REPORT NO. 71
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES
SEVENTY-FIRST REPORT
(Presented on 29th December, 2017)
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi December, 2017/Pausa, 1939 (Saka) website : http://rajyasabha.nic.in e-mail : [email protected] Hindi version of this publication is also available.
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES
SEVENTY-FIRST REPORT
(Presented on 29th December, 2017)
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi December, 2017/Pausa, 1939 (Saka)
CONTENTS
PAGES
1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES...... (i)
2. INTRODUCTION...... (iii)
3. ACRONYMS...... (iv)-(xiii)
4. REPORT...... 1-191 Chapter-I Introduction...... 1 Chapter-II Functions of the Committee...... 2-3 Chapter-III Deliberations of the Committee: Ministry- wise...... 4-191 (i) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (ii) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (iii) Ministry of Civil Aviation (iv) Ministry of Coal (v) Ministry of Commerce & Industry (vi) Ministry of Communications (vii) Ministry of Culture (viii) Ministry of Defence (ix) Ministry of Environment & Forest and Climate Change (x) Ministry of Finance (xi) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (xii) Ministry of Home Affairs (xiii) Ministry of Human Resource Development (xiv) Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (xv) Ministry of Labour and Employment (xvi) Ministry of Minority Affairs (xvii) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (xviii) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (xix) Ministry of Power (xx) Ministry of Railways (xxi) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (xxii) Ministry of Rural Development (xxiii) Ministry of Science and Technology (xxiv) Ministry of Shipping (xxv) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (xxvi) Ministry of Steel (xxvii) Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Chapter-IV List of Dropped Assurances...... 192-202
5. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE...... 203-207
6. APPENDICES...... 208-306 (i) Minutes of the Meetings (between 01.11.2016- 31.12.2017)...... 208-264 (ii) Appendix-I Statistical Information...... 265 (iii) Appendix-II Statement of Observations/ Recommendations...... 266-286 (iv) Appendix-III List of visits undertaken by the Committee between 01.11.2016-31.10.2017...... 287-306 COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES (w.e.f. 15.09.2016)
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
2. Shri Husain Dalwai
3. Shri A. U. Singh Deo
4. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
5. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
6. Dr. R. Lakshmanan
7. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
8. Smt. Viplove Thakur
9. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
110. Vacant
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Mukul Pande, Additional Secretary
2. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
3. Shri R.P. Tiwari, Additional Director
4. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Under Secretary
1Vacant due to retirement of Shri Dilipbhai Pandya w.e.f. 18th August, 2017
(i)
INTRODUCTION
I, the Chairman of the Committee on Government Assurances, having been authorized by the Committee to present the report on its behalf, hereby present this Seventy-first Report to the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Report was considered and adopted by the Committee at its meeting held on the 28th December, 2017.
NEW DELHI; SATISH CHANDRA MISRA 28th December, 2017 Chairman, Pausa 7, 1939 (Saka) Committee on Government Assurances, Rajya Sabha
(iii) ACRONYMS AAI Airports Authority of India APO Annual Plan Operations AIBP Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme AAA Rating for funds ATM Automated Teller Machine AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Sciences AERB Atomic Energy Regulatory Board ATVs All Terrain Vehicles ARAI Automotive Research Association of India BLFs Bought Leaf Factories BTS Base Transceiver Station BSNL Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited BASEL Basel Committee on Banking Supervision BSF Border Security Force BBMB Bhakhra Beas Management Board CIL Coal India Limited CMPDI Central Mine Planning and Design Institute CAS Conditional Access System CAMPA Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority
(iv) (v)
CA Chartered Accountant COD Commercial Operation Date CVC Centre Vigilance Commission CEA Central Electricity Authority CVPP Chenab Valley Power Projects CCEA Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs C&AG Comptroller and Auditor General CEO Chief Executive Officer CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CRF Central Road Fund CBI Central Bureau of Investigation CAD Command Area Development CID Criminal Investigation Department CIRT Central Institute of Road Transport CISF Central Industrial Security Force CBEC Central Board of Excise and Customs CRZ Coastal Regulation Zone CGWA Central Ground Water Authority DAS Digital Access System DPRs Detailed Project Reports DPSUs Defence Public Sector Undertakings DFO Divisional Forest Officer (vi)
