opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Levy Collection by Naxalites
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: NEELAM SONKER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1514

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  MAY, 2016/VAISAKHA 13, 1938 (SAKA)

LEVY COLLECTION BY NAXALITES

1514. SHRIMATI NEELAM SONKER:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that naxalites are collecting levies from the local businessmen and other citizens;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  the  Government  is  also  aware  of  the  connivance  between certain corporate houses and maoists aimed at succeeding in corporate competition in some States rich in natural resources;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b): The Left Wing Extremists groups, particularly the CPI (Maoist), are reported to extort 'levy' from industrialists, businessmen, contractors particularly Tendupatta contractors, transporters, Government servants and various illegal mining mafia groups in the LWE affected  States.    As  per  study  conducted  by  the  Institute  of  Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), Delhi in 2013, the CPI (Maoist) had been

## LS.US.Q.No.1514 FOR 03.05.2016

collecting  not  less  than  Rs.  140  crores  annually  from  a  variety  of sources.

(c) & (d): 'Police' and Public Order' being State subject cases of crimes related to extortion and levies of money by the Left Wing Extremists etc. are  registered,  investigated  and  prosecuted  by  the  State  Government concerned.  Therefore,  the  details  of  these  cases  are  not  centrally maintained.

(e):  The  State  Governments  concerned  initiate  police  and  legal  action whenever such instance of extortion comes to their notice. The Ministry of Mines has informed that the State Governments have been advised to establish special anti-taxation and anti-money laundering cells to prevent the nexus between illegal mining/forest contractors/transporters and the extremists.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1513 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Loss Making BBUNL
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1513 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.05.2016

## Loss Making BBUNL

## 1513. SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:

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

- (a) whether the Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Limited (BBUNL) and its subsidiary companies are running into losses;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any proposal for revival of the BBUNL;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the time by which the said company is likely to be revived?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI  G.M. SIDDESHWARA)

- (a): No Madam.  Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Ltd. (BBUNL)has now been renamed as BBJ after merger  of  its  subsidiary  'the  Braithwaite  Burn  &  Jessop  Construction  Co.  Ltd.'  (BBJ)  with  it. BBJ (erstwhile BBUNL) is a profit making company and does not have any subsidiary company.
- (b): Not applicable in view of (a) above.
- (c): Not applicable in view of (a) above.
- (d): Not applicable in view of (a) above.
- (e): Not applicable in view of (a) above.

***************
Lok Sabha Question No. 1512 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Compassionate Recruitment in FCI
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: NANDI YELLAIAH

## (a): Yes Madam.

(b): Total number  of applications pending for  compassionate ground appointment are 1581 The details (Zone wise) are as under:-

East Zone               -      442

West Zone              -       77

North Zone             -      641

South Zone             -        41

North East Zone     -      368

E.II Section Hqrs.   -        12

Total                             1581

FCI follows the DOPT guidelines on Compassionate Appointment  as  amended  from  time  to  time. The  consolidated guidelines issued by DOPT vide their O.M. No.14014/02/2012-Estt. (D) dated 16.01.2013 have been circulated by FCI vide Circular No. EP-01-2013-07 dated 26.03.2013 and EP-01-2013-13 dated 03.09.2013.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1512 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03rd MAY, 2016

## COMPASSIONATE RECRUITMENT IN FCI

1512. SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH:

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 a number of family members of deceased employees of Food Corporation of India (FCI) are seeking compassionate appointment; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof and the steps taken by the Government to recruit  such  persons  on  compassionate  grounds  indicating  the  details  of eligible persons for the said appointment in FCI, Zone-wise?

## A N S W E R MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## (SHRI RAM  VILAS PASWAN)

As per this policy, Compassionate appointments can be made up to a maximum  of 5% of vacancies falling under direct recruitment quota of Category III/IV Entry Level Posts.

The applicant should have the educational qualification for the required posts. Appointments are to be made only if such dependent is eligible and suitable for the entry level post in all respects as per the provisions of FCI Staff Regulations,1971. However, in exceptional cases the qualification, experience etc. may be relaxed by the appointing authority at his discretion taking into account the merit of each case.

Further,  the  total  number  of  applications/prima  facie  eligible candidates  seeking  appointment  under  compassionate  grounds, zone wise are as mentioned above.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: GM Mustard
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: K. GOPAL

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1511

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.05.2016

## GM Mustard

## 1511.   DR. K.GOPAL

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

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  the  Government  is  considering  to  make  public  all  the  data pertaining  to  the  safety  of  Genetically  Modified  (GM)  mustard, sans proprietary intellectual property data;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a)&(b)  The  Genetic  Engineering  Appraisal  Committee  (GEAC)  in  its  meeting  held  on 5.2.2016 has inter alia decided that:

- The  revised  dossier  in  respect  of  transgenic  mustard  received  from  the  Applicant would  be  considered  by  the  Sub-Committee  and  a  Biosafety  Risk  Assessment  and Risk Management (RARM) report would be prepared for consideration of the GEAC, and
- Subsequent  to  the  above  review,  the  biosafety  dossier/RARM  report  excluding confidential information will be put in the public domain for comments.
- (c) Does not arise.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1510 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Insurance Scheme for Coffee, Tobacco and Rubber
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1510

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  MAY, 2016

## INSURANCE SCHEME FOR COFFEE, TOBACCO AND RUBBER

1510.        SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि एवं ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to introduce a market based insurance scheme for such crops as coffee, tobacco and rubber; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof, along with the time by which the said insurance scheme is likely to be implemented in the country?

