opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2354 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Allotment of Forest Land
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2354**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2015

**Allotment of Forest Land**

2354. SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

1. whether several States in the country have alloted the forest land to the industries without obtaining the approval of the Ministry;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof; and

(c) 	the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

| (a) to (c)   | Section -2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980  *inter-alia*  provides that notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force in a State, no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the prior approval of the Central Government, any order directing that any forest land or any portion thereof may be used for any non-forest purpose. Use of forest land for non-forest purposes including industries therefore, requires prior approval of Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.                                                                                                                                         |
|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|              | In some of the proposals, the State Governments report violations of the   Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Central Government while according prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to such proposals stipulate appropriate penal measures. These penal measures include – realisation from the user agency penal Net Present Value (NPV) and funds for creation of penal compensatory afforestation, initiation of proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the section 3 A and 3 B of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and/or relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and/or the relevant sections of the Local Forest Act, as the facts of each case may demand. |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2352 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Marketing of Processed Food
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2352**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH AUGUST, 2015

MARKETING OF PROCESSED FOOD

2352. SHRI  R. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

1. whether the Government proposes to facilitate the marketing of processed food and generate employment thereby in the country; and

1. if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

**ANSWER**

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a) & (b):   Presently, Ministry does not have any scheme to facilitate the marketing of processed food.  However, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, inter-alia, through National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a Public Sector Enterprise of the Ministry, has been providing marketing support to Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) under Marketing Assistance Scheme with the objectives to enhance the marketing competitiveness of MSMEs, provide common platform for interaction with the individual/ institutional buyers, update them with prevalent market scenario, enable participation  in  International Exhibitions/Trade  Fairs, theme based domestic exhibitions / technology fairs etc.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA)   under  the  administrative  control  of  the Department  of  Commerce  is implementing  various  schemes  to  extend  financial  assistance  to  the  eligible exporters registered with it to boost the overall agri products exports in global market. APEDA facilitates marketing of processed food in overseas market through buyer-seller meet, product promotion, exchange of delegations, participation in International trade fairs exhibitions/ fairs/ events etc. APEDA also provides financial assistance to registered exporters under its Agriculture Export Promotion Plan Scheme for Market development component for Brand publicity (Product specific Indian Brands) through advertisement etc.

Ministry has also provided link to “MSME Global Mart” developed by NSIC to facilitate marketing of agri & processed food products, in its website ( [www.mofpi.nic.in](http://www.mofpi.nic.in/) ).

Food Processing Industry is one of the major employment intensive segments constituting 13.04 per cent of employment generated in all Registered Factory sector in 2012-13. According to the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2012-13, the total number of persons engaged in registered food processing sector is 16.89 lakh. Employment in registered food processing sector has been increasing annually at an average growth of 2.41 per cent during 5 years ending 2012-13. Unregistered food processing sector supports employment to 47.9 lakh workers as per the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 67 th Round, 2010-11.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2351 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Increase in Support Price of Ragi
Ministry: AGRICULTURE
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2351**

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 4 TH AUGUST, 2015

**INCREASE IN SUPPORT PRICE OF RAGI**

2351. 	SHRI P. NAGARAJAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE 	      कृषि मंत्री

be pleased to state:

(a)	 whether the Union Government has received a request from the farmers associations to increase the support price for procurement of ragi from the existing Rs.1550/- per quintal; and

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

### 1 ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

कृषि मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री     (SHRI MOHANBHAI  KUNDARIA)

(a):	Representation was received from the Government of Karnataka to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Ragi from Rs.1550/- per quintal fixed for 2014-15 Season.

(b):	Government fixes the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of various crops including Ragi based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments & other relevant factors.  Government has fixed the MSP for Ragi at Rs.1650/- per quintal for            2015-16 Season as against Rs.1550/- per quintal in 2014-15.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2349 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Consumer Welfare Fund
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI, K.R.P. PRABAKARAN

**Government of India**

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

**Department of Consumer Affairs**

**LOK SABHA**

##### UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2349

##### TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2015

**CONSUMER WELFARE FUND**

2349.	DR. KIRIT P. SOLANKI:

SHRI K.R.P. PRABAKARAN:

**Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:**

(a)	whether a fund has been created for consumer welfare under the Central Excise and Salt Act;

(b)	if so, the details and the objectives thereof;

(c) 	whether any action has been taken against the agencies/organisations availing benefits from consumer welfare fund but not engaging in any activity for consumer welfare during the last three years and the current year; and

(d) 	if so, the details thereof, State-wise?

**ANSWER**

**miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=ky; ea=h**

**¼Jhjke foykl ikloku½**

**THE MINISTERFOR**

**CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION**

**(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)**

(a) & (b) :	Yes, Madam. The Central Government established the Consumer Welfare Fund under Rule 3 of the Consumer Welfare Fund Rules, 1992 framed under the Central Excises and Salt Act 1944, into which credits of amount of duty and income from investment along with other monies specified in sub section (2) of section 12C of the Act, is to be accredited. The overall objective of the Consumer Welfare Fund is to provide financial assistance to promote and protect the welfare of the consumers and strengthen the consumer movement in the country. The Fund has been set up by the Department of Revenue and, is being operated by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs. The Fund is utilized in accordance with Rules & Guidelines framed.

