opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2265 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Indian Economy
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: VEENA DEVI

- (a) whether the Indian economy is dependant on good monsoon and rural economy;
- (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government has made any assessment regarding effects of monsoon on the economy of the country during the last two years; and
- (d) if so, the outcome of the assessment?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a)  and  (b):  As  per  the  data  released  by  the  Central  Statistics  Office,  agriculture  and  allied activities including livestock, forestry and fishing and aquaculture, account for about 17 per cent of  the  Gross Value Added in the economy at current basic prices in 2015-16. Agriculture also provides critical inputs to industrial and services production. Besides, as per the National Sample Survey data for 2011-12, about 49 per cent of the workers in the usual status are engaged in the agricultural sector. As roughly 60 per cent of Indian agriculture is dependent on rainfall, variations in monsoon rainfall affect economic growth and employment in India considerably. Besides being home to the agriculture and allied activities, the rural economy also supports a large number of small manufacturing units and various service sector activities, which are employment-intensive.

Recognizing  the  importance  of  the  rural  sector  of  the  economy,  the  Government  has  made  a number of initiatives to improve rural infrastructure and livelihoods with focus on electrification, connectivity,  skill  formation  and  self-employment,  apart  from  various  measures  to  improve agricultural growth.

(c) and (d): Two years of sub-normal monsoon during 2014-15 and 2015-16 led to a decline  in the average growth rate of the Gross Value Added (at constant basic prices) in agriculture and allied sectors to 0.5 per cent which may have affected farm sector incomes and livelihoods.

In view of the susceptibility of farm operations to the vagaries of monsoon, the Government has focused  primarily  on  farm  infrastructure,  soil  health,  crop  protection  and  insurance  in  order  to improve agricultural incomes significantly in a time-bound manner. Government is implementing several  programmes  to  expand  the  area  under  irrigation  and  also  to  promote  efficient  use  of water,  which  include:  Pradhan  Mantri Krishi  Sinchai  Yojana;  Accelerated  Irrigation  Benefit  & Flood  Management  Programme;  Command  Area  Development  programme;  On  Farm  Water Management; and, Integrated Watershed Management Programme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2264 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Service Tax Exemption Limit
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: V. SATHYABAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE *****

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2264

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY THE 29 TH   JULY, 2016 SHRAVANA 7 , 1938 (SAKA)

## SERVICE TAX EXEMPTION LIMIT

## 2264. SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government received any request for the service tax exemption limit to be increased and also for the reduction of service tax on telecom, postage, travels, hotels and insurance; (b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereon; (c) the net loss likely to be incurred to the Central exchequer if this is implemented; and

- (d) the steps taken by the Government to implement the reduction of service tax in the absence of GST bill?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a)  and  (b):  The  Government  received  requests  from  various  trade  associations  for increasing  the  service  tax  exemption  limit  and  review  of  service  tax  rates  for  certain services.  These  were  examined  in  detail  as  part  of  the  Budget  2016-17  exercise.  It  was, however, not found feasible to accede to the request made for various reasons including the movement towards a common exemption limit for goods and services in the ensuing GST regime.

(c): Any revenue loss would depend upon the quantum of reduction in the rate of service tax.

(d): Rates of tax, including that of service tax, are generally decided at the time of the Budget keeping  in  view  the  Government's  fiscal  position  and  other  macro-economic  parameters. Moreover, reduction in service tax rate, without affecting tax GDP ratio, would be possible if services  are  taxed  comprehensively.  Towards  this  end,  Government  is  taking  steps  to broaden  the  tax  base  by  pruning  the  negative  list  and  reviewing  the  exemptions  in  every Budget.

- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2263 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Broadcasting Content and Spectrum
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2263 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2016)

## BROADCASTING CONTENT AND SPECTRUM

## 2263. SHRI  N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce new broadcasting policy if so, the details thereof;
- b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  new  mechanism  regarding broadcasting content, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)      whether  the  Government  also  proposes  to  provide  more  spectrum  to  private broadcasters; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof;

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING {COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)}

(a): The broadcasting sector is regulated by separate set of  Guidelines/Act/Rules for the different segments operating under it.  The same are considered adequate.