DSS Data Security Standard DADF Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries DCC Drugs Consultative Committee DHH District Headquarters Hospital DWMA District Water Management Unit DGH Directorate General of Hydrocarbons DST Department of Science and Technology DAE Department of Atomic Energy DC Deputy Commissioner ECL Eastern Coalfields Limited EAC Expert Appraisal Committee EVM Electronic Voting Machine EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction EMC Expenditure Management Committee ESIC Employees' State Insurance Corporation EWS Economically Weaker Sections ECIL Electronics Corporation of India Limited EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FICC Fertilizer Industry Coordination Committee FDI Foreign Direct Investment FCA Fellow Chartered Accountants (vii)
FRA Forward Rate Agreement FAC Forest Advisory Committee FYP Five Year Plan FLS Final Location Survey FIR First Information Report GSFC Gujarat State Financial Corporation GoM Group of Ministers, Government of Maharashtra GOI Government of India GADs General Arrangement Drawings HEP Hydro Electric Power IR Implementation Report IIPM Indian Institute of Planning and Management IMC Inter-Ministerial Committee ITI Industrial Training Institute IDWH Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats IIFCL India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited IRDAI Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India IGNTU Indira Gandhi National Tribal University IOMC Iron Ore / Manganese Ore Cess IITs Indian Institutes of Technology IPRs Intellectual Property Rights (viii)
ITR Integrated Testing Range IMBL International Maritime Boundary Limit IPA Indian Ports Association IWAI Inland Waterways Authority of India JKSPDC Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation JNPT Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust JVC Joint Venture Company KML Keyhole Markup Language KKEC Karo-Karampada Elephant Corridor KMPH Kilometres per hour LBC Left Bank Canal LIC Life Insurance Corporation of India LSDM Limestone & Dolomite Mine LWO Labour Welfare Organisation MTPA Metric Tonnes Per Annum MT Metric Tonnes MADC Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited MCL Mahanadi Coalfields Limited MSO Multiple System Operator MOU Memorandum of Understanding M. Phil Master of Philosophy (ix)
MD Managing Director MSDF Multi-Sectoral Development Fund MsDP Multi-Sectoral Development Programme MNC Multinational Corporation MMT Million Metric Tonnes MNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MPT Mumbai Port Trust NPS New Pension Scheme NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development NSD National School of Drama NDF National Defence Fund NPCI National Payments Corporation of India NITI National Institution for Transforming India NHPC National Hydroelectric Power Corporation NCRB National Crime Records Bureau NEC North East Coast NELP New Exploration Licensing Policy NOC No Objection Certificate NHAI National Highways Authority of India NHDP National Highways Development Project NH National Highway NLMs National Level Monitors (x)
NOGPD New Orange Gate Prince's Dock NPDDR National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction NCCDR National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation NGOs Non Governmental Organisations OTPCL Odisha Thermal Power Corporation Limited OFC Optical Fiber Cable OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer OFB Ordnance Factories Board OMDC Orissa Minerals Development Company OALP Open Acreage Licensing Policy ONGC Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited OBC Other Backward Class OGPD Orange Gate Prince's Dock PAPs Project Affected Persons PSUs Public Sector Undertakings PSF Price Stabilization Fund PhD Doctor of Philosophy PCCF Principal Chief Conservator of Forests PoS Point of Sales PCI Payment Card Industry PSBs Public Sector Banks (xi)
PIB Press Information Bureau PTC Power Trading Corporation PP-LC Purchase Preference (Linked with Local Content) PEZ Petroleum Economic Zone PEC Production Enhancement Contract PSC Production Sharing Contract PEL Petroleum Exploration License PCA Permanent Court of Arbitration PWD Public Works Department PPP Public-Private Partnership POH Periodic Overhauling PIU Project Implementation Unit PE Preliminary Enquiries PHO Primary Health Organisation PRD Program Requirements Document QPR Quarterly Progress Report R&R Resettlement and Rehabilitation RSBY Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana RIPSC Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops RBI Reserve Bank of India RBC Right Bank Canal ROM Run-of-mine (xii)