(c) & (d) :	Out of the agencies/organisations funded from Consumer Welfare Fund, during the last three years and the current year, no agency/organisation was found which has not carried out activities for consumer welfare.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2346 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: National Adaptation Fund
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL, C.R. CHAUDHARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2346**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4.8.2015

**National Adaptation Fund**

2346. 	DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

**SHRI C.R. CHAUDHARY:**

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has instituted the National Adaptation Fund (NAF), if so, the details of the guidelines under the said Fund and the estimated requirement of funds for the next five years;

(b) the focus areas for which the NAF will give financial assistance;

(c) whether any external assistance is likely to be credited to the NAF, if so, the amount and source of funding;

(d) the various missions of adaptations under NAPCC and SAPCCs receiving funds from NAF; and

(e) whether the private sectors are likely to receive funds from NAF and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

1. & (b) Government has established the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC) with a budget provision of Rs.350 crores for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17, with an estimated requirement of Rs.181.5 crores for financial year 2017-18.  The objective of the fund is to assist State and Union Territories that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting the cost of adaptation.  The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has been appointed as National Implementing Entity (NIE) responsible for implementation of adaptation projects under the (NAFCC).  The templates for project preparation and guidelines for implementation of the project have been prepared.   The guidelines have outlined the objective, priorities, eligible activities, approval process, implementation, monitoring and evaluation mechanism.  The focus of the fund is to assist adaptation projects and programmes to support concrete adaptation activities that reduce the effects of climate change facing communities and sectors.

(c) & (d) As of now, there is no provision for any external assistance to be credited to NAFCC.   The scheme has been recommended and approved by the competent authority in the month of July, 2015.  As such no financial support from NAFCC has been provided so far for adaptation activities under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).

(e)  The Adaptation Fund is to assist States that are particularly vulnerable, based on the needs and priorities identified under the SAPCC and the relevant Missions under NAPCC.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2343 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Prevention of Disability
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: VASANTHI M.

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT**

**DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITES**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2343**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON. 04.08.2015**

**PREVENTION OF DISABILITY**

**2343.SHRI MATI VASANTHI M.**

**Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state**

1. whether the Government is  aware that prevention of disabilities is more important than rehabilitation;
2. if so, whether the Government has any plan to implement any awareness programme in this regard; and
3. if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

**Answers**

**MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT**

**(SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)**

1. Yes
2. Government has launched a Awareness Generation & Publicity Scheme in September, 2014 with an objective to give publicity to the schemes/programmes of the Government through electronic, print, film media etc., to educate Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and civil society about legal rights of PwDs, sensitize the employers on special needs of PwDs, promote awareness and sensitize society on causes leading to disabilities etc. Components, admissible for assistance under the scheme, include setting up a help line for online counselling of the PwDs’; contents development; publications and news media; organizing national events; participation in the international initiatives, to support various programmes, organized by NGOs, or self-help groups; volunteer service/ outreach programme for sensitizing commercial establishment and employers; recreation and tourism; participation in community radio; and media activities.
3. A sum of Rs.0.71 Crore was sanctioned for various projects under this Scheme to different organizations in the financial year 2014-15 for taking up activities for persons with disabilities

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2342 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Pendency of Cases in NHRC
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ELUMALAI VELLAIGOUNDER

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2342

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 4 TH AUGUST, 2015/SHRAVANA 13, 1937 (SAKA)

**PENDENCY OF CASES IN NHRC**

2342.	SHRI ELUMALAI V.:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is a huge pendency of cases in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC);

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

(c) the steps taken by the Government to reduce the pendency?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

**(a) & (b):** As per information received from National Human Rights Commission, as on 30.06.2015, there were a total of 40,941 cases pending for final disposal with the National Human Rights Commission. Out of 40,941 pending cases, 36,717 cases are registered between  01.04.2012 to 30.06.2015 and 4224 cases are registered since inception to 31.03.2012. The 40,941 pending cases include 632 cases, pending for compliance of recommendations for monetary relief.

Reason for pendency is the delay in receipt of requisite reports from the concerned authorities in the State and Central Government.  In some cases, the matter is pending adjudication before Supreme Court/High Court, with a stay on the proceedings before the Commission.   Besides, when the matter is pending before the Supreme Court/High Court, the Commission keeps its decision in abeyance.

(c):	Apart from taking steps including issue of reminders, conditional summons, summons and bailable warrant for expediting receipt of reports, the Commission has been holding Camp Sittings in different States for expediting disposal.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2341 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Promotion of High-Yielding Breeder Onion
Ministry: AGRICULTURE
Asked by: RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION

**LOK  SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2341**

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 4 TH AUGUST, 2015

**PROMOTION OF HIGH-YIELDING BREEDER ONION**

2341. 	SHRI R. DHRUVA NARAYANA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE 	      कृषि मंत्री

be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether the high-yielding breeder onion seeds are being used in Karnataka for farming;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof and the results of yield achieved so far; and

(c)	 the steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote the high-yielding breeder onion seeds in other States also?

