opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 534 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Modernisation of Flood Forecasting Infrastructure
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER, SHOBHA KARANDLAJE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 534**

ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

**Modernisation of Flood Forecasting**

**Infrastructure**

534.	 SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE

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

(a) Whether the Government is contemplating any measures for modernisation of flood forecasting infrastructure and to repair/maintain river embankments to prevent disasters in the country; and

(b) if so, the details of steps being taken by the Government in this regard and to broaden it by including the entire stretch of the country so that tangible improvements are visible even in non-flood prone States?

## ANSWER

The MinistER of STATE FOR Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) & (b) Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry maintains a network of 878 stations in the country comprising of base stations and 175 flood forecasting stations. The modern systems of data collection and transmission have been installed at 445 stations besides setting up of three Earth Receiving Stations at New Delhi, Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Burla (Odisha) and 21 Modelling Centres in the country for data analysis, flood forecast formulation and its expeditious dissemination to local administration and other concerned agencies. During XII Plan, CWC has planned modernisation of remaining stations and expansion of flood forecasting network to cover more areas. The dissemination of information about high flood situations through Short Message Service (SMS) on designated mobile phone has been made operational by CWC.

As regards embankments, the activity of their repair and maintenance is undertaken by States and role of the Union Government is technical and advisory in nature. However, in order to supplement efforts of the State Governments, the Ministry had launched a Flood Management Programme (FMP) in XI Plan for providing central assistance to States for works related to river management, anti-erosion, flood control, repair of damaged flood management works, anti-sea erosion. In October, 2013, the Cabinet had approved continuation of FMP for XII Plan with an outlay of Rs. 10, 000 crore. So far, the central assistance of Rs.4459.08 crore has been released under FMP since XI Plan.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 533 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Exemption in Toll Tax
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, M. UDHAYAKUMAR, SUDHEER GUPTA, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, PREM DAS RAI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 533**

ANSWERED ON 23 RD JULY, 2015

**EXEMPTION IN TOLL TAX**

533. 	DR. SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

ADV. M. UDHAYAKUMAR:

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH:

SHRI PREMDAS RAI:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:

सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्री

(a) 	whether the Government proposes to exempt private vehicles and buses from paying toll on highways in their districts;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented;

(c) 	whether the Government proposes to introduce electronic toll collection system on the national highways by removing toll plazas;

(d) 	if so, the details thereof along with the objectives thereof including the time by which it is likely to be implemented; and

(e) 	the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to give relief to commuters and ease congestion on highways?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)	No, Madam.

(b)	Does not arise.

(c)	Yes, Madam.  Fee will be collected electronically on the existing fee plaza.

(d) & (e)	Yes, Madam.  Government has decided to implement Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on pan India basis by 2015.  In this system a pre-paid electronic tag “FASTag” will be fixed on the wind screen of the vehicle.  Once fitted with “FASTag” vehicle will move seamlessly throughout all fee plazas on National Highways across the country and fee amount will be deducted automatically.  Interoperable ETC system is already operational on Delhi Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral.   Once implemented, it will help in reducing congestion at the Toll Plazas.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 532 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Rehabilitation of Displaced Families
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: LAXMAN GILUWA, RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  †532**

ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

**Rehabilitation of Displaced Families**

†532. 	SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA

SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY

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

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the rehabilitation and relief work of families displaced due to water irrigation schemes has not been actually rehabilitated;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard;

(c) the details of mechanism available to rehabilitate and provide relief to displaced families in a planned manner;

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the said mechanism and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) if so, the details and the result thereof?

## ANSWER

The MinistER of STATE FOR Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) to (e)	Water being a State subject, water resources projects are planned and implemented by the respective State Governments. State Governments generally formulate and implement project wise Rehabilitation and Resettlement plan. Union Government has issued the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007 (NRRP-2007) and “the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013” for implementation of Rehabilitation and Resettlement action plan in respect of Project Affected Families. However, compensation for project affected people are decided by the project authorities as per existing Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy of Centre/State whichever is more beneficial.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Allotment of Coal Blocks
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: SANTOSH KUMAR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COAL

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 531**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015**

**Allotment of Coal Blocks**

**531.		SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR:**

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state :

(a)	whether the Union Government has received proposals from States/UTs for allotment of coal blocks for public and private sector thermal power plants;

(b)	if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard;

(c)	whether coal has been supplied to power plants including thermal units situated in Bihar;

(d)	the details of power stations generating power in Bihar along with the quantum of coal available with these companies; and

(e)	the steps taken to ensure coal supply to power stations?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR COAL, POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY**

**(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)**

(a) & (b) :	For allocation of coal blocks, requests are received from time to time from the State Governments, as this is an ongoing process.  Under the amended provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2010, the Government has notified Auction by Competitive Bidding of Coal Mines Rules, 2012 and the allocation of coal blocks are now being done in accordance with these rules.  Further, for management and reallocation of 204 coal mines/blocks cancelled by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Government has enacted Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and these coal mines are being e-auctioned/allotted under the said Act and rules made thereunder.