ROR Run off the River; Records of Revenue RE Renewable Energy RET Reconnaissance Engineering-cum-Traffic RVNL Rail Vikas Nigam Limited RITES Rail India Technical and Economic Service RUB Rail Under Bridge ROB Rail Over Bridge RCF Rail Coach Factory ROW Right of Way RTH Road Transport and Highways RDE Radiological Detection Equipments SP Strategic Partnership SAIL Steel Authority of India Limited SLBC State Level Bankers Committee SPV Special Purpose Vehicle SSM Senior Supervisory Manager ST Scheduled Tribes SC Scheduled Castes SCCL Singareni Collieries Company Limited SPUs Steel Processing Units TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TMCO Tea Marketing Control Order (xiii)
TAC Technical Advisory Committee TAV TV Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd. TSPs Telecom Service Providers TERM Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring Cell TCIL Telecom Consultants India Ltd. TCCC Tertiary Care Cancer Centre TSREDCO Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd. TPP Thermal Power Plant TR&B Transport Roads and Bridges TMT Thirty Meter Telescope TOR Terms of Reference USOF Universal Service Obligation Fund USD United State Dollars VISA Virtual Information Skills Activity VSL Velagapudi Steels Limited WLL Wireless in Local Loop WCT Work Contract Tax REPORT CHAPTER-I INTRODUCTION
The Committee on Government Assurances scrutinizes the assurances, promises, undertakings etc. given by the Ministers on the floor of the Rajya Sabha. Though it is obligatory on the part of the Ministries to fulfill the promises made to the House, however, with a view to ensuring timely fulfillment of the assurances, the Committee takes them up with administrative Ministries. In the process of scrutiny and monitoring the fulfillment of assurances, the Committee determines its own procedure and report to the House on the extent to which such assurances, promises, undertakings etc. have been fulfilled by the Ministries along with other activities undertaken by it. The Committee works as one of the Parliamentary Institutions to ensure the accountability of the executive towards legislature. This report covers deliberations of the Committee from 01.11.2016 to 03.11.2017.
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CHAPTER-II
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE
The assurances arise on the floor of the House when during a reply to any question or discussion, the Minister gives a promise which entails certain actions on the part of the Minister/Ministry. These assurances are culled out by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs from the daily proceedings of the House generally on the basis of a standard list of expressions, constituting assurances. Thereafter these assurances are communicated to the concerned Ministry for their fulfilment. The Secretariat and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the nodal Ministry, culled out in all 424 assurances from the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha during the 241st, 242nd and 243rd Sessions.
2. As per the laid down procedure, an assurance given on the floor of the Rajya Sabha is to be fulfilled within a period of three months and if the Ministry is unable to fulfill the assurance within the stipulated period, it is required to approach the Committee for granting extension of time, giving cogent reasons and the progress made towards fulfillment of the assurance. Generally an extension of three months is granted by the Committee to fulfill the assurance but if a Ministry is unable to fulfill the assurance due to reasons beyond its control, it approaches the Committee for granting further extension of time. The Committee grants further extensions after considering the grounds furnished by the Ministry and at times asks for a detailed or chronological Status Note.
3. With a view to expediting the implementation of assurances, the Committee also undertakes study visits to interact with various State
2 3
Governments and Public Sector Undertakings and other Government Organisations involved in the fulfilment of the assurances in order to obtain first hand information about the issues involved in the fulfillment of the assurances. These visits help the Committee in knowing the views of the Central and State Governments and other agencies involved at the ground level and to understand the difficulties in fulfilling the assurances. In many cases, fulfillment of the assurances is delayed because information by the State Governments is not sent in time to the Administrative Ministry in Central Government. Interaction with the State Governments by the Committee generally has the desired effect in expediting information and resolving the long pending issues between the Centre and the State Governments.
4. On fulfillment of the assurances, the Ministries forward Implementation Reports (IRs) to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. These IRs are duly examined to ascertain whether all aspects of the assurances given on the issue have been covered or not. In case the Committee observes any shortcoming in the IRs, the Ministries are communicated the observations along with the direction to furnish the revised Implementation Report. The Committee scrutinized 677 IRs during the period under report.
