opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1985 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Amendment in Electricity Act
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: T. RADHAKRISHNAN, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, SUDHEER GUPTA, KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1985 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## AMENDMENT IN ELECTRICITY ACT

1985.  SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA: KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH: SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR: SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR: DR. SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to bring changes in Electricity Act, if so, the aims and objectives behind this move;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  sent  the  draft  of  Electricity  Act  to  the  State Governments, if so, the response of the State Governments thereto, State/UT-wise;
- (c) the time by which the said act is likely to come into force; and
- (d) the  steps  proposed  to  be  taken  to  make  compulsory  for  the  Electricity Distribution  companies  to  purchase  some quantity of renewable  energy  from renewable energy producers?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : Yes, Madam. Based on suggestions received from various stakeholders, Ministry  of  Power  (MOP),  Government  of  India  has  proposed  amendments  in  the Electricity Act, 2003.

The  proposed  amendments,  inter-alia,  envisage  competition  in  retail supply  of  electricity,  strict  enforcement  of  Renewable  Purchase  Obligations  (RPO) and stricter requirements for Grid Safety and Security.

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

(b) : Yes,  Madam.  The  proposed  amendments  in  the  Electricity  Act,  2003 were  initially  uploaded  on  the  website  of  MOP  on  17 th   October,  2013  and  also circulated to all stakeholders, including State Governments/UTs for their comments. The revised proposals for amendment in Electricity Act, 2003 were again forwarded to State  Governments/UTs  on  15 th   September,  2015  for  seeking  their  comments. Comments have since been received from various State Governments on amendment proposals.  They  mainly  relate  to  provisions  of  separation  of  distribution  and  supply functions, penalty provisions for non-compliance of RPOs by the Captive generating plants and Open access consumers, provisions related to theft and unauthorized use of electricity etc.

(c) : The Act will come into force after passage of the Electricity (Amendment)  Bill  by  both  the  Houses  of  Parliament  and  assent  of  the  Hon'ble President of India.

(d) : As per section 86(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, distribution companies  are  already  required  to  procure  certain  percentage  of  electricity  from renewable sources of energy.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1983 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Positions of Board Members in AAI
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, ANANDRAO  ADSUL

1983.

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO\_ 8 1983 (To be answered on the July 2016) 28th

## POSITIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS IN AAI

.

be pleased to state: -

- (a) the process and criteria of the positions of the Board members in Airports Authority of India (AAT) Board; filling
- (c) if s0, the details thereof and the tenure of such whole-time and part-time members and the responsibility thereof;
- (b) whether there is any altered process for filling the whole-time members and part-time members (non-official);
- (d) whether the Government has received complaints regarding violations of rules from the MPs; and

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL A VIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): The whole time Members of Airports Authority of India (AAD) Board are selected by Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) following the procedure and criteria contained in the guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and PESB\_ by

(d): Madam No,

(b) & (c): Where substantial in filling up of Board level post by PESB is anticipated; the Competent Authority may decide to opt for the process of Search cum Selection Committee route: The Board level functionary is generally appointed for & period of 5 years o till the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier , on immediate absorption basis, with the provision that the Government will have the option to terminate the services with three months notice: The responsibility f each Member varies depending on the department/ directorate handled by him. delay

(e): Does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1982 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: International Conference on Water for All
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: RATTAN LAL KATARIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1982 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER FOR ALL

## 1982.          SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA

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

- (a) whether a five day international conference on water related issues was held in India recently;
- (b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
- (c) whether Israel has been named as a partner for the event; and
- (d) if so, the details in this regard along with further steps to be taken in the matter?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (IC)  FOR  YOUTH  AFFAIRS  &  SPORTS  AND  MINISTER  OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

(a) & (b) Yes Madam.  A  five  day  international  conference  on  water  related  issues,  India  Water Week-20 16  was held  from 4 th - 8 th April,  2016  at  New  Delhi  with  the  theme "Water  for  all: Striving together". More than 1500 delegates representing National and International Organizations, Research Institutes,  Educational  Institutions  and  NGOs  from  water  resources, agriculture,  power  sectors  etc.  participated in  the  India  Water  Week.  Besides  delegates  from  14 countries  including Israel, Hungary,  Burundi,  Bhutan  etc. al  so attended  the India  Water Week.

During  the  conference various  topics  relating  to  Water  Resources  development,  management, planning  and  conservation   of  water  were  deliberated   upon  with  a  view  to  find  out  strategies towards  achieving  the  goal of "Water for All".