## ANSWER

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

कृ षि एवं ककसान कल्याण मंत्राऱय में राज्य मंत्री (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA)

- (a): Department  of  Commerce,  Ministry  of  Commerce  &  Industry  has  devised  a  'Marketlinked Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops' (RISPC) for protecting the farmers of plantation  crops  against  losses  arising  from  both  fluctuations  in  yield  as  well  as  prices.    The scheme  is  devised  to  protect  growers  from  anticipated  revenue  losses  caused  by  fall  in international/domestic prices, adverse weather parameters, or failure of crop.
- (b): RISPC is to be implemented on pilot basis in 7 selected Districts/Blocks for two years with sharing of insurance premium by Government of India, State Governments and growers in the ratio of 75 : 15 : 10.    The scheme has been shared with the State Governments for their 15% contribution towards insurance premium.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1509 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Watan Ko Jano Initiative
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1509

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD  MAY, 2016/ VAISAKHA 13, 1938 (SAKA)

WATAN KO JANO INITIATIVE

1509. SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has launched 'Watan Ko Jano' initiative for the  children  who  are  victims  of  militancy  and  weaker  sections  of  the society in Jammu and Kashmir; and

(b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  number  of  children  who participated in the programme?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b): The Government has launched 'Wattan Ko Jano' initiative for the orphans,  children from militancy hit families  and weaker sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir. Under the programme groups of educated youth in the age group of 15-24 years visit various parts of the country and are exposed to the diverse social and cultural heritage of the country. The groups during their trip interact both at inter-state and intra-state level and participate in cultural activities at different places. Under the program 769 children have participated so far.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1508 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Quality Checks of Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1508 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03rd MAY, 2016

## QUALITY CHECKS OF FOODGRAINS

## 1508. SHRI PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY:

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  it  is  true  that  quality  checks  presently  undertaken  in procurement  of  foodgrains  for  central  pool  are  below  the  specified standards;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Government/FCI  proposes  to  contact  premier institutions of the country for mechanized quality checking of foodgrains; and
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

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

- (a),  (b)  &  (c)  No  Madam.  Foodgrains  under  Central  Pool  are  procured strictly conforming to quality specifications formulated by the Department.

However, Government has proposed to contact premier institutions  of the country for mechanized quality checking on the basis of recommendations  of  High  Level  Committee  (HLC).  Accordingly  FCI  has taken  up  the  matter  with  premier  institutions  of  the  country  viz  Indian Institute of Technology  Kanpur, Delhi, Kharagpur, Mumbai,  Chennai, Roorkee,  Guwahati,  Indian  Institute  of  science  Bangalore,  Central  Rice Research  Institute Cuttack, Central Electronic Engineering  Research Institute  Pilani,  Central  Food  Technological  Research  Institute  Mysore, Secretary  (DARE)  &  Director  General  (ICAR)  to  use  their  expertise  in developing technical solutions/instruments for mechanized quality checks of rice.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1507 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Tax Removal from Life Saving Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: VINOD CHAVDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1507 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 rd  May, 2016

## Tax Removal from Life Saving Drugs

1507.    SHRI VINOD LAKHAMASHI CHAVDA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  suggested  to  remove  all  kinds  of taxes on the life saving drugs; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

- (a): No, Madam.
- (b): In view of reply to (a) above, does not arise.

xxxxxx
Lok Sabha Question No. 1506 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Environmental Clearance
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: P.R. SUNDARAM

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1506

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.05.2016

## Environmental Clearance

## 1506. SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

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

- (a) whether the Government has decided to give exemption from environmental clearance for projects upto a certain area and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Govenrment has brought out any notification in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof;

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a),(b) and (c) No,  Sir.  The  proposal  is  for  integration  of  environmental  conditions  with  the building permission up to certain built up area. The draft Notification has been put on website for public considration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1503 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Pollution by Fireworks
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: GANESH SINGH

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1503

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.05.2016

## Pollution by Fireworks

## 1503. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of pollution caused to the environment and potential fire  tragedy  due  to  display  of  fire  works  on  the  occasions  of  wedding  ceremonies, celebrations and temple festivals;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  put  a  ban  on  the  fire  cracker  manufacturing factories or imposes restrictions on the level of smoke and noise emitted by fire crackers as well as reduction in potential fire hazards and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