5. The Committee also possesses inherent power to drop an assurance on being convinced about genuine difficulties faced by the Ministries in fulfilling the assurances. Accordingly, the Ministries are entitled to approach the Committee for dropping the assurance in case there are problems in fulfilling the assurances which are beyond their jurisdiction or if the Ministry has decided in principle to drop a particular project/scheme on which assurances were given on the floor of the House. The Committee dropped 82 assurances during the period of the report. The details of the assurances considered and dropped by the Committee are given in Chapter-IV. 4
CHAPTER-III
DELIBERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE: MINISTRY-WISE
The Committee scrutinized 677 Implementation Reports (IRs) furnished by the Ministries indicating the fulfillment of the assurances. These were laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha on 09.12.2016, 08.02.2017, 07.04.2017 and 04.08.2017. Out of these, 190 IRs were fulfilled within a period of one year, 437 were fulfilled between 2 to 5 years and 50 were fulfilled after a period of 5 years. 9 IRs were treated as part fulfilled by the Committee and 46 IRs were treated as part fulfilled by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The Ministries were in- turn asked to fulfill these assurances in totality.
Besides scrutiny of the IRs, the Committee also heard the representatives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 03.11.2017 on the various aspects of assurances pending against the Ministry. The Committee also undertook Study Visits to Rajkot, Sasangir and Bhuj from 14th to 20th January, 2017; Leh, Udhagamandalam and Coimbatore from 5th to 13th May, 2017; Amritsar and Indore from 3rd to 8th July, 2017 and Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad from 27th August to 1st September, 2017. During the course of these on-the-spot study visits, the Committee interacted with the representatives of the State Governments and various organisations to which the assurances were related. A Ministry-wise analysis of deliberations the Committee had in relation to pending assurances during the period of this report is as follows.
Sub-heading 'A' denotes - Part fulfilled IR; 'B' denotes - Deliberations during Study Visit; 'C' denotes - Oral Evidence
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1. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 1129 dated 10.03.2017 regarding Farmers suicide in Telangana.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1129 dated 10.03.2017 regarding farmers suicide in Telangana on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know inter alia the district-wise details of suicides committed by large farmers during 2015 and 2016 in Telangana along with the reasons therefor; the Minister had replied that the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and disseminates information on suicides. As per NCRB report, in Telangana, 1358 farmers had committed suicide in the year 2015; however, information pertaining to the year 2016 was not published by the NCRB. Bankruptcy, Indebtedness, farming related issues, family problems and illness were main causes of suicides among farmers.
(c) The Committee observed that the instant question sought to know the reasons for suicides by big farmers, whereas the Ministry surprisingly, furnished data pertaining to suicides by farmers published by NCRB in reply. The Committee desired to know about data on suicides by big farmers and the reasons of their suicides; what relief was provided to the family in case of suicides? The Committee further desired to know from the representatives of the State as well as Central Government 6
about steps taken to make agriculture remunerative so as to save farmers from committing suicides. (d) The representative of the NCRB informed the Committee that earlier data regarding suicides of farmers without land holding details was being compiled and maintained by the NCRB, however, from 2016 onwards data regarding suicides by farmers and farming labours along with land holdings was being compiled by NCRB. He assured the Committee that within one month time the data, so compiled, would be furnished. (e) The representative of the Government of Telangana submitted that the State was vulnerable to drought and 2/3rd area of the State was rain fed. Also, unsuitable cropping pattern was being adopted by the farmers. He informed that 123 and 96 big farmers committed suicide during the year 2015 and 2016, respectively, in the State. Natural calamities, droughts, pest attacks and mounting of debts year after year, consequent social humiliation faced by the family, financial extortion and psychological trauma resulting in social disconnect were various reasons leading to eventual suicides. He further informed that to mitigate the distress and debt of deceased family members of farmers who had committed suicides due to failure of agriculture, the State Government of Telangana, had enhanced the ex-gratia to ` 5.0 lakhs from ` 1.0 lakh and loan settlement ceiling limit up to Rs. 1.0 lakh from ` 50,000/- w.e.f. 02.06.2014. As on 31.03.2017, a total loan of ` 17000 crores had been waived off and 36.3 lakhs farmers got benefitted under this scheme. In addition, the following measures to provide social cushion to deceased family members had also been taken up:
(i) Admission of the children in social welfare schools and hostels, 7
(ii) Allotment of houses under Indira Awas Yojana,
(iii) Economic support under different schemes and
(iv) Pensions, etc.
