opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Rental Scheme under Affordable Housing
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN  POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Asked by: ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3701**

TO BE ANSWERED ON AUGUST 12, 2015

**RENTAL SCHEME UNDER AFFORDABLE HOUSING**

| No. 3701   | **SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY**  :   |
|------------|--------------------------------------|

Will the Minister of HOUSING  URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether around 28% of household in urban areas live in informal rented accommodation according to the Census 2011 and if so, the facts thereof;

(b) 	whether MoHUPA proposed to focus on an affordable housing policy that includes a rental housing interventions programme and if so, the facts thereof;

(c)	whether rental housing offers a convenient and cost-effective option for all migrant populations that might not want to make long-term financial commitment in a city and if so, the facts thereof; and

(d)	whether the Government proposes the National Rental Housing Policy to enable the growth of rental housing in a holistic manner and if so, the facts thereof?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) :		As per Census 2011,  27% of the urban households live in rental housing. As per the National Sample Survey Organisation’s 65 th round Report on Housing Conditions

Cont…

-2-

and Amenities in India (2008-09), 30 percent of the urban households are living on hired dwelling out of which 25% are informal and 5% are formal.

(b) to (d) :	“Land” and “Colonisation” are State subjects and therefore, it is the primary responsibility of State Governments and Urban Local Bodies to provide housing including rental housing.  In order to supplement the efforts  of    State   Governments,  this   Ministry has prepared a draft Model Tenancy Act and has shared the same with the States.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3698 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Abuse of Google
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: K. ASHOK KUMAR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3698**

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 12.08.2015

**ABUSE OF GOOGLE**

**3698        SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR:**

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

1. whether   the Competition Commission of India has found that Google has abused its market dominance in some instances;
2. if so, the details thereof;
3. whether CCI has initiated any investigation against Google and if so, the status thereof; and
4. whether CCI has shared the findings of the investigation with the company, if so, the action taken/proposed to be taken against the company?

##### ANSWER

MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a)  to (c):   As per Competition Commission of India (CCI), four cases against Google for alleged abuse of dominant position, in which the Commission directed the Director General of CCI for investigation under Section 26 (1) of the Competition Act, 2002. In two of the cases i.e. Case No. 7/2012 (filed by M/s Consim Info Pvt. Ltd. against Google Inc. & M/s Google India Pvt. Ltd.) and Case No. 30/2012 (filed by Consumer Unity & Trust Society against Google Inc. & M/s Google India Pvt. Ltd.), a combined investigation report has been received, which is under consideration of the Commission. In the remaining two cases i.e. Case No. 06/2014 (filed by Vishal Gupta against M/s Google Inc., Google Ireland Ltd. & M/s Google India Pvt. Ltd.) and Case No. 46/2014 (filed by M/s Albion InfoTel Ltd. against  M/s Google Inc., Google Ireland Ltd. & M/s Google India Pvt. Ltd.), the reports have not been submitted as the investigation is on-going.

(d):   CCI has not yet shared the findings of the investigation report with the Company.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3697 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Indian Projects in Afghanistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ABHISHEK BANERJEE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3697

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2015

INDIAN PROJECTS IN AFGHANISTAN

3697.		SHRI ABHISHEK BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) 	the total number of projects currently supported by the Government in Afghanistan and details thereof;

(b)  	whether India has raised the issue of the safety of the Indian engineers and workers working on various infrastructure projects with the Government of Afghanistan; and

(c)  	if so, the details thereof?

#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (c) 	India has committed over US$ 2 billion to Afghanistan in the form of a variety of development and humanitarian assistance projects including three flagship infrastructure projects – namely, construction of the Salma Dam in Herat province, construction of the Afghan Parliament Building in Kabul, and setting up of power sub-stations at Doshi- Charikar in northern Afghanistan.  In 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, total amounts of Rs 490 crores, Rs 585.3 crores and Rs 650 crores respectively were spent in fulfilment of these and other assistance commitments.

