opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 585 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Nuclear Power Projects at Mithi Virdi
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 585

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## NUCLEAR POWER PROJECTS AT MITHI VIRDI

## 585. SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Toshiba Corp's Westinghouse Electric has decided to relocate its proposed nuclear power project at Mithi Virdi in Gujarat to a site in Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the  said  decision  is  due  to  the  opposition  from  farmers  in  Gujarat  and  to save that State from a possible disaster and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  similar  requests/oppositions  have  also  been  received  from  the  MPs, organisations, and people of Jaitapur in Maharashtra regarding setting up of nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government is also reconsidering shifting of the proposed power plant from Jaitapur; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a)&(b) The sites at Chhaya Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh were accorded  'In  Principle  '  approval  and  designated  for  setting  up  nuclear  power plants in technical cooperation with United States of America (USA). In this regard, discussions  were  in  progress  with  two  US  companies,  Westinghouse  Electric Company (WEC) and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH). Based on the progress made  in  pre-project  activities  at  the  sites,  progress  of  land  acquisition  and discussions with the two companies, it has now been decided to set up reactors in technical cooperation with WEC of USA at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh. The site at Chhaya Mithi Virdi in Gujarat continues to be designated for setting up nuclear power reactors in technical cooperation with USA.
- (c) No, Sir.
- (d) There have been sporadic protests at Jaitapur  by  some  sections  of  the  society resulting  out  of  apprehensions  regarding  loss  of  traditional  means  of  livelihood, rehabilitation and safety of the plant.
- (e) No, Sir.
- (f) Does not arise in view of (e) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 584 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Disinvestment of MTNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: SANJAY JAISWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.584 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH  JULY, 2016

## DISINVESTMENT OF MTNL

584. DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:
2. Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether  NITI  Aayog  has  recommended  closure  or  strategic  disinvestment  of loss making public sector units especially MTNL; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the  steps the Government is taking to ensure that loss making PSUs do not cause a burden to the public exchequer?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (c) NITI Aayog has informed that it is making an analysis of sick and loss making  public  sector  enterprises.  No  decision  has  been  taken  by  NITI  Aayog  in respect of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) so far.

- *******************
Lok Sabha Question No. 583 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Talks with Pakistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA

- † 583.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.583 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## TALKS WITH PAKISTAN

- PROF. PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India has decided to postpone bilateral talks with Pakistan;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the basis thereof and whether Pakistan has been constantly involved in anti-India activities;
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  India  has  decided  to  adopt  new  policy  towards  Pakistan and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (d) During the visit of External Affairs Minister to Islamabad for the  fifth  Ministerial  Conference  of  Heart  of  Asia,  Istanbul  Process  on Afghanistan  on  9  December  2015  and  after  her  bilateral  meetings  on sidelines  with  the  leadership  of  Pakistan  and  with  the  Foreign  Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister of Pakistan, both sides agreed to a Comprehensive  Bilateral  Dialogue  to  address  all  outstanding  issues. Foreign Secretaries were asked to finalize the modalities of the Dialogue.

However, Pathankot Air Base attack in January 2016 brought to the fore  new  challenges.  Government  is  in  touch  with  Government  of Pakistan in this regard. A Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan visited India  in  end-March  2016  to  collect  evidence  necessary  for  prosecuting those  guilty  in  Pakistan.  In  his  meeting  with  Foreign  Secretary  of Pakistan  on  sidelines  of  Senior  Officials  Meeting  of  the  Heart  of  Asia, Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in New Delhi on April 26, 2016, Foreign Secretary had suggested reviewing the progress of investigation. It was also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that it cannot be in denial on anti-India terrorism emanating from territory under its control.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 582 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Welfare of Minority Groups
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: PINAKI MISRA, HARISH DWIVEDI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.582 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## Welfare of Minority Groups

## 582. SHRI PINAKI MISHRA: SHRI HARISH CHANDRA ALIAS HARISH DWIVEDI:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  welfare  measures  for  the  minority  communities  are  uniformly applied on all the groups;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if  not,  which  minority  groups  have  benefitted  the  most  from  the  welfare measures during each of the last three years till date:
- (d) whether  any  proposal  for  according  status  of  minority  to  any  religion  or community is pending for consideration with the Government and if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereon;
- (e) whether  there  are  any  charter/rule  for  according  status  of  minority  on international level to any religion or community; and
- (f) if so, whether the Government follows the said international charter/rule and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) The following schemes are implemented for the welfare of all the six notified Minority   Communities uniformly:
- (i) The Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)
- (ii) Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme
- (iii) Post-matric Scholarship Scheme
- (iv) Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme
- (v) Maulana Azad National Fellowship
- (vi) Free Coaching & Allied Scheme
- (vii) Support to Minority candidates clearing Prelims conducted by UPSC/SSC, State Public Service Commission (PSC) etc
- (viii) Padho Pardesh- Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for overseas studies
- (ix) Jiyo Parsi
- (x) Seekho aur Kamao
- (xi) Nai Roshni
- (xii) USTTAD
- (xiii) Equity Contribution to NMDFC
- (xiv) Nai Manzil

The details of the above Schemes are available on the website of this Ministry at www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.