(f) He further stated that for the welfare of farmers and making them self-reliant, the State Government was working on various projects such as huge investment in irrigation projects with a view to provide irrigational water to one crore acres of land which would cover more than 80% of total cultivable land; free of cost pesticides and 9 hours free electricity were being supplied to farmers which would be raised to 24 hours; investment assistance programme under which farmers would get ` 4,000 per acre financial assistance in both crop seasons to buy inputs such as seeds, pesticides and fertilizers etc., market intervention through federations to avoid distress sale; relief from private money lender etc.
(g) The Committee feels that for an agrarian country with over 60% of its people depending directly or indirectly upon agriculture, the issue of ceaseless cases of farmers' suicide is an ignominious fact and it is disheartening that persons feeding the nation ended their lives in this manner. The Committee understands that there is no systematic institutional and organizational planning in cultivation, irrigation, harvesting etc. and the agriculture sector remains largely unorganized. The Committee, however appreciates the efforts being made by the State Government of Telangana for farmers and observes that since the farmers in the country face significant monsoon- related challenges, the Central and State Governments 8
should ensure advising the farmers through their own ingenious way on crop sowing patterns, alternate crop selection in low rainfall scenario, different irrigation techniques, water and soil moisture conservation etc. so that farmers can reap maximum benefit of their efforts and inputs. The Committee recommends that the data pertaining to farmers' suicide for 2016 should be furnished at the earliest so that the assurance could be liquidated.
2. MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 971 dated 13.12.2013 regarding recovery of dues from Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.
(a) The Committee interacted with the management of Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC) and representatives of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 971 dated 13.12.2013 regarding recovery of dues from GSFC at Bhuj on 18.01.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know inter alia why Government was contemplating recovery of outstanding dues from GSFC on account of use of molten urea for manufacture of Melamine despite the fact that no subsidy had been paid to GSFC for molten urea, the Minister had replied that the decision in respect of recovery of outstanding dues from GSFC on account of use of molten urea for manufacture of Melamine was under consideration. The Committee asked the representatives of the Ministry to inform 9
what dues were being recovered from GSFC and under which provision; the quantum of outstanding dues on part of GSFC; how much amount had been recovered so far.
(c) The representative of the GSFC informed the Committee that in 1978, GSFC was granted industrial license for production of 5000 MTPA of Melamine at Vadodara unit using domestic raw material "Molten Urea". Condition 5(ii) of the license clearly stipulated that no import of raw material i.e. Urea for production of Melamine would be permitted. Since then GSFC had been manufacturing Melamine from Molten Urea available in its Urea plants thereby saving foreign exchange and preventing dumping of this material. In 1997, it had scaled up Melamine capacity by 10,000 MTPA. He further submitted that GSFC had always intimated the fact of use of Molten Urea for Melamine production through the Annual Production Plan submitted to Department of Fertilizers (DoF) and the Department invariably approved the Annual Production Plan for the Urea net off the consumption of Molten Urea for Melamine. Department of Fertilizers had been giving the Movement Plan to GSFC and also paid subsidies for the Urea plant which clearly indicated that there were no issues related to this production capacity. Regarding subsidy, he informed that GSFC had claimed subsidy to the extent of Urea supplied for agriculture purpose and no subsidy had ever been paid on the Molten Urea used for Melamine. Thus, the proposed recovery based on misapprehension would amount to recovery of subsidy which was never paid to the company.
(d) He further apprised the Committee that Fertilizer Industry Coordination Committee (FICC) had allocated costliest gas to 10
the Molten Urea used for production of Melamine and had effected recovery of ` 84 Crores from GSFC on this account. This recovery in the past was also tacit acceptance by Department of Fertilizers of the fact that the production of molten urea was within four corners of the law. Therefore, had policy makers wanted GSFC to not use Molten Urea for Melamine, they would have specifically stated so. So the assumption of diversion of Urea under New Pricing Scheme was clearly facile. Industrial license was granted in perpetuity and its withdrawal affected GSFC's fundamental rights to conduct business. Therefore, the argument relating to New Pricing Scheme-III mentioned in the show cause notice was without basis. GSFC had been producing Melamine through this route on specific approval of Government of India and the plant had been designed in a fashion to meet with the licensing conditions mentioned above. In an integrated plant, after 25 years, it would be very difficult to change the manufacturing process. A show cause notice was given to GSFC in October, 2014 stating that due to diversion of Urea as above, Department of Fertilizers had to import more Urea to that extent from outflow. A suitable reply had been furnished to Department of Fertilizers. However, to settle the matter amicably, in October, 2016 GSFC had offered to pay ` 19.41 crores, on the presumption that deficit in the Urea production as compared to approved production plan was used for Melamine production during Show Cause notice period from 2006-07 to 2012-13.