Government continuously takes steps to upgrade security arrangements for Indian workers at various project sites in close consultations with Afghan security agencies.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3696 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Training by ITI
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTER OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3696**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 12/08/2015**

**TRAINING BY ITI**

**3696.   SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G:**

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

(a)	whether a large number of students who have completed training from various Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are waiting for Certificates from the National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT);

(b)	 if so, whether any steps are being taken by the Government to expedite the issue of certificates by the NCVT to the students who have completed the course;

3. if so, the details thereof; and

(d)	 if not, the reason therefor?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP**

######## (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)

(a) to (d) Students who complete training and pass the All India Trade Test are issued provisional certificates by State Directors immediately after declaration of result.  NCVT certificates are issued to such students upon receipt of trainee details from the State Directorates.

Further, to expedite the process of issue of certificates, NCVT had decided to print the certificates directly in the name of trainees. Accordingly, 21,51,647 pending certificates has already been forwarded to State Directors for issue to the students  between October, 2012 to October, 2014.  Furthermore, considering the difficulties of ITI students, Government has also launched NCVT- MIS portal for issuance of   e-Certificate to all students of ITIs.  The students admitted to ITIs in August, 2014 and beyond have their details available on NCVT- MIS Portal and their e-certificates would be generated online through the portal once they have passed All India Trade Test.  For the students admitted before August, 2014, State Governments have been requested to expeditiously forward the details of students after passing the exam, on a Compact Disc (CD) for early issuance of e-Certificates through NCVT-MIS portal.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3695 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Airbus to Manufacture in India
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3695

##### TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2015

#### 

#### AIRBUS TO MANUFACTURE IN INDIA

3695.		SHRI ELUMALAI V.:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)	whether Airbus Industries has assured to enhance its outsourcing in India and to manufacture in India under ‘Make in India’ call; and

(b)	if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

#### 

#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) 	Airbus has informed that the group is ready to invest in India, to procure in India, and to source from India, thereby contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. No further details have been divulged by Airbus Industry.

*****

Bottom of Form
Lok Sabha Question No. 3694 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: New Space Policy
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3694

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

## NEW SPACE POLICY

## 3694. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government is coming out with a New Space Policy;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented;
- (c) whether for broadcasting services, Government is going to allow  the  broadcasting  service  operators  (like  DTH,  DAS, HITS)  to  negotiate  directly  with  foreign  satellites  without involving Antrix Corporation Ltd; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  time  by  which  the  same will be put in the place?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a)&(b)  No Madam. However, Department of Space is contemplating to bring in changes to the 'Norms, Guidelines and Procedures  for  implementation  of  Policy  Framework  for Satellite Communications in India'. The proposed amendments have been deliberated by the Space Commission and are awaiting approval of the Prime Minister

as  Minister  in  Charge.  Thereafter,  they  will  be  sent  for inter-ministerial  consultation  before  being  put  up  to  the Cabinet for approval.

- (c)         No, Madam
- (d) Does not arise

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3693 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Unit Cost of Toilets
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAMSINH PATALYABHAI RATHWA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3693**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 12** **TH** **AUGUST, 2015**

**Unit Cost of Toilets**

**3693.	SHRI RAMSINH RATHWA:**

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

(a)	whether the Government has revised the unit cost of a school toilet being constructed under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in the country;

(b)	if so, the details thereof;

(c)	the details of the additional financial expenditure likely to be incurred by such a revision; and

(d)	the details of the revised plan and new specifications approved by the Government in this regard?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)**

(a) to (d)	Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was revamped as the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) in 2012. Under NBA, the unit cost of school toilet was Rs. 35000 (Rs. 38500 for hilly and difficult areas).

