opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 193 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Trade with Iran
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 193

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 TH  NOVEMBER, 2015

## TRADE WITH IRAN

## 193(H). SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has agreed to sign any free trade agreement with Iran;
- b) if  so,  the  benefits  likely  to  be  accrued  as  a  result  thereof  along  with  the  time  by which it is likely to be implemented;
- c) whether Iran has shown interest in the trade of tea, pharma and edible items with
4. India;
- d) if so, whether trade of all these items are likely to be covered under oil agreement; and
- e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

वाणिज् य एवं उद्योग राज् य मंत्री )णीमीी स मलमा नीीारमि((स्वींत्र प्रभार ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a)&(b): No,  Sir . However, in  the  17 th   Session  of  the  Joint  Commission between India and Iran held in  May, 2013, it was agreed to commerce preliminary consultation between the concerned  Ministries of both sides for a Preferential Trade Agreement(PTA).    In  the  first  meeting  of  Joint  Working  Group  on  Trade  and Commerce held in April, 2015 in Tehran, both sides agreed to examine the scope and the feasibility of entering into a PTA.  In the second meeting of the Joint Working Group held on 18-19 November, 2015 in New Delhi both sides agreed, inter-alia, to open up a channel for exchange of information, etc for this purpose.

- (c) : Yes Sir.

(d) &(e): The Rupee payment arrangement with Iran is  in place to (i) ease payment in respect of imports of oil and (ii)  help facilitate payment to exporters in rupees.

- ****
Lok Sabha Question No. 192 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: FDI in Mining Sector
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  192 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 TH  NOVEMBER, 2015 FDI IN MINING SECTOR

## 192. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL :

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any new policy to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the mining sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the amount of FDI inflow in the country during each of the last three years; and
- (c) whether  such  investments  in  mining  sector  have  delivered  any  benefit  for  the local population in mining areas and if so the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES AND  STEEL(SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

- (a) No  Madam.  However,  the  Government  has  simplified  the  FDI  Policy  in  Mining Sector.
- (b) Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) equity inflow into the mining sector during the last three years and upto September, 2015 are as follows :

|   Sl. No. | Year (April to March)         |   FDI in US$ million |
|-----------|-------------------------------|----------------------|
|         1 | 2012-2013 (April - March)     |                57.89 |
|         2 | 2013-2014 (April - March)     |                12.73 |
|         3 | 2014-2015 (April - March)     |               684.39 |
|         4 | 2015-2016 (April - September) |               516.65 |

(Source: Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion)

(c) In so far as specific benefits to local population are concerned, no data is specifically maintained centrally in this regard. The general benefits of investments would accrue for the concerned population.

…
Lok Sabha Question No. 190 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Setting Up of Ranking System
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI, SANTOSH AHLAWAT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 190 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## Setting Up of Ranking System

## 190. SHRI SUMEDHAN AND SARSWATI:

## SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

## Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  decided  recently  that  it  would  have  its  own ranking system named "The National Institutional Ranking Framework" for higher educational institutions;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  basic  parameters  adopted  by  the  Government  to  rank  centres  of  higher Learnings?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)  to  (c):  Yes,  Madam.  The  National  Institutional  Ranking  Framework  (NIRF)  has been  approved  and  launched  on  29 th   September,  2015.  This  framework  outlines  a methodology  to  rank  higher  educational  institutions  across  the  country.  The methodology draws from the recommendations of a core committee set up by the Ministry to identify the parameters for ranking various universities and institutions. The parameters broadly cover 'Teaching, Learning and Resources,' 'Research and Professional  Practices,'  'Graduations  Outcomes,'  'Outreach  and  inclusivity'  and 'Perception'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 185 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Export of Cash Crops
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO JADHAV, JASVANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 185 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 TH  NOVEMBER, 2015

## EXPORT OF CASH CROPS

## 185(H). SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV: SHRI JASVANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has formulated a scheme/taken steps to boost the export of cash crops;
- b) if so, the details thereof;
- c) the details of the export of cash crops in terms of rupees during the last three years;
- d) whether the export of cash crops from the country has not been encouraged and if so, the reasons therefor; and
- e) the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् य एवं उद्योग राज् य मंत्री )णीमीी स मलमा नीीारमि((स्वींत्र प्रभार ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

& (b):  Government takes regular measures to boost export of cash crops namely tea, coffee, rubber,  spices,  tobacco  and  cashew  which  includes,  inter  alia,  providing  financial  and technical  assistance  to  the  growers  and  other  stakeholders  for  participation  in  trade  fairs, exhibitions,  buyer-seller  meets,  brand  promotion,  public  relation  campaigns  and  incentives for export of value added products. The Export Policy is implemented taking into account the production, productivity, export destinations, as well as global and domestic   demand and supply of the Commodity.