(e) The representative of GSFC also requested Department of Fertilizers to recognise consumption of Molten Urea for Melamine production as permissible in view of approval of Government of India and earmark 48000 MT capacity of Molten 11
Urea required as raw material for Melamine Plants and release the amount of Urea subsidy of ` 96.84 crores withheld on presumption of unauthorised diversion and waive the interest charges purported to be levied on notional recovery. The representative further informed that to give a permanent solution to the problem, the GSFC had invested in a new plant spending over 800 crore rupees.
(f) The representative of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers informed the Committee that Audit had submitted a draft para on 'in-adequate monitoring of diversion of Urea for non agricultural purpose' wherein audit had observed that New Pricing Scheme-III for urea announced by Department of Fertilizers on 08.03.2007 did not permit sale/diversion of urea for non agricultural use within 100% of reassessed capacity. The audit para further confirmed that during 2006-2011, GSFC was utilising 74-88% of its capacity and had diverted/sold urea for non agricultural use within 100% Re-Assessed Capacity which was in violation of the policy provision of New Pricing Scheme-III. Accordingly Audit had recommended recovery of ` 96.84 crores and also suggested recovery of ` 57.39 crores as interest. The matter was examined in Department of Fertilizers and with the approval of Minister of State (Chemicals and Fertilizers and S&PI) it was decided to make recoveries for the quantity of Urea diverted for non agricultural use from M/s GSFC. However, before any recovery was to be effected, it was decided to give a reasonable opportunity to GSFC by serving a Show Cause Notice in the first instance. Accordingly, a Show Cause Notice was issued to GSFC asking as to why action should not be initiated against the company. 12
(g) The representative further informed that a detailed reply had been received from GSFC wherein it was pointed out that the company had not breached any condition of New Pricing Scheme I, II & III or any policy provision for urea prevailing from time to time neither had done any unauthorised diversion of urea for Melamine production. GSFC had requested to withdraw the show cause notice and to recognize consumption of Molten Urea for Melamine production as permissible. Subsequently, GSFC had given few representations which had been examined in the Department and no justification had been found in them. The matter was under consideration of the Department for obtaining the approval of the Competent Authority to effect recovery.
(h) The Committee observes that GSFC is the pioneer company making available indigenous Melamine and has already invested a lot of money in the area. Any set back to the company would benefit foreign players besides raising the price of the product. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers may take a balanced view and settle the matter amicably so that the assurance could be liquidated.
(ii) USQ No. 1436 dated 05.12.2014 regarding rake points for fertilizers in Madhya Pradesh.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministries of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Railways in connection with the issues raised in SQ No. 1436 dated 05.12.2014 regarding rake points for fertilizers in Madhya Pradesh on 08.07.2017 at Indore. 13
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know inter alia the places where rake points were situated in Madhya Pradesh, the measures taken for strengthening them and the places where new rake points would be opened; and the action being taken to establish new rake points at Shujalpur, Garoth, Shahdol, Bhind, Dalauda, Salamatpur and Obaidullanganj in Madhya Pradesh, inter alia assurance was given that the information was being collected from Ministry of Railways and will be laid on the table of the House.
(c) The Committee expressed its anguish over the fact that more than 2 years had passed since the assurance was given but the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers had neither informed the Committee about any further development in the matter nor sought further extension of time. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry the reasons for ignoring the Committee. The Committee asked the representatives of Ministry of Railways to inform why they were taking so long to respond; whether a decision had been taken regarding strengthening the existing rake points and the places where new rake points would be opened in Madhya Pradesh; whether there were any hindrances coming in the way.
