opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 458 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Serving Milk under MDMS
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: ASHWINI KUMAR

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.458**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015**

**Serving Milk under MDMS**

458. SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR :

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

1. whether the centre has recently written to some States to consider distribution of free milk to school children as a part of the Mid-Day-Meal Scheme (MDMS) and if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the names of the States which are serving free milk under the Scheme?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)**

1. No Madam.

1. The State Governments of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry are providing milk to the school children from their own resources.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 457 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Report on Deemed-to-be-Universities
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAVNEET SINGH

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 457**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015**

**Report on Deemed-to-be-Universities**

**457. SHRI RAVNEET SINGH:**

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

(a) whether several deemed-to-be-universities were blacklisted by the Government based on the Tandon Committee Report;

(b) if so, the details of these universities;

(c) the details of universities inspected by the Government during the last three years and the current year, State and year-wise;

(d) the findings of the inspection report of these universities; and

**(e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that these universities meet the required standards?**

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**( SMT.  SMRITI  ZUBIN IRANI  )**

(a) & (b): The Central Government had constituted a Committee (Tandon Committee) in the year 2009 for reviewing the functioning of existing Deemed-to-be-Universities. The Committee, in its report, concluded that 44 Deemed-to-be-Universities, which were placed in Category ‘C’, are not fit to continue as Deemed-to-be-Universities and thus recommended to withdraw their status. The Central Government accepted the report of the Committee in principle. However, the issue related to Category ‘C’ Deemed-to-be-Universities is currently sub-judice in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Viplav Sharma Vs Union of India and Others [WP (C) No. 142 of 2006]. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 25/01/2010 directed the Government to maintain status quo with regard to these Deemed-to-be-Universities.

(c) to (e): Seven Category ‘C’ Deemed to be Universities filed Interlocutory Applications in the Hon’ble Supreme Court seeking physical inspection of their institutes. The UGC, as per direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court, constituted an Expert Committee to inspect the Institutions. The report of the Expert Committee, wherein several deficiencies have been pointed in respect of these seven institutions, was placed before the Commission. The Commission, in its meeting, has decided to give one year time to rectify the deficiencies pointed out by the UGC Committee. The Government has decided to evolve statutory transparent criteria by way of seeking inputs from various regulatory bodies viz. UGC, NAAC, AICTE and NBA for inspection and evaluation of the functioning of the Deemed to be Universities so that a holistic decision could be taken in respect of all Category ‘C’ Deemed to be Universities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 456 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Employment for Urban Poor
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN  POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Asked by: SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 456**

TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 22, 2015

**EMPLOYMENT FOR URBAN POOR**

No. 456	DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE:

Will the MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION be pleased to state:

the details of the schemes being implemented to provide employment to the poor in the country including Maharashtra during each of the last three years and the current year, State/ UT- wise?

**ANSWER**

**THE MINISTER OF STATE IN**

THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

**(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)**

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) since 1997. The Scheme has been restructured into National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) since September 2013 which is being implemented in all the States including Maharashtra.  The NULM has following components:

1. Social Mobilization and Institution Development (SM&ID)
2. Capacity Building and Training (CB&T)
3. Employment through Skills Training and Placement (EST&P)
4. Self-Employment Programme (SEP)
5. Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV)

p-2/…

…2….

1. Scheme of Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH)
2. Innovative and Special Projects (I&SP)

Employment through Skills Training & Placement aims at providing skill training to urban poor so that they can find gainful employment. Under Self-Employment Programme Bank Loans are given at subsidized rates of interest to the urban poor for setting up self-employment ventures.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 455 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Codes of Conduct for Students
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: M. B. RAJESH

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 455**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015**

**Codes of Conduct for Students**

455. SHRI M.B. RAJESH:

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

(a) 	whether the Government will direct Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to ensure that codes of conduct for students are not violative of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and if so, the details thereof;

(b) 	whether the Government will also direct IITs to recognise various student bodies and allow them to express their views; and

(c) 	if so, the steps taken by the Government in this direction?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)**

(a) to (c) : The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are autonomous institutions governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.  Responsibility for general superintendence, direction and control of their affairs is vested in their Board of Governors in accordance with aforementioned Act and the Statutes framed thereunder. IITs are empowered to take decisions on matters of their day-to-day administration as per rules/regulation duly approved by Competent Authority of the Institute, without any involvement of or interference from the Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 454 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Cloud Seeding
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 454**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 ,2015**

**Cloud Seeding**

**454.	SHRI  RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:**

**Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:**

**(a) 	whether the Government proposes to use artificial rainfall/cloud seeding programmes with the help of State Government and commercial firms; and**

**(b) 	if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?**

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES**

**(Shri Y. S. Chowdary)**

1. No Madam.

(b) 	As things stand today, artificial rain making techniques involving cloud seeding cannot be used for bringing rain clouds to rainfall deficit/drought areas. Such efforts can only induce potential preexisting clouds, already passing over a given place, to produce rain only if organized weather modification intervention becomes successful.

