opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: India-ASEAN Trade Agreement
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: J. JAYASINGH THIYAGARAJ NATTERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2408 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 TH   MAY, 2016

## INDIA-ASEAN TRADE AGREEMENT

## 2408. SHRI J.J.T. NATTERJEE:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether negotiations are underway for India -ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the list of commodities/crops/ agricultural products covered under the agreement and the findings of impact study conducted in this regard; and
- (d) the major points under consideration for negotiation/exclusion/safeguard measures?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh fueZyk lhrkje.k½ ¼Lora= izHkkj½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) & (b): No  Madam.  The  negotiation  for  India-ASEAN  Comprehensive  Economic Cooperation  Agreement  is  not  underway.  Following  Agreements  related  to  India-ASEAN have already been signed:
- (i) India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement signed in 2009.
- (ii) India-ASEAN Trade in Service Agreement signed in November 2014
- (iii) India- ASEAN Agreement on Investment signed in November 2014.
- (c): The list of commodities/crops/agricultural products covered under the agreement may be accessed at http://commerce.gov.in/MOC/international\_trade\_agreements.asp . No impact study of the Agreement has been conducted.
- (d): Question does not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2407 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: PF Contribution by Kingfisher
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: KIRIT SOMAIYA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2407 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## PF CONTRIBUTION BY KINGFISHER

2407. DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether the Government is aware of the anomalies made in the provident fund contribution by now defunct Kingfisher Airlines (KFA);
- (b)if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c)whether the employees of KFA have not been paid their salary and other
- dues;
- (d)if so, whether the Government proposes to launch any investigation in the matter  to  check  whether  the  PF  money  collected  by  the  company  has been deposited to the appropriate authorities; and
- (e)if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  other  steps  taken/being  taken  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

- (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. It has come to the notice of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) that the company had under-reported compliance in respect of 14 International Workers and there were belated remittances of Provident Fund contribution.
- (c): The information is not maintained Centrally.
- (d) & (e)Proceeding under section 7C of the Employees' Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions (EPF & MP) Act, 1952 to re-determine the escaped amount for the period October, 2012 to January, 2014 has been initiated in respect of 14 International Workers.

Further, there are instances of belated remittances of Provident Fund  contribution  by  the  Kingfisher  Limited  for  which  proceedings  under section  14B  and  7Q  of  EPF  &  MP  Act,  1952  to  levy  penal  damages  and interest have been initiated.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2406 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: RMSA in Bihar
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: KIRTI (JHA) AZAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2406 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## RMSA in Bihar

2406. SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

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

- (a)   the  total  amount  of  grants  disbursed  by  the  Government  to  the  State  of  Bihar  under  the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) during the last three years;
- (b)   whether such grants have been fully utilised and if so, the details thereof, head-wise;
- (c) whether the funds disbursed by the Government for developing school infrastructure under the  scheme  have  been  fully  utilised  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor; and
- (d)   the ranking of the State of Bihar based on performance under various heads under RMSA?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a)  &  (b)  The  year  wise  details  of  grants  disbursed  and  utilised  under  Integrated  Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) to Bihar is as under:-

## Figures in Lakhs

| Year        | Component     |   Release (Central Share) | Utilisation (Central Share)   |
|-------------|---------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|
| 2013-14     | Recurring     |                    884.9  | 2344.63                       |
| 2013-14     | Non Recurring |                   6000    | 11.57                         |
| 2013-14     | Sub Total     |                   6884.9  | 2356.2                        |
| 2014-15     | Recurring     |                   2323.68 | 2739.69                       |
| 2014-15     | Non Recurring |                  12160.8  | 16245.74                      |
| 2014-15     | Sub Total     |                  14484.5  | 18985.43                      |
| 2015-16     | Recurring     |                   3601.01 | 2873.36                       |
| 2015-16     | Non Recurring |                      0    | 17873.14*                     |
| 2015-16     | Sub Total     |                   3601.01 | 20746.50                      |
| Grand Total | Grand Total   |                  24970.4  | 42088.13                      |

- (c) As per the provisional utilization certificate for the year 2015-16 submitted by the State Government of Bihar, the total non-recurring grant for developing school infrastructure under the RMSA scheme, disbursed by the Central Government, has been fully utilised.
- (d) Ranking of the States/UTs on the basis of performance is not maintained under RMSA scheme.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Compliance with Orders/Guidelines
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: GANESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2404 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## Compliance with Orders/Guidelines

†2404. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in the State of Uttar Pradesh and Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi are not paying attention to the Government orders despite being covered under University Grants Commission (UGC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that the administration of these universities is carried out as per the Government/UGC guidelines as being followed by the other universities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)  to  (c)  :  Aligarh  Muslim  University  (AMU)  and  Jamia  Millia  Islamia  (JMI)  are  not following the reservation policy of the Government considering themselves to be 'minority institutions'.  The  minority  status  of  AMU  and  JMI  is  sub-judice  before  the  Hon'ble Supreme  Court  of  India  and  the  High  Court  of  Delhi  respectively.  The  Government  has decided  to  revisit  the  issue  of  their  minority  status  to  revert  to  the  stand  that  these Universities are not minority institutions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2403 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Beating Retreat Ceremony in Tripura
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2403 ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY IN TRIPURA