(d) The representatives of the Ministry of Railways informed that creation, strengthening, development and upgradation of rake points was an ongoing activity and proposals were taken for sanction and execution based on operational requirement, commercial viability, financial justification, technical feasibility, resource availability and overall priority in gamut of sanctioned projects. They further informed that there were 74 rake points 14
available in Madhya Pradesh which included Shujalpur, Garoth, Shahdol, Bhind, Dalauda, Salamatpur and Obaidullaganj. Tikamgarh was the new upcoming rake point in Madhya Pradesh which would become operational with completion of Mahoba-Khajuraho-Lalitpur section. They also informed that the rake point at Tikamgarh was opened in 2015 but there was no loading/unloading for 6 months. The representative of the Western Railways informed that it was a commercial decision and they could manage even if they got one loading in two days. On being asked how the rake point would be utilised in case of no demand, the Committee was informed that it would be used for keeping trains. On being further asked about the difference between rake point and siding he informed that while rake points consisted of 2-3 lines dedicated for loading/ unloading freight at stations, sidings were places reserved for the industries away from the stations.
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers informed that action in the matter was to be taken by the Ministry of Railways and no action was pending on their part and they would furnish the Implementation Report after receiving information from the Ministry of Railways.
(f) The representative of the Government of Madhya Pradesh informed that out of the 74 existing rake points in Madhya Pradesh, 34 were being used for fertilisers and a request had been made for upgradation of 24 rake points by way of strengthening of existing railway line. There was positive response from the side of Central Government and a Coordination Committee had been formed for resolution of the issues and to take the matter forward. 15
(g) The Committee was satisfied with the replies and directed the representatives of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to obtain the necessary information from the Ministry of Railways and liquidate the assurance. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers furnished an Implementation Report on 31.8.2017 which has been treated as satisfactory fulfilment of assurance.
3. MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
A - Part fulfilled IR
(i) Assurance given in reply to USQ. No. 2114 dated 12.12.2006 regarding Operation of Pune Airport.
(a) In response to question asked to know details of Government's decision on a civilian airport at Pune and by when it would become operational, the Minister had inter alia replied that MIDC has been requested to provide the meterological data of the new site in co-ordination with Indian Meterological Department. After receipt of these details, a technical study will be carried out and thereafter appropriate decision will be taken by the Government in the matter.
(b) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report vide their OM dated 14.07.2017 inter alia giving details of development in the matter regarding selection of sites and stating that though the proposal of Government of Maharashtra (GoM) for the new Greenfield International Airport in Pune exists from 2006, though a number of sites had been inspected, it could not be finalized.
(c) On examination, the Implementation Report was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance on being observed that final 16
approval was yet to be given for the airport and the Ministry was directed to fulfill the assurance in totality, indicating the final decision in the matter.
(d) The Ministry furnished a Revised Implementation Report vide their O.M. dated 23.08.2017 stating that subsequently, on 11.09.2016, AAI technical team inspected six sites provided by M/s. MADC, GoM and found that the site at 1A falling in the Munjawadi, Pargaon Memane villages at an aerial distance of 28 Km from Pune city centre was feasible and recommended. MADC had undertaken the OLS of the proposed site in February 2017 and AAI had vetted the same and MADC has appointed a consultant for preparation of Detailed Project Report in February, 2017. As per Greenfield Airport Policy, the developer has to submit the proposal in the prescribed format for 'site clearance' and thereafter 'in principle' approval would be given. After finalization of the site for Greenfield Airport, GoM has to submit the proposal as per Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008.
(e) The revised implementation report was also treated as part fulfilment of assurance due to divergent views furnished by the Ministry in two separate Implementation Reports.
(f) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should take up the issue with the Government of Maharashtra and apprise the Committee.
(ii) Assurance given in reply to SQ. No. 106 dated 08.03.2016 regarding new airports in Uttarakhand.