- (c):    The details of the export of cash crops in term of rupees during the last three years are given below:

(Value in Rs. crores)

| Year    |     Tea |   Coffee |   Natural Rubber | Spices    |   Tobacco |   Cashew Kernel |
|---------|---------|----------|------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------------|
| 2012-13 | 4005.93 |  4552.75 |            468.5 | 12,112.76 |   4979.05 |         4046.23 |
| 2013-14 | 4509.09 |  4539.89 |             85.2 | 13,735.39 |   6092.86 |         5058.73 |
| 2014-15 | 3823.64 |  4947.1  |             11.5 | 14,899.68 |   5652.17 |         5432.85 |

(d) & (e):  Question does not arise. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 180 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Role of NGOs in Mid-Day Meal
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: T. RADHAKRISHNAN, (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.180 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## Role of NGOs in Mid-Day Meal

## 180. SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN: ADV. JOICE GEORGE:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) engaged in preparing mid-day  meals  for  children  in  rural  areas  have  turned  the  scheme  into  a  profit  making exercise and deviated from the purpose and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is considering to eliminate the role of NGOs in preparing midday  meal  in  rural  areas  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  State Governments thereto;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to formulate separate guidelines for NGOs in urban areas  to  operate  centralised  kitchens  only  where  the  schools  are  not  supported  with kitchens and cooking components and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure mid-day meals are mandatorily tested by accredited labs each month for maintaining quality and nutrition?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) to (c): The  Mid  Day  Meal  Scheme  is  not  designed  to  be  a  profit  making  initiative  but  is  a mechanism to deal with class room hunger so as to promote children's attendance and concentration in class room besides meeting other educational and social objectives. According to the MDM guidelines, it is desirable that mid day meal is cooked locally in  the  school  premises  either  through  Self-Help  Groups  or  through  the  personnel engaged  by  the  School  Management  Committee  or  any  other  equivalent  Committee responsible  for  implementing the Scheme.  However,  for urban areas where there is

space  constraint  for  setting  up  of  the  school  kitchens  in  the  individual  schools,  the guidelines provide for Centralized kitchens for a cluster of schools where cooking can take place and cooked hot meal may be transported under hygienic conditions through reliable transport systems to various schools.  The Mid Day Meal Rules 2015 notified by the Ministry reiterate these provisions of the Mid Day Meal Guidelines.

- (d): The  Mid  Day  Meal  Rules  2015  notified  under  Section  39(1)  of  the  National  Food Security Act, 2013 state that hot cooked meal provided to children shall be evaluated and certified  by  the  Government  Food Research  Laboratory or any other  laboratory accredited or recognized by law so as to ensure that the meal meets with the prescribed nutritional  standards and quality.  The samples are to be collected at least once in a month  from  randomly  selected  schools  or  centralized  kitchens  for  testing  by  such laboratories.  These rules are in effect from 30 th September, 2015.

****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 177 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: FDI in Multi-Brand Retail through PPP
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION

## LOK SABHA

UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 177.

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 30 TH  NOVEMBER, 2015.

## FDI IN MULTI-BRAND RETAIL THROUGH PPP

177. SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE: DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT: SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK: SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

## Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a)   whether as per the study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), fresh investment in the country's organized retail sector is likely to  generate a large number of jobs especially in logistics and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   whether the Government has studied their report and has taken any steps in this regard;
- (c) whether  ASSOCHAM  has  requested  the  Government  to  allow  FDI  in  multibrand  retail  through  public-private  partnerships  with  adequate  safe-guard  to protect domestic stakeholders; and
- (d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the other steps taken or being taken  by  the    Government  to  boost  domestic  organized  retail  sector  in  the country?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यएवंउद्योगााज् यमंत्रीस् वतंंत्र्रभााा(स्ीमतंीिरममलााीीतंाामि( THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) to (d): No such study has been conducted by the Government in association with Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).  Further, no proposal of ASSOCHAM to allow FDI in multi-brand retail through public-private partnerships is under the consideration of the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 176 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Amendment to Factories Act
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, V. SATHYABAMA, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY, PARESH RAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 176

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## AMENDMENT TO FACTORIES ACT

## 176. SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY:

SHRI PARESH RAVAL:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether the Government proposed for a strict factory act particularly for steel plant and also contemplated for a complete makeover of the 1948 Factories  Act  to  bring  it  in  sync  with  the  Government's  plan  to  boost manufacturing and job creation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government has called meeting with trade unions/employee
- representatives to make pitch for a new factories law;
- (c)if so, the details theroef;
- (d)whether  the  trade  unions  have  questioned  some  of  the  key  provisions which  would  take  a  large  chuck  of  workers  out  of  the  purview  of  the factories law; and
- (e)if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