(c)  &  (d) Yes   Madam,   Israel   was   the   partner   country for   the   event. A   Memorandum   of Understanding (MoU)  between India  and  Israel for bilateral  cooperation in  water  resources management   and   development has been   prepared.   Further    follow-up action  on   the  mutually agreed  areas,  including  techniques    in the  efficient  use  of  resources,  recycling/  re-use  of  waste water,    desalination,    aquifer  recharge    and  in-situ  water  conservation    techniques  will  be  taken once the MoU is signed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1979 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Drinking Water
Ministry: DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
Asked by: RAJU ALIAS DEVAPPA ANNA SHETTI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1979 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## Drinking Water

## †1979. SHRI  RAJU   SHETTY:

Will the Minister of DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the tribals inhabiting forest land have to walk for many kilometres to fetch drinking water;
- (b) if so, the number and percentage of such households in the country, State/UT-wise; and
- (c)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  drinking  water  is available for the tribals in their forest villages?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION (SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

(a) to (c) Rural drinking water supply is a State Subject. The Government of India assists the  State  Governments  technically  and  financially  through  the  Centrally  Sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). While planning for rural drinking water supply schemes every effort is made to ensure that population residing in even the remote areas including that in forest land are covered. This Ministry under NRDWP has earmarked  10%  funds  especially  for  coverage  of  Scheduled  Tribes  (ST)  dominated habitations  and  this  includes  tribal  population  living  in  forest  land.    States  are  regularly asked  to  prioritize  the  coverage  of  ST  dominated  habitations  in  remote  and  forest  land. However, specific data for tribal population who inhabit forest land is not maintained in this Ministry.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1977 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Flyover and Bypass at Dalkhola
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: MOHAMMAD SALIM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF  ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1977

ANSWERED ON  28 TH   JULY, 2016

## FLYOVER AND BYPASS AT DALKHOLA

## 1977.  SH. MOHD. SALIM:

Will the Minister of  ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

( lM+d ifjogu vkSj jktekxZ ea=h )

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to construct flyover and bypass at  Dalkhola, BiharBengal border area on NH-31 and 34;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) to (c): Yes Madam; There is a proposal for construction of bypass at Dalkhola (5.5 km.) including ROB on NH-34. The tender for the work was re-invited four times since July,2015 which could not be materialized due to poor response from bidders. The bid would be invited again.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1975 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Job Opportunities in Rural Areas
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: VIRENDRA  KUMAR, B.V. NAYAK

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .1975

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07 .201 6

## JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AREAS

## 1975. DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR: SHRI B.V. NAIK:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that 75 per cent of the rural households are earning le thousand rupees a month;
- (b) whether Government  has  any  plans  to  increase  the  income  bracket  of  such  ru households, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  formulate  any  scheme  for  the  welfare  a development of poor farmers in order to check their migration t o the cities, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the time by which the scheme will be implemented across the country;
- (e) whether the Government has taken any initiative during the past two years to i the non - farm job opportunities available in rur al India; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV )

- ( a) :  Socio  Economic  and  Caste  Census  2011  captures  respondent  based  informati wherein on the question of income of highest earning member of the households , 13.3 out  of  17.97  crore  rural  households  declared  income  of  less  than  rupees  five  th month.
- ( b) to (f): The Department of Rural Development, inter alia, is implementing Mahatm Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment  Guarantee  Act  (MGNREGA),  Deendayal  Antyodaya Yojana - National  Rural  Livelihoods  Mission  (DAY - NRLM),  Deen  Dayal  Upadhyay -Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU - GKY), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana -Gramin (PMAY -G),  Pradhan  Mantri  Gram  Sadak  Yojana  (PMGSY)  and  National  Social  Assistance Programme (NSAP) to bring about overall improvement in the quality of life of the pe rural areas through employment generation, skilling of youths, provision of social assi and other basic amenities. These Programmes have direct and indirect bearing on p alleviation.

Employment generation has been one of the most important priorities of the Gover nment. MGNREGA guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to ev household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Provision of 50 days of additional employment is made over and above 100 days per househo ld in notified drought affected areas. DAY - NRLM  is  implemented for strengthening livelihoods security and  promoting  self - employment.  DDU - GKY,  a  sub  scheme  of  DAY -NRLM,  promotes skilled wage employment in the rural areas of the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1972 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Cost of Hydro Power Generation
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1972 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## COST OF HYDRO POWER GENERATION

1972.  ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  cost  of  hydropower  generation  in  the  country  is  high  and  if  so,  the details thereof;

(b) whether State Governments are reluctant to buy hydropower due to its high cost, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether the  Government proposes to  set  up  an  Expert  Committee  to  review  the tariff with a view to find out the ways of reducing the tariff, if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

( SHRI  PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) & (b) : The tariff of new hydro generating station is relatively higher as compared to the new coal based power station in initial years of operation as tariffs are front loaded in hydro power stations.  Over life time of the thermal plant, the cost of generation varies depending on cost of coal, O&M etc. whereas the tariff of hydro station does not change significantly. In fact, the tariff of hydro power stations normally decreases over a period of time  due  to  the  effect  of  depreciation  and  no  cost  of  fuel.  The  high  tariff  of  hydro generating station in initial years is due to high capital cost which loaded in / accounted for in the initial 12-15 years of the project and longer time taken in execution of project due  to various  reasons  viz.  environment  and  forest  clearance,  uncertain  geology, rehabilitation and resettlement issues etc. Owing to the above, some of the States have shown reluctance to buy power from hydro projects on cost plus basis.