(c) :	As per extant policy of Government, coal is supplied from Coal India Ltd. (CIL) sources to various power plants in the country including those of Bihar under Fuel Supply Agreement as per quantity and quality of coal specified therein at notified prices.

…./-

- 2 -

(d) :	As gathered from Central Electricity Authority, coal stock available with Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) of Bihar, as on 15-07-2015, is as under :-

1. Kahalgaon (2340 MW) TPP : 0.751 Million Tonnes equivalent to 22 days’ requirement.
2. Muzaffarpur (415 MW) TPP : 0.021 Million Tonnes equivalent to 18 days’ requirement.

(e) :	In addition to the monitoring mechanism available at coal companies and CIL, coal supplies to Power Utility sector including TPPs located in Bihar, is monitored regularly by an Inter-Ministerial Sub-Group comprising representatives of Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Railways constituted by the Infrastructure Review Committee of Cabinet Secretariat.  This Sub-Group takes various operational decisions for meeting any contingent situation relating to power sector including critical coal stock position.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 528 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Review of Working of PRIs
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: VINCENT H PALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 528 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

## REVIEW OF WORKING OF PRIs

## 528. SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has ordered any fresh review of the working of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country:
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to amend the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution for devolving more powers to Panchayats; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI NIHAL CHAND)

(a) and (b): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in collaboration with State Governments, has framed parameters to analyse the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). A  set of model indicators, questionnaire and marking scheme, to be adapted appropriately by the States/UTs in their context for assessing the functioning of PRIs, have been developed by MoPR. Incentive awards are given to the selected best performing Panchayats on the basis of such evaluation. State of Panchayati Raj Reports have been published by the MoPR. MoPR also assesses the extent of devolution of powers and authority to PRIs by States through an independent study, which ranks States on a Panchayat Devolution Index (PDI). The Ministry also  periodically  reviews  the  working  of  the  PRIs  with  the  State  Government  in  meetings, through field visits and other forums.

- (c): No, Sir.
- (d): Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 526 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Smart Grid Pilot Projects
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: SANJAY JAISWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.526 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

## SMART GRID PILOT PROJECTS

526. DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of expenditure incurred by the Government for the development of smart grid network in the country during the last three years;
- (b) whether there has been any delay in the implementation of the 14 smart grid pilot projects;
- (c) if so, the reasons therefor along with the measures taken to expedite the work of the project; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of smart grid projects in the country, if so the details and status thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : No expenditure has been incurred by the Government of India so far for the  development  of  smart  grid  network  in  the  country  during  the  last  three  years. However,  during  current  FY  2015-16,  Government  of  India  share  amounting  to Rs.11.19 Crores has been sanctioned for disbursement for following three Smart Grid pilot projects:

1. Rs.4.07 Crores to CESC, Mysore
2. Rs.2.43 Crores to HPSEB, Himachal Pradesh
3. Rs.4.69 Crores to IIT Kanpur
4. (b) & (c): There has been delay in start of implementation of these pilot projects. The major reasons are delayed preparation of Detail Project Report (DPR)'s due to state-of-the-art technology deployment, lack of expertise amongst utility staff, initial lack  of  response  from  the  bidders  and  extremely  high  prices  in  case  of  some projects.

..........2.

The  measures  taken  to  expedite  the  work  of  the  project  includes Capacity building activities for the utility personnel, Mutual collaboration/ engagement between the utilities for sharing knowledge & resolving common issues and  continuous  monitoring of projects  through India  Smart  Grid  Task  Force Secretariat (ISGTF). Utilities were allowed to engage Consultants like POWERGRID, CPRI or private consultants to bring in the required domain expertise.

(d) : Government of India has approved establishment of National Smart Grid Mission  (NSGM),  which  will  have  its  own  resources,  independence  and  statutory authority to plan and monitor Smart Grid implementation in India. NSGM shall act as the focal point for coordinating all the activities and projects being undertaken for development of Smart Grid in India across the different Ministries of Government of India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 525 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: New Irrigation Schemes
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 525**

ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

**New Irrigation Schemes**

525. ADV. JOICE GEORGE

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

(a) whether the Government has announced any new irrigation scheme to insulate farmers from vagaries of nature and if so, the details thereof along with major objectives of the scheme;

(b) the quantum of funds allotted thereunder, State-wise; and

(c) the expected outcome of the said schemes along with the time schedule for commencement and completion?