However Earth System Science Organisation – Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (ESSO-IITM) is putting its effort in understanding the rain formation in clouds through studying cloud microphysical characteristics through a research program Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 453 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Real Estate Bill
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN  POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 453**

TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 22, 2015

**REAL ESTATE BILL**

| No.  **453**   | SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA :   |
|----------------|--------------------------------|

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

(a) 	the current status of the Real Estate Bill;

(b) 	the time by which a law will be in place; and

(c)	the level of transparency and governance that is expected to be achieved thereof?

**ANSWER**

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

(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) & (b):	The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill has been referred by Rajya Sabha to a Select Committee on 06 th May, 2015 for its examination with instruction to submit its report by the last day of the first week of the next Session of Parliament.

(c):	This Bill seeks to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authorities for regulation and promotion of the real estate sector and to ensure sale of plot, apartment or building in an efficient and transparent manner, to protect the interest of consumers in the real estate sector and to establish  Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals from the decisions, directions or orders of the Authority and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 452 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Delay in Declaring of Result
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.452**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015**

Delay in Declaring of Result

452. SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

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

(a) whether the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had declared the result of National Eligibility Test (NET) held in December, 2014 one day before the next examination in June 2015;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has instructed the CBSE to refund the examination fee paid for June 2015 by those who had passed the same in December 2014 examination; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT**

**(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)**

(a) and (b):	The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the result of National Eligibility Test (NET)  Examination on 15.06.2015 for the  Examination held in December, 2014. The next NET Examination was held on 28.06.2015.

(c) and (d):	No, Madam.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 451 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Employment of Minorities
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 451 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015

## EMPLOYMENT OF MINORITIES

## 451.   SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS

be pleased to state the extent to which the Prime Minister's new 15 point programme for minorities is likely to increase minorities representation in Government jobs?

## ANSWER

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

Prime  Minister's  New  15  Point  Programme  for  the  welfare  of  minorities,  inter-alia provides for giving special consideration to minorities in recruitment. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) is the nodal agency to look into the matter of recruitment of  minorities.  The  DoPT  has  issued  guidelines  to  all  concerned  authorities  to  give special consideration to minorities in appointments. As per information made available by  DoPT,  the  representation  of  minorities  in  Government  jobs  has  increased  from 6.24% in 2011-12 to 8.50% in 2014-15.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 450 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: MFN status of India
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.450

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015

MFN STATUS OF INDIA

450.		SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)	the number of countries, including the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations who have given Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India;

(b)	whether India has given MFN status to any of the foreign countries, including that of SAARC nations, if so, the details thereof; and

(c)	the direct benefits of the MFN status obtained and/or accorded by India?

#### 

#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

(a) & (b) 	As per the obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), the member countries of WTO shall extend Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to each other automatically, unless otherwise specified in the agreement or schedule notified to the WTO by the member country. Pursuant to this Provision, in case of goods, India has extended MFN status to member countries of WTO. As regards SAARC countries, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are members of WTO and except the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, these countries have extended MFN status to India. India has extended MFN status to all these SAARC countries including Pakistan. So far as exception to MFN status, if any, in services is concerned, each member country has indicated the same in the schedule of commitments in services notified to WTO.

(c) 	It leads to equal treatment amongst countries and ensures more stable, predictable, reliable and competitive international trade.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 449 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Concession for Application Fees
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: HARISH DWIVEDI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 449**

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015)

**CONCESSION FOR APPLICATION FEES**

† **449.	SHRI HARISH CHANDRA** ***ALIAS*** **HARISH DWIVEDI:**

Will the **PRIME MINISTER** be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether the Government proposes to provide fees concession to the children belonging to 	the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families while applying for Central Government 	Employment; and

(b)	 if so, the details thereof?

**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) & (b):  In all the examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC), candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Schedule Tribe categories, Physically disabled candidates, and Women are exempted from payment of Examination Fees. In the examination conducted by SSC, exemption of fee is granted to Ex-servicemen eligible for reservation.

There is no proposal regarding grant of fee concession to children belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 447 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Indo-Iran Ties
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAM CHARITRA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.447

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015

INDO-IRAN TIES

447.	SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

1. whether India has begun to reset its ties with Iran, notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations between the Persian Gulf nation and the P5+1;
2. whether India is now keen to push for connectivity with Iran, which  will pave the way for its entry into Afghanistan and the Central Asian region;
3. if so, the details thereof;
4. whether the Government has also ignored cautionary voices from the United States not to rush into doing business with Iran till it firms up the nuclear deal with it; and
5. if so, the details thereof?