Department of School Education & Literacy financially supports States / Union Territories, for augmentation and improvement of school infrastructure including toilets under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) programmes based on State Schedule of Rate (SoR) proposed by States / UTs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3692 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Online Police Verification
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI, PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY, KONAKALLA NARAYANA RAO

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3692

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2015

ONLINE POLICE VERIFICATION

3692.		SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

SHRI PONGULETI SRINIVASA REDDY:

SHRI KONAKALLA NARAYANA RAO:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government is going to start verification online for issuing passport and its renewal;

(b)	if so, the details thereof;

(c)	the time taken at present for police verification and the time proposed to be taken for online verification;

(d)	the arrangements being made by the Government in rural areas where police takes a lot of time for verification; and

(e)	the time by which this facility is likely to be started?

#### 1 ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a)  to (e)	Under the Passport Seva Project, out of 728 police districts in the country, 654 districts have already been integrated with Passport Seva system for online police verification for issuing fresh passports and renewal of passports. As per January – June, 2015 passport services data, the average time taken by states/union territories for police verification is 36 calendar days which is gradually coming down.  The desired time line for police verification is 21 days. The time taken for police verification, including in rural areas, would be reduced once the Crime & Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) being developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is integrated with Passport Seva system.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3691 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Dilapidated Condition of GPRA
Ministry: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KAUSHAL KISHORE, ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## 

## 

## O.I.H.				GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3691**

TO BE ANSWERED ON AUGUST 12, 2015

**dilapidated condition of gpra**

**No. 3691			SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE:**

**SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:**

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

(a)	whether various General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) in various colonies including Multi Storey flats in Peshwa Road are in dilapidated condition;

(b)	if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c)	the details of instances of falling of ceiling, shades and balconies in various GPRA reported by the Government during the last three years and the current year;

(d)	whether the Government has conducted any inspection of such GPRA;

(e)	if so, the details thereof and the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard and also against the officials responsible for maintenance of such GPRA; and

(f)	whether the Government proposes to construct additional room in various GPRA on the line of Raza Bazar Delhi and if so, the details thereof?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

**(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)**

(a) & (b):	Yes, Madam. Details are placed at annexure.

(c):	At the following places the instances of falling of ceiling, shades and balconies have been reported during the last three years and current year:

1. Baba Kharag Singh Marg
2. Panchkuian Road
3. Albert Square
4. Sector-D, DIZ Area
5. Sector-I, Peshwa Road
6. Sector-II, DIZ Area
7. Sector-IV, Raja Bazar
8. Aram Bagh
9. Minto Road
10. Sector-7, R.K. Puram

(d) & (e):	Inspections are being carried out during routine maintenance work regularly.  No fault was found on part of any official, therefore no action was taken against any official.

(f):	There is no proposal to construct additional room in GPRAs.

******

#### 

**Annexure referred to Lok Sabha USQ No 3691 for 12** **th** **August, 2015 reg. Dilapidated Condition of GPRA.**

LIST OF  GPRA COLONIES IN  DILAPIDATED  CONDITION

1.	Mohammad Pur (Type-I) ( 328 Nos)

2.	R.K. Puram,Sector-1 (Type-I) ( 02 Nos)

3.	R.K. Puram Sector-3 (Type-3) ( 02 Nos)

4.	R.K. Puram, Sector-7(Type-1)( 372 Nos)

5.	Vasant Vihar,(type-1)( 32 Nos)

6.	Netaji Nagar,(Type-I) (02 Nos)

7.	Shrinivas Puri Colony

8.	Kasturba Nagar Colony

9.	Thyagraj Nagar Colony

10.	Baba Kharag Marg –(04 Nos.)

11. 	P.K. Road(28 Nos.)

12.	Albert Square (01 No.)

13.	Sector-D, DIZ Area( 08 Nos.)

14.	Sector-I, Peshwa Road (03 Nos.)

15.	Sector-II, DIZ Area (26 Nos.)

16.	Sector- IV, Raja Bazar (59 Nos.)

17.	Aram Bagh (53 Nos)

18 	Minto Road (31 nos.)
Lok Sabha Question No. 3689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: New Postal Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: K.R.P. PRABAKARAN

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY**

**DEPARTMENT OF POSTS**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3689**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 12** **th** **AUGUST, 2015**

**NEW POSTAL POLICY**

**3689. SHRI K.R.P. PRABAKARAN:**

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a)	 whether the Government has any plan to launch New National Postal Policy and the salient features thereof along with the action taken by the Government thereon; and

(b) 	if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

**THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY**

**(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)**

(a)	A proposal for National Postal Policy is under consideration of the Government.