(b): As per existing regulatory framework, the telecast of content on private satellite TV channels is regulated through Programme Code and Advertising Code enshrined in    the  Cable  Television  Networks  (Regulation)  Act,  1995  and  Cable  Television Network  Rules,  1994  framed  thereunder.  So  far  as  FM  Radio  broadcasting  is concerned, the permission holder for FM Radio is required to follow the programme and advertisement code as followed by All India Radio as amended from time to time or any applicable code, which the Central Government may prescribe from time to time. These regulations have been found to be adequate.

- (c)  and  (d):  The  Ministry  has  accorded  permission  for  FM  radio  channels  to  be awarded through ascending e-auction, as followed by Department of Telecommunication for the auction of 3G and BWA spectrum, mutatis-mutandis, as recommended by GoM on Licensing Methodology for FM Phase-III. The FM PhaseIII  Policy  extends  FM  radio  services  to  about  227  new  cities,  in  addition  to  the present 86 cities, with a total of 839 new FM radio Channels in 294 cities.  Phase-III policy will result in coverage of cities with a population of one lakh and above with private  FM  radio  channels.    Government  successfully  conducted  e-Auction  of  1 st batch of  FM  Phase-III  comprising  135  vacant  channels  in  69  existing  cities  of  FM Phase-II.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2261 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Mid Term Review
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: MEENAKASHI LEKHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2261 ANSWERED ON: 29.07.2016

## MID-TERM REVIEW

## 2261.   SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:-

- (a)   whether the Government has completed the mid-term review of the Central Schemes; (b)   if so, the details of the achievements made regarding the schemes related to the basic needs like water, electricity, health and education; and (c)   the targets fixed for investment in basic infrastructure along with the investment made
- in this regard so far?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND MINISTRY OF HOUSING &URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a) to (c): Pursuant to the decision taken in the First Meeting of the Governing Council held on 8 th February, 2015, the appraisal of the 12 th Five Year Plan was undertaken by NITI Aayog. The draft appraisal document has been finalized and the same is under printing.

- ----------
Lok Sabha Question No. 2260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: IVF clinics
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: SONA RAM CHOUDHARY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2260 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH JULY, 2016

## IVF CLINICS

## 2260. COL. SONARAM CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) clinics being run in the country;
- (b) whether Government formulates any guidelines for the functioning of these clinics, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Government has taken note of cases of childless couples being duped by IVF clinics through misleading advertisements;
- (d) if so, the details of such cases reported alongwith the action taken against the erring doctors and IVF clinics; and
- (e)  the  other  steps  taken  by theGovernment  to  protect  the  public  from  such mi information promoted by the illegal IVF clinics?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a): As  informed  by  the  Indian  Council  of  Medical  Research (ICMR),  1474  Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics have approached the National Registry of ART clini and Banks. Out of these, 385 ART clinics are being enrolled as per the provisions of N ART Guidelines.
- (b): Presently,  National  Guidel ines  for  Accreditation,  Supervision  &  Regulation  of  ART clinics in India, 2005 ,circulated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to regulate ART/IVF clinics ,are in force.
- (c) to (e): No  specific  case  of  IVF  clinics  duping  childless  couples  through  mi sleading advertisements has been reported. Detailed guidelines for regulation and supervision of A Reproductive Technology (ART) / IVF clinics and instructions for commissioning of surrog in the country have been circulated to all State and Union Territory (UT) governments, based on which they are to monitor the functioning of such clinics in their respective States/UT take action against erring doctors and clinics, wherever required.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2258 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Relay Transmitters in MP
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: BODH SINGH BHAGAT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2258

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2016)

## RELAY TRANSMITTERS IN MP

2258. SHRI BODHSINGH BHAGAT:

## Will  the  Minister  of  INFORMATION  AND  BROADCASTING  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)  whether  the  proposal  for  installation  of  a  100  watt  FM  relay  transmitter  in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh was included under the 12th Five Year Plan;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  budgetary  allocation  for  the  said  transmitter  has  been sanctioned;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the time by which funds for the said purpose are likely to be sanctioned?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND

## BROADCASTING {COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)}

- (a)  to (d) Prasar Bharati has informed that a scheme for setting up of 100 Watt FM relay transmitter in Seoni  with capital cost of Rs. 22.00 lacs was approved in 12 th Five Year Plan.