## ANSWER

The MinistER of STATE FOR Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) to (c)   Yes, Madam. The Cabinet has approved a new irrigation scheme namely                   Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with objective as Har Khet Ko Pani and More Crop Per Drop.  It has an indicative outlay of Rs.50, 000 crore (Government of India share) to be implemented during the period from 2015-16 to 2019-20. Detailed draft guidelines have already been uploaded on the website by D/o Agriculture & Cooperation, M/o Agriculture and can be seen at http//www.agricoop.nic.in/imagedefault/draftpmsky.pdf.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 523 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Socio Economic and Caste Census
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SHASHI THAROOR, PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 523 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015.

## SOCIO ECONOMIC AND CASTE CENSUS

## 523. DR: SHASHI THAROOR: DR P. VENUGOPAL

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- whether the Government has considered the findings of the recent Socio- economic and Caste Census, 2011 which States that 73% of total households reside in rural India and the highest earning member of 74.5% of such households receives less than INR 5000 a month:
- (b if so, then whether the Government is justified in reducing the current budgetary allocations for rural  development by INR 8400 crore;
- (c) if so, the details thereof:
- (d) whether such reduced allocations would adversely affect the implementation of major schemes such as Indira Awas Yojana(IA Y), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), thus hampering the growth of 73% of the country' $ households; and
- if the remedial measures taken by the Government for promoting the growth of rural India?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- Yes, Madam.
- (b): The budget allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development Revised Estimate(RD) was Rs.68156.42 crore, whereas in the Budget Estimate (BE) 2015-16, the budget allocated is Rs. 71.62 crore, which is higher:
- (d) to (e): In view of above, does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 521 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Cleaning of Lakes, Ponds and Canals
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: JAYSHREEBEN  PATEL

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  †521**

ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

**Cleaning of Lakes, Ponds and Canals**

†521. SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL

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

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any nationwide action plan for cleaning lakes, ponds and canals under the irrigation schemes in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a large number of cattle and human beings die every year by getting trapped in silt deposited in canals, if so, the details and facts thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to formulate an annual programme for cleaning of canals and implement it under MGNREGA; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

The MinistER of STATE FOR Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a)&(b) There is no proposal to formulate a nationwide action plan for cleaning lakes, ponds and canals under irrigation Schemes in the country.  However, Ministry of Water Resources is having following two schemes under which ponds and canals can be repaired, renovated and rehabilitated as per priority assigned by the respective State Government to such projects.

(i)  	Under the scheme for Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, Government of India is providing assistance to the States. Under the scheme, water bodies of 5 hectare of spread area in rural area and 2-10 hectare of spread area in urban area are eligible for funding.

(ii)	Central Government is providing assistance to States for Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) of canals under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) as per contours of the scheme.

(c)     	No such information is available in the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

(d)	No Madam.

(e)	Question does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 519 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Investment in Rural Infrastructures
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: PARASURAMAN K.

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 519 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

## INVESTMENT IN RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES

## 519. SHRI K PARASURAMAN:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- whether the Government has any proposal to formulate new policy to host private sector investment in rural infrastructure project;
- whether the Government has sought the response of private sector in this regard and if the details thereof? SO,
- if so, the details and salient features thereof; and

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a): There is no such proposal. However; the Ministry of Rural Development, inter alia, is implementing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act; Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana; Indira Awaas Yojana, National Rural Livelihoods Mission and Integrated  Watershed Management Programme in rural areas of the country, through State Governments and UT Administrations. The objective of these programmes is to about overall improvement in the quality of life in  rural areas through employment  generation; development of rural infrastructure and provision of other basic amenities. bring
- (6) Does not arise.
- (c) No Madam.
Lok Sabha Question No. 518 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Public Prosecutors
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 518

TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2015

**Public Prosecutors**

+518.           SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARSWATI

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

(a) the criteria laid down for the appointment of public prosecutors;

(b)  whether it is a fact that the Government losses most of the cases in the courts;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor along with action taken thereon;

(d)   whether the Government has any mechanism to monitor the performance of these public prosecutors and ensure their accountability; and

(e)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE

(SHRI. D.V.SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a) to (e) The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
Lok Sabha Question No. 516 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-23
Subject: Ship Services in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: M. CHANDRAKASI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.516 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23 rd  July, 2015

## SHIP SERVICES IN TAMIL NADU

516.     SHRI  M. CHANDRAKASI:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any study has been carried out for the feasibility of ship services to connect the coastal towns in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government proposes to introduce commercial ship services  between  Chennai  and  Tuticorin  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No, Madam, no study has been conducted  regarding   feasibility of ship services to connect the coastal towns in Tamil Nadu.
- (b) Coastal  ships  do  ply  between  Chennai  and    Tuticorin  on  their coastal trips.

*****