- (c) Does not arise.
- (d),  (e)  and  (f) Proposals  received  for  according  Minority  Status  are examined under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992 and disposed off according from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: 5G Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: JAYADEV GALLA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.581 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH  JULY, 2016

## 5G SERVICES

## 581. SHRI JAYADEV GALLA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to roll out 5G services in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the time frame set for the same;
- (c) the details of countries which have already rolled out, 5G services;
- (d) whether telecom operators are now focusing more on data transfer than voice traffic as data transfer is fetching them more money; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) & (b)   The License for access services allows service providers to roll-out services within the spectrum assigned which inter-alia includes 5G services. So far no operator has launched 5G services in India.

- (c) As per information searched through web, 5G services have not been rolled out commercially in any country.

(d) & (e) With the advent of Smart phone, the usage of data is increasing. The data usage is also increased by Cloud Services, Social media, etc. on internet and operators have to meet the various traffic patterns observed from time to time. At present no action is envisaged in this respect.

.

************
Lok Sabha Question No. 578 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.578 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## MAHATMA GANDHI PRAVASI SURAKSHA YOJANA

578. SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Ministry has revamped Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY);
- (b) if so, the details of the scheme in the new form;
- (c) if  not,  the  reasons  for  the  delay  and  the  status  of  the restructuring process; and
- (d) the  major  issues  regarding  MGPSY  which  led  the  Ministry  to suggest for revamping of the scheme?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

- (a) The Government is in process of closing the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) while strengthening other measures  including  the  insurance  scheme  Pravasi  Bhartiya  Bima Yojana(PBBY)  for  welfare  of  overseas  Indian  workers.  Being  a voluntary scheme and for a variety of other reasons, the subscription under the MGPSY has been extremely low.
- (b) to (d) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 576 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: PMAY
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN  POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Asked by: N.K. PREMACHANDRAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 576 TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 20, 2016

## PMAY

No. 576 SHRI N.K PREMACHANDRAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to increase the amount under the (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) PMAY Housing for all in 2022;
- (b) if so, the details thereof:
- (c) whether the Government fixed the present amount after studying the value of land and cost of construction of building in all States:
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that the value of land and cost of construction of building in Kerala is higher as compared to other States;
- (f)  if  so,  whether the Government received representation from State of Kerala to increase the amount under PMAY Housing for all in 2022 to 3.6 lakhs considering the land value and cost of construction; and (g) if so, the details of action taken thereon?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) & (b): No such proposal to increase the amount of central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)-Housing for All [PMAY (U) -HFA] by 2022 is under consideration.
- (c) & (d):   The contours of PMAY (U) -HFA scheme have been formulated in consultation with all States/UTs and other stakeholders.
- (e) to (g): No such information or proposal has been received from the State Government of Kerala under PMAY(U).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 569 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: DFC Projects
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: HARI BABU KAMBHAMPATI, K. KAMARAAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 569 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## DFC PROJECTS

## 569. DR. KAMBHAMPATI HARIBABU:

DR. K. KAMARAJ:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the present status of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) projects in the country, project-wise;
- (b) whether  any  review  of  the  progress  of  the  said  projects  has  been undertaken recently and if so, the details of the outcome of the said review;
- (c) the steps taken/being taken to expedite the work on the said projects and the details of funds allocated/spent thereon so far, project-wise; and
- (d) whether the Railways has any proposal to construct new rail freight corridors in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a): The  status  of  implementation  of  the  Eastern  (Ludhiana  to  Dankuni1856  km.),    and  Western  (Jawaharlal  Nehru  Port  to  Dadri-1504  km.) Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) is as under :-
- (i)  Land  Acquisition:-  Compensation  Award  for  90.9%  of  the  land  to  be acquired has been given.
- (ii)  Contract  Award:-  84%  of  Civil  Contracts,  78%  of  Electrical  and  78%  of Signal Contracts have been awarded.
- (iii) Overall physical progress- 29% and Financial Progress:- 27.4%.