- (a): The Government has initiated steps to amendment the Factories Act, 1948, which aims to provide safety and health and welfare of labour as well as regulations of conditions of work.
- (b)  to (e): The  Government  has  consulted  various  stakeholders which includes Employers Association & Trade Unions for building a consensus.  A  tripartite  consultative  meeting  under  the  Chairmanship  of Hon'ble Minister for Labour and Employment has taken place on 3.11.2015 at Vigyan  Bhawan,  New  Delhi.  During  the  meeting  the  trade  unions  also  gave various suggestions which would be duly evaluated.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 173 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Autonomy of IITs
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KAMAL NATH, K. C. VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 173 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## Autonomy of IITs

## 173.   SHRI KAMAL NATH:

SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL:

Will  the  Minister  of  HUMAN  RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that the Ministry of Human  Resource  Development  has  been  interfering  in  the  academic matters of the Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs) as reported in the Print Media;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Deans  of  the  IITDelhi  have  threatened  to  quit  the institutions in protest against the interference of the Ministry;
- (c) if  so,  the  facts  thereof  and  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  ensure autonomy of the IITs; and
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) to (d): The Ministry of Human Resource Development does not interfere in the academic  matters  of  the  IITs.    No  such  attempt  of  interference  in  the working of IITs, as reported, has been made by the Ministry.

The  Indian  Institutes  of  Technology  (IITs)  function  in  accordance with the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 and the Statues framed therein. The Act has also defined the interface of  Government with the IITs.   The Government plays no role in the academic matters of IITs which falls in the purview of the Senate and the Board of Governors. Further, appointment/resignation of Deans in IIT is also not within the purview of Government.

*****

## F. No. H-11016-34/2015-T.S-I

Government of India Ministry of Human Resource Development Department of Higher Education Technical Section - I *******

Subject:-  Lok  Sabha  Unstarred  Question  No.  173  for  30.11.2015 regarding 'Autonomy of IITs' asked by Shri Kamal Nath and Shri K.C.Venugopal.

May please see Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 173 to be answered on 30.11.2015 regarding  'Autonomy  of  IITs'  asked  by  Shri Kamal  Nath  and  Shri  K.C.Venugopal.    The  text  of  the  question  is reproduced below:-

Will  the  Minister  of  HUMAN  RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  has  come  to  the  notice  of  the  Government  that  the Ministry of Human Resource Development has been interfering in the academic matters of the Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs) as reported in the Print Media;
- (b) if  so,  whether the Deans of the IITDelhi have threatened to quit the institutions in protest against the interference of the Ministry;
- (c) if  so,  the facts thereof and whether the Government proposes to ensure autonomy of the IITs; and
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
2. Based on the information available in the Section, a draft reply to the  above  Question  has  been  attempted  and  placed  in  the  file  for consideration and approval of the Hon'ble HRM.
Lok Sabha Question No. 172 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Revamping of Museums
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: GAURAV GOGOI, JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA, RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.172 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## REVAMPING OF MUSEUMS

172. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M: SCINDIA: SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN:

## Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government has decided to revamp and overhaul  institutions and museums   including Nehru Memorial Museum and Library  (NMML) to reflect contributions of modern India;
2. if SO, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
3. whether an attempt is being made to dilute the legacy of India's first Prime Minister and the Government noted the protest against this move; and
4. if so, the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION

## (DR: MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a) & (b): institution to remain relevant has to have an inbuilt   system of reinventing and reinvigorating itself, without changing the core values and basic Wider information and ideas have to be incorporated\_ However; the basic values and basic character of these institutes are not to be changed / altered. In museums, 14 points listed for museum reforms are implemented to improve visitors facilities, guide facilities, opening of new galleries, museum personnel, security etc: Any
- (c): No Madam:
- (d): Does not arise:
Lok Sabha Question No. 169 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-11-30
Subject: Rehabilitation Cost for Bonded Labourers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, KIRRON KHER, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, T. RADHAKRISHNAN

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 169

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2015

## REHABILITATION COST FOR BONDED LABOURERS

169. SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)the present quantum of amount paid to bonded labourers as rehabilitation
- under Centrally sponsored scheme;
- (b)whether the Government is proposing a massive increase in rehabilitation cost of bonded labourers in the country;
- (c)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (d)the  details  of  mechanism  through  which  the  intended  beneficiaries  are likely to be identified along with process to be followed to ensure that the
- intended beneficiaries are the ones who get paid;
- (e)whether the rehabilitation cost would be shared between Centre and State
- and if so, the details in this regard; and
- (f)the time by which the new rehabilitation cost is likely to be paid to
- the bonded labourers?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

- (a): Under  the  Bonded  Labour  System  (Abolition)  Act,  1976,  in  order  to assist the State Governments in the task of rehabilitation of identified and released bonded labourers, a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour is in operation since May, 1978, which was amended  in  May,  2000.  Under  the  scheme,  rehabilitation  assistance  @ Rs.20,000/-  per  bonded  labour  is  provided  which  is  equally  borne  by  the Central and State Governments.
- (b) to (f): The proposal to revise the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers is under consideration of the Government.

*******