opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 30 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Exemption from Routine Transfer
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: VISHNU DAYAL RAM

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 30

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016)

## EXEMPTION FROM ROUTINE TRANSFER

## †30. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether order has been issued for Central Government employees wherein parents of disabled children have been exempted from routine transfer;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the said order is applicable to all employees of various ministries/ establishments  under  the  Union  Government  or  any  criteria  has  been  fixed  in  this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a)  to  (d):        Department  of  Personnel  &  Training  has  issued  Office  Memorandum  No. 42011/3/2014-Estt.(Res) dated the 6 th June, 2014, 17 th November, 2014 and 5 th January, 2016 exempting  a  Government  employee,  who  is  also  a  care  giver  of  disabled  child  from  the routine exercise of transfer/rotational transfer subject to the administrative constraints. These Office Memorandums stipulate that the word 'disabled' includes (i) blindness or low vision (ii)  hearing  impairment  (iii)  locomotor  disability  or  Cerebral  Palsy  (iv)  leprosy  cured  (v) mental retardation (vi) mental illness (vii) multiple disabilities (viii) Autism (ix) Thalassemia and  (x)  Haemophilia.  All  the  Ministries/Departments  have  been  requested  to  bring  the instructions to the notice of all concerned under their control.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 29 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Ban on Fresh Appointment
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 29

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016)

## BAN ON FRESH APPOINTMENT

## 29. SHRI B.V. NAIK:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to stop all  fresh appointments  in Government jobs;
- (b) if  so,  the  manner  by  which  the  Government  would  fulfil  those  position  which  are vacant due to retirement of officers and employees in Government sectors;
- (c) whether this decision would have any negative impact on the promise to create more jobs; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the measures proposed to be taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a):    Government of India has not issued any instructions for stopping of fresh appointment in  Government.  The  vacancies  arising  due  to  retirement  of  officers  and  employees  are required  to  be  filled-up  by  the  concerned  Ministry/Department  as  per  the  provisions  in Recruitment Rules for the post.

(b) to (d):    Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 26 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Skill Development Universities
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: KRISHNAN NARAYANASAMY RAMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 26

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016 SKILL DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITIES QUESTION

## 26. SHRI K.N. RAMACHANDRAN:

## Will  the  Minister  of  SKILL  DEVELOPMENT  AND  ENTREPRENEURSHIP  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government contemplates to set up Skill Development Universities in different parts of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plan/target  to  provide  skill  development  and training to youths of the country;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)

(a) to (e)  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  had  constituted  a Working Group  to  explore  the  feasibility  for  setting  up  of  National  Skills  Universities  across  the Country which can function as reputed national institutes responsible for aggregating skill development  effort  through  implementation  of  a  credible,  aspirational  and  nationally acceptable  skill  training  system.  The  Working  Group  submitted  its  report  along  with  the draft Bill. The draft Bill is under inter-ministerial consultation.

Further, to enable and mobilize a large of Indian youth to take up outcome based skill training and earn their livelihood, the flagship scheme, 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)' has been launched by the Government  on 15 th July,  2015.  It  is  a  skill certification  and  reward scheme where in trainees after their successful assessment and certification, get monetary reward through direct bank transfer to their account. The scheme has  the  target  to  benefit  24  lakh  persons  with  training  of  14  lakh  fresh  entrants  and certification  of  10  lakh  persons  under  Recognition  of  Prior  Learning  (RPL).  The  National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Public Private Partnership (PPP) entity is the implementing agency for PMKVY. As on 22 nd February, 2016, 12.50 lakh candidates have been enrolled and 8.02 lakh persons trained  in 9,314 training centres spread across the Country with coverage of 29 States and 6 Union Territories (UTs).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 23 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Reviewing Minority Status
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: ALOK SANJAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 23 TO BE ANSWERED ON  24-02-2016

## Reviewing Minority Status

23.     SHRI ALOK SANJAR:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- a)  whether the Government  has reviewed  criterion  for providing minority status in every State;
- b)   if so,  the details and the present status thereof ;  and
- c)   the demands of every State in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

(a)to(c):  Revision of criteria to determine the minority status  in each state is a State Subject  as  each  State  Government  takes  its  own  decision.  So  far  as  the Central  Government  is  concerned,  six  communities  have  been  declared  as minority communities viz. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and  Jains  under  Section  2(c) of  the  National  Commission  for Minorities (NCM)  Act, 1992.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 22 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Approval to State Level Plans
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 22 TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016

## APPROVAL TO STATE LEVEL PLANS

No.22               SHRIMATI K.MARAGATHAM:

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has approved State level plans unlike the past practice of appraising and approving individual projects;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Governments has requested the States to install water meters at the homes of consumers; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)  &  (b):  Yes,  Madam.  Under  the  Atal  Mission  for  Rejuvenation and Urban     Transformation (AMRUT), State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) of 20 States have been approved with total project costs of Rs.19996.08 crore involving Central assistance of Rs. 9091.71 Crore. The Mission does not require the State/UT Govts to submit to  Central  Government  individual  projects  for  appraisal  and approval.