## 2403. SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  sanctioned  funds  to  create infrastructure  for  "beating  retreat"  ceremony  at  AgartalaAkhaura border with Bangladesh, similar to that at Wagah in Punjab;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the funds sanctioned in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (c):   Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned an amount of Rs.99.59 crore under North East Circuit of Swadesh Darshan during 2015-16 for 'Development of North East Circuit: Agartala - Sipahijala - Melaghar - Udaipur - Amarpur - Tirthamukh - Mandirghat - DumboorNarikel Kunja - Gandachara - Ambassa', out of which Rs.9.26 crore is earmarked for Border Ceremony facility at Akaura for Conference block,  wayside  amenities  (cafeteria),  62.5Kva  DG  set,  open  air theatre, toilet block, soil water and liquid waste management, RC retaining  wall,  site  development,  site  filling,  signage,  and  solid waste management.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Review of EPF Scheme
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: CHINTAMAN NAVSHA WANAGA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2402 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## REVIEW OF EPF SCHEME

2402. ADV. CHINTAMAN NAVASHA WANAGA:

Will  the  Minister  of  LABOUR  AND  EMPLOYMENT  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  review/proposes  to review the Employees Provident Fund Scheme;
- (b)if  so,  the  details  and  the  findings  thereof  along  with  the  follow-up action taken thereon;
- (c)whether the Government has received any representations/ proposals from various quarters in this regard; and
- (d)if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): Review of Employees' Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme, 1952 is an ongoing process based on the changing socio-economic scenario.

- (c) & (d): Representations  from  various  quarters/stakeholders  are received for review/amendment of EPF Scheme, 1952. The suggestions so received are considered while carrying out amendment to the Scheme.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Challenges faced by e-Commerce Companies
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: RAGHAV LAKHANPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2399. TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 9 TH  MAY, 2016.

## CHALLENGES FACED BY E-COMMERCE COMPANIES

## 2399.  SHRI RAGHAV LAKHANPAL:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज् यवव द्यग ं ्री

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  some  e-Commerce  companies  in  the  country have infused immense capital from investors;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken/proposes  to  take  any  measures  to  protect  the interests  of  these  investors  including  any  mechanism  by  which  they  can  restrict  or minimize the erosion of capital occurring to small investors due to continued losses from such large companies; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यवव द्यग ााज् यं ्रीस् वतं ््रभााा(स्रींतंरीिरंमलााीरीतंाांि( THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a)&(b): At present no official data on e-commerce companies is being compiled/ available.
- (c)&(d): Government has prescribed adequate disclosure requirements to protect the interests of  investors.  Towards  this  objective,  SEBI  has  framed  SEBI  (Issue  of  Capital  and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 ('ICDR Regulations'). The  ICDR Regulations  permit  issuer  companies  to  freely  price  their  securities  subject  to necessary  disclosures  in  the  offer  document  and  also  subject  to  meeting  certain eligibility  requirements.  The  following,  inter  alia,  are  the  salient  investor  protection measures pertaining to raising of equity capital:
- i) Filing of draft offer document with SEBI;
- ii) Eligibility requirements for making a public issue;
- iii) Minimum Promoters' Contribution and Lock-in;
- iv) Appointment  of   SEBI  registered  Merchant  banker  and  Registrar  to  the issue;
- v) In-principle approval for listing from recognised stock exchanges;
- vi) Post-issue transparency, corporate governance and listing requirements, etc.

Further, the Government undertakes consultations with Industry, Industry-bodies and other stakeholders to address the issues concerning e-commerce industry.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2398 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Schemes to Showcase Culture to Foreign Tourists
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2398 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9.5.2016 VAISAKHA 19, 1938 (SAKA)

## SCHEMES TO SHOWCASE CULTURE TO FOREIGN TOURISTS

## 2398. SHRI  RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any initiative to showcase the composite and rich culture of the country to the foreign tourists during the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has reviewed the utility and impact of this programme;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the new features/flagship programmes being highlighted under this exercise and the measures taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a)&(b) The Ministry of Culture conducts regular programmes to disseminate Indian Art and Culture in India and abroad.  These programmes are accessible to all and not specific to foreign tourists.
- (c)&(d) Question does not arise.
- (e) There are no such flagship programmes
Lok Sabha Question No. 2397 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Education on Yoga
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: HARIOM SINGH RATHORE, JYOTI DHURVE, NEELAM SONKER

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2397 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## Education on Yoga

## †2397.  SHRI HARIOM SINGH RATHORE:

## SHRIMATI JYOTI DHURVE:

## SHRIMATI NEELAM SONKER:

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

- (a) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to initiate education on Yoga in all the schools across the country;
- (b) whether it is a fact that some States are not adopting the Yoga programme and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the reasons therefor;
- (c) the action taken/ being taken by the Government in this regard;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to appoint yoga teachers in all the schools across the country and if so, the details thereof along with the criteria for such appointments;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to include s 'Surya Namaskar' yoga in the education and if so, whether it is likely to endanger religious harmony; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof ?