### 1 ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

कृषि मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री     (SHRI MOHANBHAI  KUNDARIA)

(a):	Yes, Madam.  High yielding onion seeds are being used in Karnataka for farming.

(b):	Improved high yielding varieties and F 1 hybrids of onion, namely, Arka Kalyan, Arka Niketan,  Arka Pragathi, Arka Bindu, Arka Kirthiman and Arka Lalima developed at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) Bengaluru are being used by farmers in Karnataka.  Nearly sixty thousand kilograms of seeds were produced and distributed during the past 5 years at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru.

National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) in Karnataka distributed 2200 kg. and 650 kg. Agrifound Dark Red onion seed (for kharif season) during 2014-15 & 2015-16 respectively.  During rabi season of 2014-15, 200 kg. of onion seed of variety Agrifound Light Red were distributed.

Efforts made in seed production and distribution of high yielding breeder onion seeds resulted in an increase in the productivity from 12 to 16 tons per hectare.

(c):	Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, assistance is provided to various agencies for production of breeder seeds of onion for further multiplication and distribution.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2338 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Habitat Loss
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2338**

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2015

**Habitat Loss**

2338.		SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA :

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

1. Whether as per the report of the Zoological Survey of India, half of the mammals are facing habitat loss;
2. if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor ; and
3. the corrective steps being taken in this regard ?

**ANSWER**

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

1. & (b)  As per the scientific studies conducted by many organisations of repute including Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), about 50% of mammalian fauna have shrunk in their distributional range due to various anthropogenic pressures.  The habitat loss of mammals is also attributed to the biotic pressure that the habitats of the mammalian fauna experience.

(c) 	Despite huge biotic pressure (about 1/5 th of the world’s population and also about 1/5 th of the world’s cattle population), India hosts around 8% of the world’s biodiversity.  Some important steps taken by the Government for conservation of biological diversity inter alia include: survey and inventorisation of biological resources, assessment of the forest cover to develop an accurate database for planning and monitoring, establishment of Protected Area Networks, designating Biosphere Reserves for conservation of representative ecosystems,  undertaking of species oriented programmes, such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant complemented with ex-situ conservation efforts has made it possible for India to hold on to 8% of the world’s biodiversity.  In addition, Biological Diversity Act 2002 has been enacted which aims at conserving biological resources of the country and regulating access to these resources to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their use. A National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards have been set up for implementing the provisions of the Act.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2337 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Insurance Scheme for Fishermen
Ministry: AGRICULTURE
Asked by: KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL

O.I.H

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2337

TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH AUGUST, 2015

**INSURANCE SCHEME FOR FISHERMEN**

**2337.   SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL:**

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE

be pleased to state:

1. whether the Government is implementing insurance scheme for fishermen;
2. if so, the details thereof and the current rate of the insurance cover provided;
3. whether the Government has any proposal to increase the said rate;
4. if so, the details thereof; and
5. the steps taken by the Government to improve the literacy rate and standard of living of fishermen community in the country?

**ANSWER**

**THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE**

**(DR.SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)**

(a) to (b):	Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries under the Central Sector Scheme “National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen” is implementing a component of the said scheme on “Group Accident Insurance to Active Fishermen” to provide insurance coverage to fishermen registered with the State Governments and Union Territories. The insurance coverage under the scheme includes (i) Rs.2.00 lakh against death or permanent total disability,(ii) Rs.1.00 lakh for partial permanent disability and (iii) Rs.10,000/- towards hospitalization expenses in the event of an accident.

(c) :	No, Madam.

(d):	Does not arise.

(e):	The Central Sector Scheme “National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen” also provides financial assistance for construction of houses, community halls, drinking water facilities and for training the fishermen with a view to improve their living standards and skill up-gradation in fishing and allied activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2336 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-04
Subject: Setting up of Horticulture University
Ministry: AGRICULTURE
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

#### 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

**LOK SABHA**

#### 2 UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2336

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04/08/2015

**SETTING UP OF HORTICULTURE UNIVERSITY**

2336.	SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE **d`f"k ea=h**

be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government has any proposal to set up new Horticulture Universities across the country including Tamil Nadu;

(b)	if so, the details thereof along with the locations identified for setting up of the same; and

(c) 	the time by which such universities are likely to be set up in the country?

**A N S W E R**

### 1 

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

**d`f”k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h**

**(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)**

(a)	Yes, Madam.

**(b) & (c):** In the Union–Budget 2014-2015, announcement was made for establishment of Horticultural Universities in the States of Telangana and Haryana.  There is no proposal for establishment of Horticulture University in Tamil Nadu.

A Notification was issued by the Government of Telangana for establishment of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University with headquarter at Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad.

The Government of Haryana has identified lands for establishing State Horticultural University in Karnal.

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