Cont….

- (c) & (d): The AMRUT mandates cities to adopt a policy on user chares for water use with adequate safeguards to take care of  the  interest  of  the  vulnerable  as  one  of  the  reforms.  The Mission  incentivizes  accomplishment  of  reforms  by  setting aside  10%  of  annual  budgetary  allocation  from  second  year onwards to be given as incentive.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 20 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Science Research Work
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: RAJESH VERMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.20 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/02/2016

## SCIENCE RESEARCH WORK

## †20. SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó Ùðüëðó be pleased to state:

- (a)

the measures being taken by the Government to make the science research work easier;

- (b) whether the Government is going to ensure availability of adequate funds for study of

science and conduct of research work by meritorious students; and

- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI.Y. S. CHOWDARY)

òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó +ÉÉè® ÑðöÆãðó òãðìððÐð ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó (gÉÉÒ ´ÉÉ<Ç. AºÉ. SÉÉèvÉ®ÉÒ)

(a) Government has taken several measures to make the science research work easier. The research infrastructure of Universities/Colleges has been significantly strengthened through schemes  like  Fund  for  improvement  of  S&T  infrastructures  in  universities  and  higher educational institutions (FIST) and Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE). The in-house sophisticated analytical instruments created through the schemes have made the research work easier and efficient. The Science and Engineering Research Board, a Statutory body, established with the purpose of de-bureaucratizing the science sector has been strengthened  to  evolve  innovative  funding  schemes  and  provide  quick  support  to  needy scientists. The levels of peer review and approval mechanisms has been re-structured to make the funding process quick with known yardsticks of measurements. Project Investigators were provided operational flexibility through rationalization of budget heads. Steps were taken to build e-based management systems to bring more transparency in the processes, efficiency and speed of service delivery.

(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. Government is committed to ensure availability of adequate funds for study of science and conduct of research work by meritorious students. The Plan allocation has been made taking account of schemes under implementation such as Innovation in Science Pursuit  for  Inspired  Research  (INSPIRE),  Kishore  Vaigyanik  Protsahan  Yojana  (KVPY), National Postdoctoral Fellowship, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowships (SPMF), Junior/Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF), Research Associateship to attract more and more talented students to study science and pursue careers with research. A modest allocation of Rs. 407.50 crore for INSPIRE Program in 2015-16 ensures adequate support to students through various schemes including scholarship and fellowships. During the current financial year more than 2800 research fellows have been selected and being supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 18 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Aadhaar Card to NRIs
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 18

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 24.02.2016

## AADHAAR  CARD TO NRIs

## 18       SHRI PRAHLAD  SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of Communications & Information Technology be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether the Government proposes  to issue Aadhaar Cards to 'Non-Resident Indians' (NRIs);
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time, by which the process for applications etc. is likely to be stated?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

- (a) to (c):    A proposal to assign all persons on the Indian soil (Resident Indian, Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) persons and visa holding visitors), a unique identity / identifier that  can be authenticated  on a digital platform at any time anywhere is under consideration of the Government.  No time frame has been formulated at this stage.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 17 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Ease in Doing Research
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.17 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/02/2016

## EASE IN DOING RESEARCH

## 17. SHRI D.K. SURESH: SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó Ùðüëðó be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to encourage doing research and development in India as to ease of doing business;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of measures taken by the Government to achieve the said goal in the country;
- (d) whether the Government has made any significant progress in this direction till date; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI.Y. S. CHOWDARY)

òãðìððÐð ¡ðøÜ ÑßðøÌðð÷ò±ð¨îó ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó +ÉÉè® ÑðöÆãðó òãðìððÐð ÙðüëððâðÚð Ùð÷ü Üð¸Úð Ùðüëðó (gÉÉÒ ´ÉÉ<Ç. AºÉ. SÉÉèvÉ®ÉÒ)

- (a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Government has created a conducive environment for doing research and development in the country so as to ease of doing business. Several measures have been put in  place  in  the  research  funding  mechanisms  to  curtail  excessive  regulations  and  lengthy procedures. The level of R&D in the country has been raised with the establishment of several new Indian Institute of Technology's (IITs), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs)  and  Central  Universities  by  providing  higher  degree  of  academic  freedom  and autonomy. The Science and Engineering Research Board, a Statutory body, established with the purpose of de-bureaucratizing the science sector has been strengthened to evolve innovative funding schemes and provide quick support to needy scientists. The levels of peer review and approval mechanisms has been re-structured to make the funding process quick with known yardsticks  of  measurements.  Project  Investigators  were  provided  operational  flexibility through  rationalization  of  budget  heads.  Steps  were  taken  to  build  e-based  management systems to bring more transparency in the processes, efficiency and speed of service delivery.
- (d) & (e): Most of the Extramural (EMR) research funding mechanisms of the Ministry of Science and Technology are made online. The system enables online submission of proposals by  the  Project  Investigators,  evaluation  of  proposals  by  the  peer  reviewers  and  technical committee, financial sanction, monitoring and its overall management.  All financial transactions  by  the  Ministry  to  grantee  institutions  /  investigators  are  on  Real  Time  Gross Settlement systems (RTGS) curtailing delay between decision and delivery of services. Steps have been taken to strengthen the State Science and Technology Councils in partnership with States to make the investment in science broad based and efficient.
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Lok Sabha Question No. 15 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Entry of Private Companies
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 15