However,  the  proposal  has  been  revised  for  installation  of  1kW  FM transmitter  in  place  of  approved  100 W  FM  transmitter  at  Seoni  at  a  tentative capital cost of Rs. 95 lacs and the same will be implemented very soon.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2256 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Research and Development in Defence Sector
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2256

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29 TH  JULY, 2016

## RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN DEFENCE SECTOR

2256.  SHRI  ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  encouraging  indigenous research and development in defence sector;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to collaborate with educational institutes of the country for the purpose; and
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  budgetary  allocation  made  for  the purpose during the 2016-17?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                      (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

- (a) Defence Research and Development  Organisation (DRDO)  is working  in  close  synchronization  with  all  its  stakeholders  through  its Programmes/ Projects. Accordingly, it has developed, built and upgraded its industrial partner base.  Today, over 1000 private industries and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital partners in DRDO's development  programmes.  This  number  covers  the  entire  spectrum ranging from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance  Factory  Board  (OFB)  to  private  industries,  all  of  them  have played a crucial role in the development programmes of DRDO.

(b) & (c): Yes,  Madam.    DRDO  has  set  up  specialized  centres  of technology  in  select  academic  institutions  of  repute  to  work,  e.g.  IIT Madras Research Park at Chennai. Directorate  of Extramural  Research and Intellectual Property Rights (ER&IPR) in DRDO encourage academicians to pursue research in thrust areas through its Grants-inAid  Scheme.  DRDO  collaborates  with  institutions  of  higher  learning  in the  country  such  as  IIT's,  IISc,  NIT's,  R&D  Centers,  etc,  through  ER projects.  DRDO  also  collaborates  with  other  Science  &  Technology (S&T)  Organisations,  like  Department  of  Space  (DoS),  Department  of Atomic  Energy  (DAE)  and  Council  of  Scientific  &  Industrial  Research (CSIR) for common requirements and applications.

The  budgetary  allocation  by  DRDO    for  Extramural  Research  for 2016-17 is  Rs. 65 Crore.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2255 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: National Policy to Compensate Rape Victims
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: BALKA SUMAN, SUSHMITA DEV, RAMSINH PATALYABHAI RATHWA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2255

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2016

## NATIONAL POLICY TO COMPENSATE RAPE VICTIMS

2255. SHRI SUMAN BALKA:

KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV: SHRI RAMSINH RATHWA:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government implements any scheme or put in place any mechanism for providing relief/rehabilitation and compensation to the victims of sexual harassment and rape;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  indicating  the  funds  allocated/released  and  utilised  along  with  the number of beneficiaries thereunder during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UTwise;
- (c) whether the Supreme Court has recently asked the Government to formulate a National Policy in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (d) whether the States/UTs have also been asked to frame rules for compensation to such victims under Nirbhaya Fund, if so, the details and compliance States thereof; and
- (e) the  other  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide  adequate  and  timely relief/rehabilitation to such victims?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHANA RAJ)

- (a)  & (b)   The compensation part of the rehabilitation of victims of violence is governed by provision of Section  357A  of  the  Code  of  Criminal  Procedure  which  states  that  every  State  Government  in  coordination with the Central Government shall prepare a scheme for providing funds for the purpose of compensation to the victim of crime.

Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) with  an  initial  corpus  fund  of  Rs  200  crore  from  the  Nirbhaya  Fund  to  support  and  supplement  the existing  Victim  Compensation  Schemes  notified  by  States/UT  Administrations,  to  reduce  disparity  in quantum  of  compensation  amount  notified  by  different  States/UTs.  As  per  the  Central  Victim Compensation Fund Scheme (CVCS), the State Governments are required to modify the State Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) suitably in view of the implementation of the CVCS guidelines, which is also available on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs viz www.mha.nic.in.