(c) : Such  proposal  is  not  under  consideration  in  the  Ministry.    Revised  Tariff Policy notified on 28th January, 2016, the following initiatives, inter-alia, have been taken to reduce the tariff:-

-  Certainty  of  long  term  Power  Purchase  Agreement  (PPA)  for  minimum  60% capacity, balance through merchant sale-Provision for extension of PPA beyond 35 years for further 15 years.
-  Developer provided with the option of charging lower rate of depreciation vis-à-vis the ceiling determined by the Commission to give flexibility in tariff fixation.
-  Hydropower excluded from Solar Purchase Obligation.
-  Provision of debt financing of longer tenor.

***********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1971 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Autonomy of Election Commission of India
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: GANESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1971

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, THE 28 TH  JULY, 2016

## Autonomy of Election Commission of India

## †1971. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

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

- (a)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  for  making  the  Election Commission of India (ECI) more independent and efficient to ensure free and fair elections in the country;
- (b) whether the budget of ECI is drawn from the consolidated fund of India and if so, the details thereof along with the process of annual budgetary
- allocation for ECI;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to make budgetary allocation for ECI
- on the lines of UPSC; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a):  Election Commission of India is an independent and constitutional body established  under  article  324  of  the  constitution.  Article  324  of  the constitution  empowers  the  Election  Commission,  the  superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct  of,  all  elections  to  Parliament  and  to  the  Legislature  of  every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under the Constitution.
- (b),(c) & (d): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1970 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Trans-Shipment Hub
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: HARI OM PANDEY, MANOJ KUMAR TIWARI, NARANBHAI KACHHADIA, CHANDRA PRAKASH JOSHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1970 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th

## JULY, 2016 TRANS-SHIPMENT HUB

1970. SHRI HARI  OM  PANDAY:

SHRI  MANOJ  TIWARI:

SHRI NARANBHAI  KACHHADIYA:

SHRI CHANDRA  PRAKASH JOSHI :

Will the Minister of SHIPPINGbe pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) whether the Government proposes to establish  Trans-shipment Hub  in South coastal region in the country;
- (b)  if so, the details and the objectives thereof;
- (c)            the financial implications involved along with the funding module proposed for the Purpose; and
- (d)            the time-line proposed for implementation of the project?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) The  objective  is  to  develop  a  deep  sea  Transshipment  Port  at  Colachel (Enayam), very close to the great East-West Shipping route.
- (c) As per the Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) the estimated project cost is  Rs.27,570  Crores.  The  Port  is  proposed  to  be  developed  through investment by Government and PPP Mode.
- (d)  The  development  of  the  new  Major  Port  at  Enayam  near  Colachel  will  cover  a time span of  2017-2030.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1966 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Skill Development in Coal Sector
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH, DILIP KUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1966 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## Skill Development in Coal Sector

## 1966.     SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH: SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- a) whether  the  Government  has  launched/proposes  to  launch  any  specific  scheme regarding skill development in the coal sector particularly in Maharashtra;
- b) if not, the reasons therefore;
- c) the  manner  in  which  the  funds  allocated  from  the  head  'other  administrative expenses'  for  the  purpose  of  providing  training  to  the  officers/employees  have been utilised; and
4. (d) whether  any  funds  have  remained  unutilised  under  the  said  head  and  if  so,  the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF COAL,  POWER,  MINES  AND  NEW  AND  RENEWABLE  ENERGY  (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)&(b):    Under  the  'Skill  India  Mission',  a  tripartite  Memorandum  of  Understanding has  been  signed  between  Coal  India  Limited  (CIL),  National  Skill  Development  Fund (NSDF)  &  National  Skill  Development  Corporation  (NSDC)  wherein  the  CIL  has envisaged  to  contribute  funds  to  skill    2.7  lakh  persons  (includes  recognition  of  prior learning of one lakh existing CIL workers) in 02 years in its operational areas including Maharashtra State.

Particularly  in  Maharashtra,  a  separate  scheme  'PRAGATI  -  an  initiative  of  Corporate Social Responsibility' has been launched by Western Coalfields Limited to provide skill development for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and rural youth in the vicinity of coal mining fields and nearby villages.

(c)& (d): Funds for training of officers / employees is provided from the training fund and not from the administrative expenses head.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1965 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-28
Subject: Inter-Ministerial Litigations
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1965 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2016

## Inter-Ministerial Litigations

## 1965.          Dr. Udit Raj:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a)    the  number  of  cases  filed  in  the  Supreme  Court  by  one Ministry/ Department against another Ministry/Department of the Union Government during each of the last three years and the current year including the cases out of these which are still pending for disposal;
- (b)      whether the Government has any mechanism to address  such interministerial issues so that these are not filed in the court of law;
- (c)            if  so,  the  details  thereof  and if not, the measure taken/being taken by the Government to discourage such litigations;
- (d)          whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  financial  burden being incurred as a result of such litigations, and
- (e)       if so, the details thereof for the said period?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) to (e)     The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.