting the crops in flood prone regions of the various States of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether these seeds have already been used in the various States of the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  details  of  the  action  plan  prepared  by  the  Government  to  expand  it  to  all  the flood prone States of the country; and
- (e) whether the Government has also a proposal to provide seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. free of cost to the farmers affected by drought and flood in various parts of the country, if so, the details thereof?

## 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) & (b): Yes,  Madam.  National  Agricultural  Research  System  comprising  ICAR, central  agricultural  universities  and  SAUs  are  taking  adequate  steps  continuously  for developing eco-friendly flood tolerant seeds for protecting the crops in flood prone regions of  the  various  States  of  the  country.  The  concerted  research  efforts  led  to  release  of  49 different crop varieties tolerant to flood/water logging stresses comprising 22 of rice, 4 of maize, 10 of sugarcane, 10 of jute and 3 of soybean.

(c) & (d): During 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and kharif 2016, 30.2 lakh ton, 30.4 lakh ton, 31.6 lakh ton and 12.0 lakh ton, respectively, of certified/quality seeds of improved varieties  of  different  crops  tolerant  to  flood/drought  were  made  available  to  the f a r mers.

The  Government  of  India  has  launched  several  central  sector  crop  development schemes viz.  National Food Security  Mission (NFSM),  Bringing  Green  Revolution  in Eastern India (BGREI),  National Mission on Oil  Seeds and  Oil  Palm  (NMOOP), Rashtriya Krishi    Vikas Yojana  (RKVY),  Sub-mission  on  Seeds  &  Planting  Material under National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology and these schemes are under operation in all the states including flood prone states as well.

(e) Seeds, fertilizers and pesticides are distributed at reasonable/subsidized prices to the farmers  through  the  central  sector  schemes  of  different  departments  of  Government  of India.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 296 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Removal from Prior Referral Category
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY, DHARAMBIR BHALERAM, OM PRAKASH YADAV, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.296

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH JULY, 2016/ASHADHA 28, 1938 (SAKA)

REMOVAL FROM PRIOR REFERRAL CATEGORY

296.

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  India  has  decided  to  remove  China  from  the  prior  referral category for issuing research visas;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the objective behind the move;
- (c)  the  number  of  Chinese  research  scholars  who  are  going  to  be benefitted by this move;
- (d)  whether  Prior  referral  category  will  still  be  applicable  to  Chinese citizens seeking business or employment visas; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): No, Madam.
- (b) & (c): Do not arise.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.296 FOR 19.07.2016

(d) & (e): For the purpose of grant of Business Visa, China is not in the Prior Reference Category (PRC) list.   However, for the purpose of grant of Employment Visa, China is in the PRC list.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 295 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Revival of FACT
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 295 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 19.07.2016

## Revival of  FACT

## 295. SHRI  N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to privatise the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (FACT) and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

- (b) whether the Government has received representations from the State Government of Kerala and MPs from the State requesting for the revival of FACT  and  if  so,  the  action taken thereon;

- (c) whether the Government proposes to revive the FACT and continue its status  as a public sector undertaking and if so, the details thereof; and

- (d) whether the Government has received recommendations from NITI Aayog for disinvestment of FACT and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  &  FERTILIZERS,  SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

- (a):      No, Madam.

- (b) & (c):  Yes, Madam. Several representations have been received.  Government of India has sanctioned a Plan loan of  Rs 1000 Cr to FACT on 21.03.2016 to continue its operations to meet the current financial crunch and for its revival.

- (d):      No, Madam.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 290 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: PANKAJ CHOWDHARY

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 290 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  JULY, 2016

## PROCUREMENT OF PULSES AND OILSEEDS

## 290.   SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY:

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

PUBLIC

- (a) the  details  of  the  agricultural  items/crops  for  which  the  Government announces or proposes to announce Minimum Support Price;
- (b) whether Food Corporation of India and other Government agencies procure only wheat and rice and make arrangement to keep them in buffer stock and if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to formulate a policy to procure pulses and  oilseeds  and  keep  them  in  buffer  stock  like  wheat  and  rice  taking  into account their high prices and if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

- (a) Minimum support prices (MSP) is announced by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (GOI) at the beginning of the sowing season for crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

The twenty three (23) crops for which MSP has been announced are  Paddy, Jowar,  Bajra,  Maize,  Ragi,  Arhar,  Moong,  Urad,  Groundnut-in-shell,  Soyabean, Sunflower,  Sesamum,  Nigerseed,  Cotton,  Wheat,  Barley,  Gram,  Masur  (Lentil), Rapeseed/Mustardseed, Safflower,  Jute,  Copra  and  sugarcane.  In  addition,  MSP for  Toria  and  De-Husked  coconut  is  also  fixed  on  the  basis  of  MSPs  of

Rapeseed/Mustardseed and Copra respectively.

- (b) & (c): No  Madam,  Food  Corporation  of  India  (FCI)  and  State  Government agencies procure wheat and rice, coarse grain & Pulses.

Govt.  of  India  has  included  FCI  as  a  Central  Nodal  Agency  along  with National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED)  and  Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SFAC) for Procurement of pulses & oilseeds. Government of India has set a target of procuring 50,000 ton of pulses from Kharif crop 2015-16 and 1,00,000 ton pulses of Rabi crop in RMS 2016-17.

All the procuring agencies taken together have procured 45532.41 MT Tur and 4891.66 MT Urad in KMS 2015-16, thus achieving the target.

In Rabi 2016-17, FCI, NAFED & SFAC have together procured 8555.75 MT of

Masur & 60401.11 MT of Chana as on 10.07.2016.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 285 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-19
Subject: Religious Freedom
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.285 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH JULY, 2016/ASHADHA 28, 1938 (SAKA)

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

285. SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  United  States  Commission  on  International  Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2016 annual report has stated that 'India is on a negative trajectory in terms of religious freedom';

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c)  whether  USCIRF  has  shown  interest  to  visit  India  this  year  but  was denied visa; and

(d) if so, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Government's reaction to the report has already been made public as stated by the official spokesperson as under:

'Our attention has been drawn to the recent report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which once again fails to show proper understanding of India, its Constitution and its society.

….2/

## L.S.US.Q.NO.285 FOR 19.07.2016

India is a vibrant pluralistic society  founded  on  strong  democratic principles.  The  Indian  Constitution  guarantees  Fundamental  Rights  to  all its  citizens  including  the  Right  to  Freedom  of  Religion.  Government  does not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like USCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights. We take no cognizance of their report'.

******