- (c)    Ministry of Women and Child Development has not received any direction in this regard.
- (d)  &  (e)  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  has  issued  an  advisory  to  all  the  States/UTs  to  notify  their  Victim Compensation Schemes as per Section 357 A of Cr.P.C.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2254 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Patenting AYUSH Medicines
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2254 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH JULY, 2016

## PATENTING AYUSH MEDI CINES

## 2254. DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL "NISHANK":

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA,YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) the progress made for digitalization of traditional knowledge of herbs in the country;
- (b) the efforts made by the Government for keeping en tire information associated with AYUSH safe through patents;
- (c) the details of special programme launched by the Ministry concerning i tellectual property; and
- (d) the steps taken for maintaining coordination between different Ministries and State Governments in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) & (b) : The  Ministry  of  AYUSH  has  created  Traditional  Knowledge  Digital  Library (TKDL) in collaboration Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for digitalization of traditional medicinal knowledge . Under TKDL, more than 2.90 lakh formulations from the texts of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha Systems have been digitalized till date to keep safe Tradi Knowledge from misappropriation of wrong patents by providing defensive protection. Furt as  per  the Section  3(p)  of  the  Indian  Patent  Act, an  inventio n  which,  in  effect,  is  traditional knowledge or which is an aggregation or duplication of known properties of traditionally component or components are not inventions and hence not patentable .
- (c) : In matter s relating to intellectual property, this M inistry has taken appropriate actions in consultation with Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP). As per the informa received from DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Government has approved National Intellectual  Property  Rights  (IP R)  Policy  on  12.05.2016.  The  present  IPR  Policy  envisages integration  of  IP  as  a  policy  and  strategic  tool  in  national  development  plans.  It  f coordinated and integrated development of IP system in India as well as a holistic approac legal, administrative, institutional and enforcement related matters.
- (d) : Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) conducted various meetings time t time between different Ministries for better coordination on the matter.

…………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 2252 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Doctors on Contract Basis
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: NANABHAU FALGUNRAO PATOLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2252 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH JULY, 2016

## DOCTORS ON CONTRACT BASIS

## 2252. SHRI NANA PATOLE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government hospitals are appointing doctors on contract basis, if so, the details thereof and its outcome and affect on public health service thereon; and
- (b) the steps taken by the Government toappoint the doctors on permanent basis?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE )

- (a): The Government is appointing doctors on contract basis pending recommendations fro Union  Public  Service Commission  for  regular  candidates  in  the  interest  of  patients  care academic activities for a period of one year or till the post are filled on regular basi is earlier. Presently, 64 doctors are working in different hospitals under Central G overnment on contract basis.
- (b): In order to fill up the vacant posts, requisitions are sent to UPSC and followed the Commission constantly.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-29
Subject: Asthmatics
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: HUKUM SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2251 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH JULY, 2016

## ASTHMATICS

## 2251. SHRI HUKUM SINGH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether as per World Health Organisation (WHO) there are around 300 million asthmatics worldwide including 15-20 million in India, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether a study found that 15 percent of children have asthma in New Delhi,if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether people working in a closed office environment where there are many computers, are at risk of sustained radiation exposure, causing several ailments such as asthm , cancer, heart diseases, nerves disorders, etc., if so, the details thereof; and

- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to correct the situation?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

(a) & (b ): As per World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, 235 million people suffer from asthma worldwide in 2013 with an estimated 15 - 20  million asthmatics in India.  As per WHO report, estimates indicate prevalence of asthma between 10% to15% in 5 to 11 year ol d children in India.

As  per  a  survey  conducted  by  Vallabbhai  Patel  Chest  Institute,  Delhi  in  2006,  w covered 5900 adults belonging to urban, rural and slum population in Delhi, 11.03% chi were found to be suffering from Asthma.

Besides a famili al predisposition for asthma and respiratory ailments, the other rea include tobacco smoking, indoor and outdoor air pollution.

(c) & (d) : As informed by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disea (NITRD), Ministry of Health & Fam ily Welfare, radiation emanating from computers causing several ailments is not substantiated. NITRD has further informed that there are no ev based studies in this regard.