(b)	In view of (a) above, question does not arise.

**************
Lok Sabha Question No. 3687 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Easing of Chinese Investment
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3687

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2015

EASING OF CHINESE INVESTMENT

3687.		SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government proposes easier security clearances for investments from China particularly in sensitive sectors such as telecom, power & nuclear energy;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof; and

(c)	the list of sectors identified, priority-wise?

#### 1 ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) 	No. Government does not favour a country-specific policy.

(b) & (c)	Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3685 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Guidelines for Builders
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN  POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Asked by: ABHISHEK SINGH

O.I.H.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3685**

TO BE ANSWERED ON AUGUST 12, 2015

**GUIDELINES FOR BUILDERS**

| No.  **3685**   | SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH :   |
|-----------------|-------------------------|

Will the Minister of HOUSING  URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:

(a) 	the detailed norms and guidelines prescribed by the Government for builders to ensure sustainable development;

(b) 	the measures undertaken by the Central Government to combat problem of lowering of ground water due to increase in society culture; and

(c)	the complaints filed and actions taken against those builders who do not comply with the rules?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

**(a) to (c):	‘Land’ and ‘Colonisation’ are State subjects and therefore, it is the responsibility of State Governments to prescribe the norms and guidelines for builders to ensure sustainable development and take action against the defaulting builders. In addition, Ministry of Urban Development has advised State Government through its Model Building Bye-Laws to include the provisions for sustainable development and water harvesting in the State Bye-Laws, to combat the problem of lowering of ground water.**

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3684 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Delinking of ISI
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: POONAM  MAHAJAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3684

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 12 th  AUGUST, 2015

## DELINKING OF ISI

3684.  SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

PROGRAMME

- (a) whether the Government is exploring the feasibility of delinking Indian  Statistical  Institute  (ISI)  from  the  Ministry  and  placing  it under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resource Development for academic excellence;
- (b)  if so, the details  and the present status thereof; and
- (c)  the time by which it is likely to be done?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION,  MINISTER  OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS [GENERAL (Dr.) V. K. SINGH (Retd.)]

- (a) No such proposal is being considered by the Government.
- (b) &(c)    Do not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3683 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-12
Subject: Special Diplomacy with SAARC Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU, HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE, JAGDAMBIKA PAL, SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3683

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.8.2015

SPECIAL DIPLOMACY WITH SAARC COUNTRIES

3683.		SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:

SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

(a)	whether Government is contemplating any special diplomacy regarding relations with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries specifically with Pakistan;

(b)  	if so, the details thereof;

(c) 	whether there have been any agreements between SAARC countries, especially Nepal to improve and increase trade, transport and movement of passengers within member countries in the past one year;

(d)   	if so, the details thereof; and

(e)  	the efforts made by the Indian Government to lead talks to improve trade between member nations of SAARC and details thereof?

#### 1 

#### 2 ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b)   India has enhanced its engagement with all SAARC countries both bilaterally and through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It has   increased efforts for enhancing trade and connectivity links through land, air and sea for accelerating regional integration and greater people-to-people contacts.  India continues its efforts to build peaceful cooperative ties with Pakistan to address the outstanding issues through peaceful bilateral dialogue.

(c) & (d)  	A sub-regional Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) was signed between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on June 15, 2015 in Thimphu, Bhutan for the regulation of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic between the four countries.  This BBIN MVA will ease cross-border movement of goods, vehicles and people, thereby helping to expand people-to-people contact, trade and economic exchanges between them.

(e)       South Asia is among the least integrated regions of the world with low levels of intra-regional trade.  India is taking a lead role in all SAARC mechanisms working towards removal of trade barriers, tariff liberalization and liberalization of trade in services to improve trade among member nations of SAARC.

*****