- (b): Progress of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project is regularly reviewed. As a result of the reviews, critical issues affecting work such as land acquisition, forestry clearance and contract award etc. are identified and taken up.
- (c):    For  both  Eastern  and  Western  DFCs,  implementation  schedule  and timelines  have  been  drawn  up  and  are  being  monitored  on  regular  basis. The  total expenditure upto 31.05.2016 (including for land) for DFC Projects is ` 22315.66  crore  (Eastern  DFC-` 8354.04  crore  and  Western  DFC-` 13961.62 crore).
- (d):    In  Budget  Speech 2016-2017, the following freight corridors:- (i) EastWest  Corridor  (2328  kms)  (Kolkata-Mumbai)  ;  (ii)  North-South  Corridor (2343 km)  (Delhi-Chennai) ; and (iii) East Coast Corridor (1114 km) ( Kharagpur-Vijaywada) have been identified.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 568 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: LHB Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.568 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## LHB COACHES

## 568. SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches presently in use in the  Railways  and  sections  in  which  they  are  specially  used  and  the expenditure incurred on making them;
- (b)  whether  LHB  coaches  are  not  much  faster,  cost  effective  and  energy efficient and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Railways  has  any  proposal  to  replace  the  existing  LHB coaches  with  Talgo  trains  and  if  so,  the  details  along  with  its  features thereof; and
- (d) the time by which the Talgo trains are likely to be pressed into service in a big way?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) The holding of LHB coaches over Indian Railway is about 3800. This is being utilized over all Zonal Railways.  The average unit cost of LHB AC and  Non  AC  coach  manufactured  at  Rail  Coach  Factory/  Kapurthala  in 2014-15 is approximately ` 230 lakh & ` 170 lakh respectively.

(b) No, Madam. LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches have higher speed potential,  are  more  cost  and  energy  efficient  than  conventional  ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design coaches.

(c) No,  Madam.  Presently,  there  is  no  plan  to  replace  existing  LHB coaches with Talgo trains.

- (d) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Special Fund to Thane Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 567 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## SPECIAL FUND TO THANE RAILWAY STATION

†567.  SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Railways  earn  more  than ` 14.5  crore  from  Thane railway station of Maharashtra everyday;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether special fund has not been allocated for Thane railway station in order to provide better amenities to passengers in view of  the  rising  number  of  passengers  there  despite  the  above mentioned fact; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  567  BY  SHRI  RAJAN  VICHARE  TO  BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 20.07.2016 REGARDING SPECIAL FUND TO THANE RAILWAY STATION

(a)&(b): No, Madam. Approximate earnings on an average from Thane Railway Station is ` 52 lakh per day.

(c)&(d):  No,  Madam.  For  better  amenities  to  passengers,  the  outlay proposed for 2016-17 under demand number-16 Plan Head-53 passenger amenities to Thane Railway Station is as under:-

( ` in crore)

|   Item | Particulars                                                          |   Outlay proposed for 2016-17 |
|--------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
|    650 | Thane foot over bridge (1no)(6m)                                     |                          1.5  |
|    636 | Thane -Improvement and renovation to passenger amenities (Phase -II) |                          0.25 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Merger of Railway Budget with General Budget
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA, SHIVKUMAR CHANABASAPPA UDASI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.565

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2016

## MERGER OF RAILWAY BUDGET WITH GENERAL BUDGET

† 565.  SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA : SHRI SHIVKUMAR UDASI :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)    the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Railways  on  the recommendations/suggestions made by Debroy committee;
- (b)    whether  the  Debroy  committee  has  suggested  merger  of railway  budget  with  the  general  budget  and  if  so,  the  details thereof and the action taken by the Railways in this regard;
- (c)   whether the Government has accepted the Niti Aayog's above suggestion and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether the Government has discussed the matter with all the stakeholders and political leaders or eminent personalities; and
- (e)    if so, the views expressed by them in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (e) : The NITI Aayog Committee headed by Shri Bibek Debroy has recommended merger of the Rail Budget with General Budget. The  recommendation  is  under  consideration  of  the  Ministry  of Finance and a decision in regard to the same is still to be taken.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 564 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-07-20
Subject: Investment in Telecom Infrastructure
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: K. MARAGATHAM

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.564 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH  JULY, 2016

## INVESTMENT IN TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE

564.   SHRIMATI K. MARAGATHAM:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  private  mobile  service  providers  have  made  a  huge  investment  in infrastructure development in the last three years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the number of sites put up in the last 15 months is nearly equal to the number put up on the last 20 years; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) Investment of Private Telecom Service Providers

|                          |   2014-15 |   2013-14 |   2012-13 |
|--------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Gross Block*             |    431597 |    365665 |    347019 |
| Capital Work in progress |     91373 |     77829 |     30029 |

*Gross Block = Fixed Assets(Tangible and Intangible)

- (b) & (c) The  total  number  of  Base  Transceiver  Stations  (BTSs)  installed  by various  Telecom  Service  Provider  (TSPs)  at  different  mobile  tower  locations  as  on 28.02.2015  are  8,58,050  and  as  on  31.05.2016  are  11,90,867.  The  net  addition  in BTSs during last 15 months i.e. from 28.02.2015 till 31.05.2016 is 3,32,817.
- *************

(Rs in crore)