- (a)  &  (b)  Yes,  Sir.  The  display  of  fire  works  on  various  occasions  do  effect  ambient  air quality and also causes noise pollution. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out air quality and noise level assessment during the Deepavali festival. It has been observed that  due  to  busting  of  fire  crackers  the  levels  of  air  and  noise  pollution  has  increased.  The report on impact of busting of fire crackers during Deepavali Festival placed on the website of CPCB.
- (c)  There  is  no  proposal  to  ban  the  manufacturing  of  fire  crackers.    Various  Rules  and conditions of the licence have been framed under the Explosives Rules, 2008 to reduce/prevent  fire  hazard  during  the  manufacture  of  fireworks.    Standards  have  been prescribed that manufactured fire crackers should not emit the noise levels exceeding 125 dB (A) at a distance of 4 meter from the point of bursting.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1500 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Distribution of Pulses
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA, YOGI ADITYANATH

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1500

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.05.2016

## DISTRIBUTION OF PULSES

1500.   SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA: SHRI YOGI ADITYA NATH:

(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 the Government is considering to distribute pulses to the families living Below Poverty Line under the Public Distribution System (PDS)  in  view of the spurt  in their prices;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  time  till  which  it  is  proposed  to  be  implemented indicating the quantum of pulses allocated and distributed, State-wise; and
- (c) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  proposes  to  meet  the  demand  under  the  PDS  in view of reduction in production of pulses due to untimely rain and drought?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=ky; ea=h

## ¼Jh jke foykl ikloku½

## THE MINISTER OF

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a) :

No, Madam.

(b) & (c) :

Does not arise.

## ORIGINAL IN HINDI
Lok Sabha Question No. 1498 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Five Layer Plan to Stop Infiltration
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, T. RADHAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1498

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD  MAY, 2016/ VAISAKHA 13, 1938 (SAKA)

FIVE LAYER PLAN TO STOP INFILTRATION

1498.  SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government has drawn up a comprehensive five layer plan to put a complete stop to infiltration from across India's 2900 km. western border with Pakistan;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the amount likely to be incurred under this plan along with the time by which it is proposed to be implemented ;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  already  started  pilot  projects  on stretches of 5 km. each in Punjab and Jammu in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): In order to curb the infiltration from Indo-Pakistan border, the Government has adopted multi-pronged approach which include construction of fencing, floodlighting, Border out Posts (BoPs), induction  of  latest  surveillance  equipments  like  Hand  Held  Thermal Imager (HHTI), Long Range Recce Observation System (LORROS), Night

## LS.US.Q.NO.1498 FOR 03.05.2016

vision  Goggle/Devices,  etc.  Beside  this  Government  of  India  has  also decided to deploy technological solutions in the from of integration of Radars,  Sensors,  Cameras,  Communication  Networks  and  Command and Control Solutions in various difficult terrains where fencing could not be installed.

(d) & (e): Government has sanctioned a pilot project for deployment of technological  solutions  on  two  patches  (05  Km  each)  in  Area  of Responsibility (AOR) of Jammu Frontier. Procurement process has been initiated and the Global Tender Enquiry along with Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued. It has also been decided to launch pilot project of  30-40  Kms  (approx.)  in  Punjab  Frontier  on  Indo-Pakistan  border subsequently.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1497 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-03
Subject: Funds for Agricultural Schemes
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN, RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT, ANANDRAO  ADSUL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1497

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  MAY, 2016

## FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL SCHEMES

## 1497.       SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN:

SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE:

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि एवं ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  some  of  the  State  Governments  have  failed  to  spent  the  allocated  funds  to expedite spending of the allocations made under various agricultural development schemes;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Union  Government  has  conducted  a  review  meeting  with  the  State Governments recently in this regard;
- (c) if so, the findings thereof;
- (d) whether the Union Government has issued directions and guidelines to the States in this regard;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the  steps  taken  by  the  Union  Government  to  monitor  the  implementation  of  centrally sponsored schemes and utilization of funds by these States to check recurrence of such cases of under utilization of funds?

## ANSWER

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

कृ षि एवं ककसान कल्याण मंत्राऱय में राज्य मंत्री (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA)

- (a) to (f): Agriculture is a State Subject.  However, the Government of India supports the State  Governments  through  various  Central  Sector  and  Centrally  Sponsored  Schemes,  for which financial  assistance  is  provided  in  the  ratio  of  60:40  to  States  (90:10  in  case  of  North Eastern Region.) Some of the States like Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,  Maharashtra,  Rajasthan,  Tamil  Nadu,  Telengana,  Tripura,  Uttar  Pradesh  and  West Bengal have not been able to fully utilize the allocated funds. To make proper/full utilisation of funds, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers' Welfare regularly monitors/reviews  the  situation  through  various  meetings  with  the  State  Governments  for expeditious utilization of allocated funds. Besides, Zonal Conferences, Review Meetings, Video Conferences and visits of Officers of the Ministry to various States also help to keep a close watch on the pace of expenditure.

********