## A N S W E R MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c)       As per the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)-2005, Yoga is an integral part  of  Health  and  Physical  Education  at  all  level  of  school  education.  Education,  being  a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, and the majority of schools being under the jurisdiction  of  the  State  Governments,  it  is  for  the  respective  State/  Union  Territory Governments to introduce this subject in their schools.  For the schools affiliated to Central Board  of  Secondary  Education  (CBSE),  Health  and  Physical  Education  is  compulsory  for Classes I to X and optional at classes XI and XII.

(d)          Education being in the Concurrent  List of the Constitution, appointment of Yoga teachers is the responsibility of the concerned State/UT.

(e) and (f)  'Surya Namaskar' has been included as one of the activities of yoga in the model syllabi  and  textual  material  developed  by  National  Council  of  Educational  Research  & Training  (NCERT)  based  on  its  scientific  importance  and  not  considering  any  religious aspect.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2396 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Educational Institutions under Ambit of RTI Act
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: RAJ KUMAR SAINI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2396 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## Educational Institutions under Ambit of RTI Act

## †2396. SHRI RAJKUMAR SAINI:

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

- (a) Whether it is a fact that some educational institutions in the country are not covered under Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005;
- (b) If so, the details thereof;
- (c) Whether  the  Government  proposes  to  review  this  matter  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) Whether the Madarsas are kept out of the purview of Right to Information Act; and
- (e) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)to(e):  Every public authority has  to comply with the requirements under Section 4 of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

Public Authority is defined under Section 2 (h) of RTI Act, 2005 as follows :

'any  authority  or  body  or  institution  of  self-government  established  or constituted,-

- (a) by or under the Constitution;
- (b) by any other law made by Parliament;
- (c) by any other law made by State Legislature;
- (d) by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government, and includes any-
- (i) body owned, controlled or substantially financed;
- (ii) non-Government Organisation substantially financed, directly or
- indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government;'

All educational institutions which come under the above definition are covered under RTI Act.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Swachh Vidyalaya Programme
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2395 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  MAY, 2016

## Swachh Vidyalaya Programme

## 2395.  ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that some private firms have participated in construction of toilets under Swachh Vidyalaya initiative;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether more private firms have shown interest to participate in the said programme; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) 12 private firms participated in construction of school toilets under the Swachh Vidyalaya initiative and constructed 3466 toilet blocks during the period from 15.8.2014 to 15.8.2015.
- (c) & (d) Apart  from  the  above,  contributions  were  received  from  private  entities  to  the Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) for construction of school toilets under the initiative. An amount of Rs. 161.68 crore was released from SBK to 24 States Governments for construction of school toilets.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2392 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: MSMEs in Defence Sector
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPIRSES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.2392 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## MSMEs IN DEFENCE SECTOR

## 2392. SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPIRSES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  help  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises (MSMEs) to venture into the defence and space sectors globally;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  put  in  place  an  integrated  Research  and Development (R&D) Programme with the help of top industries and educational institution to enable the MSMEs to compete in the sector globally; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the other steps taken or being taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

- (a) & (b): The  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  &  Medium  Enterprises  (MSME)  works  for promotion  and  development  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  (MSMEs)  in  the country.  The MSMED Act, 2006, specifies criteria for defining MSMEs based on investment in plant & machinery (for manufacturing) and equipment (for services). This covers all the sectors  including  defence  and  space.  In  addition,  Ministry  of  Defence  has  brought  out Defence procurement policy 2016 under which Government funded projects with estimated cost of prototype development phase not exceeding Rs. 10 crore and Industry funded projects with estimated cost of prototype development phase not exceeding Rs. 3 crore are earmarked for MSMEs.
- (c) & (d): As on date, there is no such proposal before the Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2391 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-09
Subject: Amendment in EPFO Rules
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: MANOJ RAJORIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2391 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

## AMENDMENT IN EPFO RULES

2391. DR. MANOJ RAJORIA:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether the Government has amended/proposes to amend/withdraw certain  provisions  of  the  EPF  rules  including  pension  rules  and  if  so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government has reduced/proposes to reduce the interest rates on PF;
- (c)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (d)the likely impact of the said move on the EPF subscribers along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard? ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a): Review  of  Schemes  framed  under  the  Employees'  Provident Funds  &  Miscellaneous  Provisions  (EPF  &  MP)  Act,  1952  is  an  ongoing process based on the changing socio-economic scenario and representations received from various quarters/stakeholders.

Recently, the Government, vide notification No. G.S.R. 158 (E) dated 10.02.2016, amended paragraph 68 NN, 68 O and 69 and introduced a  new  paragraph  68  NNNN  in  the  Employees'  Provident  Funds  Scheme. 1952.  However, the same has since been withdrawn by the Government on 19.04.2016.

As regards amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, the Government, recently, vide notification No. G.S.R. 440 (E) dated 25.04.2016  enabled  EPS  members  to  defer  drawal  of  pension  after  58 years of age but not beyond 60 years of age.

(b):

No, Madam.

- (c) & (d): Do not arise in view of reply to part (b) of the Question above.

******