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## ENTRY OF PRIVATE COMPANIES

## 15.   SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the NITI Aayog member has recommended for the entry of private companies in many core areas of Indian Railways;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has accepted these recommendations; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a):  A  Committee  for  Mobilisation  of  Resources  for  Major  Railway Projects  and  Restructuring  of  Railway  Ministry  &  Railway  Board headed  by  Dr.  Bibek  Debroy,  currently  a  NITI  Aayog  Member,  in  its report submitted in June, 2015, had inter-alia, recommended entry of private companies in:

-   Manufacture of rolling stock.
- On-board catering through large food chains and local restaurants.

-    Leasing  of  parcel  vans  in  trains  through  auction  of  carrying capacity.
-   Private Parcel Trains and Concessioning of train services.

(b)  &  (c):  Manufacture  of  rolling  stock  through  private  sector  has already  been  allowed.  On-board  catering  has  also  been  implemented by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Leasing of Parcel Vans has been going on for some years. At present, there is no  proposal  to  allow  private  players  in  operation  of  passenger  train services.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 13 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Enhancement of Funds for Toilets
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RITA TARAI

No. 13

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 13

TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016

## ENHANCEMENT OF FUNDS FOR TOILETS

SHRIMATI RITA TARAI:

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government proposes to enhance the funds provided for construction of Individual Household, Community  and  Public Toilets;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether funds provided to set up Project Implementing Units at the ULBs  level  with  1.5%  of  the  total  budget  earmarked  for  capacity building activities is likely to be increased; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a)  &  (b):  No,  Madam.  There  is  no  proposal  to  enhance  the  fund provided  for  construction  of  individual  household  and  community toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
- (c) & (d): As per the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) guidelines, 3% of the  total  Central  Government  allocation  under  the  mission  will  be earmarked for capacity building, administrative and office expenses of States  and  ULBs.  At  least  50%  of  this  fund,  in  each  annual  plan,  as approved  by  State  High  Power  Committee,  must  go  to  the  ULBs  for activities at ULB level.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 12 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Increase in Freight Charges
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KESHAV PRASAD MAURYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.12 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## INCREASE IN FREIGHT CHARGES

†12. SHRI KESHAV PRASAD MAURYA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that rail freight charges have been increased to 10 per cent by the Government;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  for  increase  in  said  freight charges; and
- (c) whether the Government revenue has increased as a result of increase of rail freight charges and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) & (b) Yes, Madam. With a view to offset the increase in input costs and to meet  the requirement of additional resources for expansion and modernization of Indian Railways, the freight rates have been increased by 10  percent  with  effect from  01.04.2015  along  with  rationalization  in distance  slabs.  However,  while  there  was  no  increase  in  freight  rates  in case of salt for human consumption, the increase in case of Coal, Cement, Iron or Steel, Iron Ore and Petroleum products was lower due to reduction in classification of these commodities.

(c) With the above changes, Railways have generated an additional revenue

- of ₹ 4690 crore up to the end of January 2016 compared to the last year.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 11 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-02-24
Subject: Transportation of Coal
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RITI PATHAK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 11 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.02.2016

## TRANSPORTATION OF COAL

## 11. SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  total  number  of  goods  wagons  available  for  transporting  coal within the country;
- the total number of goods wagons actually required for transporting
- (b) coal;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  production  of goods wagons for transporting coal  and if so, the details thereof;;
- (d)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  keep  goods  wagons  exclusively for transportation of coal in order to ensure that the transportation of coal  is  not  delayed  to  its  destinations  due  to  shortage  of  goods wagons; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a)Transportation  of  coal  is  predominantly  done  in  BOXN  and  BOBR type of open wagons. As on 31 ST  January 2016, around 1.07 lakh BOXN wagons  and  0.15  lakh  BOBR  wagons  were  available  with  Indian

Railways.

(b)  The availability of wagons for loading and transportation of coal has been adequate for meeting the current demand. (c)  Wagon production is planned yearly by Indian Railways on the basis of the expected demand for transportation of commodities. During the year  2015-16,  production  of  8073  number  of  BOXN  wagons  and  490 number of BOBR wagons is targetted. (d)  General purpose wagons  like BOXN  wagons  are utilized for transportation  of  bulk  commodities  like  minerals  &  ores,  including coal. The prevalent arrangement in which general purpose wagons are not being reserved for transportation of any particular commodity has worked satisfactorily over the years. Given the critical importance of coal in the national economy,  this traffic segment  is normally accorded a relatively higher priority in supply of rakes over other bulk commodities.  Further,  BOBR  wagons  are  generally  dedicated  for loading and transportation of coal traffic only.

*****