#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

(a) to (e)  India and Iran have traditionally enjoyed close, friendly and cooperative bilateral ties rooted in deep historical, cultural and civilisational links. In recent years bilateral ties have been characterized by frequent interactions at the highest levels including the recent meeting between Prime Minister and the President of Iran in Ufa, Russia on 9 July 2015 on the margins of the SCO Summit.

Since September 2000, India has been cooperating with Iran to develop the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that will also include participation of Russia. In August 2014 a trial run of two containers was conducted on this corridor, followed by a visit of a Commerce Ministry delegation in January 2015 that held further discussions related to its operationalization. During the visit of Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to Tehran from 5-7 May, 2015, India and Iran also signed an inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for bilateral cooperation in the development of the Iranian Port of Chahbahar. These projects do aim to enhance India’s connectivity to Afghanistan and countries of the Central Asian region.

India’s bilateral relations with Iran stand on their own and are not influenced by India’s relations with any third country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 446 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Manned Mission to Space
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: RAGHAV LAKHANPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 446

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

## MANNED MISSION TO SPACE

## 446. SHRI RAGHAV LAKHANPAL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government is  planning  a  manned  mission  to space in the near future and if so, the details thereof;
2. b)
3. if not, the reasons therefor;
- c) whether the Government is also planning to set up a space station in the near future and if so, the details thereof; and
5. d)
6. if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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.  Indian  Space  Research  Organization  (ISRO) does    not    have  a  plan    for  manned  space  mission  in  the immediate future. However, ISRO is working on few enabling technologies like space suit, environment controlled crew module etc.
- (c) No, Madam.
- (d) It is not an activity of priority at present.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 445 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Stamps on Yoga
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY**

**DEPARTMENT OF POSTS**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.445**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22** **ND** **JULY, 2015**

**STAMPS ON YOGA**

**445.	SHRIMATI K.MARAGATHAM:**

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

(a) 	whether the Government had issued a set of stamps on Yoga in the past in various denominations depicting yoga postures;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof;

(c) 	whether the Government is considering to reissue the said stamps since these stamps are no more in circulation; and

(d)	 if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

**THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY**

**(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)**

(a)	Yes Madam.

(b)	A set of four stamps on Yogasana with denominations of Rs.2/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.6.50 and Rs.10/- depicting yoga postures of “BHUJANGASANA” “DHANURASANA”, “UTRASANA and “UTTHITA TRIKONASANA” were released on 30 th December, 1991.

(c) & (d) Commemorative Postage Stamps are printed in limited quantities for philatelic value and are not reissued.  However, stamps on the Yoga theme can be issued again subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 444 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Film Industry for Skill India
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: JAYADEV GALLA

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 444**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015**

**FILM INDUSTRY FOR SKILL INDIA**

**QUESTION**

**444. SHRI JAYADEV GALLA:**

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

(a)	whether the film industry has come forward for becoming a part of Skill India;

(b)	if so, the manner in which the Government proposes to facilitate this;

(c)	whether any efforts are being made to make other industries/sectors to be a part of Skill Development initiative; and

(d)	if so, the details thereof and 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 (d)	National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a Public Private Partnership entity under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has promoted constitution of 37 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) including one for Media and Entertainment, to promote industry/employer participation. Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) is led by a Governing Council comprising of 11 members from various sub-sectors of Media and Entertainment including film industry. MESC has been mandated to develop National Occupation Standards (NOSs) as per requirements of industry and create Qualification Packs (QPs) which correspond to specific job roles within the sector. As on 31.03.2015, 171 NOSs and 51 QPs have been created by MESC.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 442 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-22
Subject: Special CBI Courts
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 442**

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2015)

**SPECIAL CBI COURTS**

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

Will the **PRIME MINISTER** be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government proposed to set up Special CBI Courts at various States and UTs 	in the country; and

(b) 	if so, the details thereof along with the progress made in this regard 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 (b):- The Central Government had decided in 2009 to set up 71 additional special courts, especially for trial of CBI cases in various states on the recommendation of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India to facilitate quicker disposal of long pending cases.  Out of 71 courts, 69 courts are functional. Further, in pursuance of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions dated 13.12.2012 in Crl. Appeal No. 88-93 of 2003, the approval of the Central Government for setting up of 22 special courts has been conveyed to the States on 12.02.2013. Out of these 22 Courts, 17 courts have become operational. In respect of the remaining courts, the Central Government is pursuing with the concerned State Governments for making them functional at the earliest.

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