(a) In response to a supplementary question asked during oral reply of the question that how many States have sent a proposal 17
to establish airports in their States and action taken on the proposal given by Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Minister had replied that I would collect the information and reach it out to the Hon. Member. (b) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report vide their OM dated 14.07.2017 stating that Greenfield Airport Policy had been framed for formation of new Greenfield Airports in the country. As per the Greenfield Airport Policy, the applicant proposing to set up an airport would make an application to the Steering Committee in the format enclosed at Annex-III thereof for site clearance and thereafter for 'in-principle' approval. Till now, various State Governments had sent proposals which were examined in the Ministry as per the Greenfield Airport Policy. After their examination, Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation had granted ‘in principle' approval for setting up of the 18 Greenfield Airports in the country, viz. Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhurdurg in Maharashtra, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Hasan and Shimoga in Karnataka, Kannur in Kerala, Durgapur in West Bengal, Dabra in Madhya Pradesh, Pakyong in Sikkim, Karaikal in Pondicherry, Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera in Gujarat and Kagadarthi Mendal, Nellore District, Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram District near Visakhapatnam and Oravakallu in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. Further, Government of India had granted "site clearance" approval for setting up of 5 Greenfield Airports in the country viz. Machiwara, Ludhiana Airport, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, Alwar in Rajasthan and Kothaguddem in Telangana.
(c) On examination, the Implementation Report was treated as part-fulfilment of the assurance on being observed that the 18
details of information in respect of proposed airports at Kushinagar and Jewar in U.P. had not been provided.
(d) The Ministry subsequently furnished the requisite information in respect of proposed airports at Kushinagar and Jewar in U.P. vide their O.M. dated 28.08.2017. As the information furnished was found to be in fulfilment of assurance, the Ministry was advised to furnish an Implementation Report on the basis of the same, which is awaited.
(e) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should furnish the Implementation Report and liquidate the assurance in the Winter Session of 2017.
B- Deliberations during Study Visit
(iii) USQ No. 1810 dated 21.07.2009 regarding naming of international airport at Amritsar (and Chandigarh); and
(iv) Point raised on 23.03.2017 regarding renaming of Chandigarh Airport as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Governments of Punjab and Haryana and Ministry of Civil Aviation in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1810 dated 21.07.2009 regarding naming of international airport at Amritsar (and Chandigarh); and Point raised on 23.03.2017 regarding renaming of Chandigarh Airport as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether Punjab Legislative Assembly had passed resolutions to name the International Airport at Amritsar after Guru Ram Dass and the new airport coming at Mohali after 19
Shaheed Bhagat Singh and by when Government would announce the name of those airports, the Minister had inter alia stated that the proposals were being examined by Government. The Ministry vide its Status Note dated 15.12.2016 informed that while renaming of Amritsar Airport as "Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport" was approved by the Cabinet in 2010, consensus between the State Governments of Haryana and Punjab could not be realized on the issue of naming of Chandigarh Airport despite several continued efforts. The Committee noted that though there was a consensus on the name of Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, but the Government of Punjab desired that the name of the city in the airport should be Mohali and not Chandigarh. In a recent development, Haryana had sent a fresh resolution passed in the State Assembly to name the terminal as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh", response from Punjab Government was awaited. The Committee further noted that the assurance on the subject was given way back in 2009 and almost 8 years had passed since then but the name of the Chandigarh airport had not been finalised and desired to know the present status of the issue. The Committee asked the representative of Government of Haryana to inform whether they were still sticking to their stand on the issue.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed that the proposal for naming the new terminal at Chandigarh Airport was examined in the Ministry and taken up for approval of the Union Cabinet but could not be finalized due to difference of opinion between the Government Punjab and Haryana. Though the matter was taken up with both the State Governments, they reiterated their earlier stand and did not 20
agree to a common name. In order to resolve the issue, the then Minster of State, Civil Aviation had taken up the matter with the Chief Ministers of both the States on 18.03.2016 and suggested passing a fresh resolution in their respective Legislative Assemblies. While Haryana Government had sent a resolution passed in the Haryana Legislative Assembly on 31.03.2016 to name the terminal as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh" response from Punjab Government was awaited. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, on 28.02.2017 had again written a letter to the Government of Punjab, but the response from Government of Punjab in the matter had not been received so far. Despite taking up the matter with the highest authorities in the State Governments, the issue could not be resolved. The Government of Punjab was being requested to expedite the matter and intimate their decision to the Ministry urgently. There had been no progress in the case since almost six long years despite continuous efforts by the Ministry. He further informed that a policy on 'Naming/Renaming of Airports' was under consideration, which proposes that hence forth, all civil airports in the country should be known by the name of the city in which they were located. (d) The representative of the Government of Punjab informed that since terminal building of the airport was on revenue land of Mohali, Punjab, therefore the name of the airport should be "Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali". In May 2017, the Chief Minister of Punjab had written a letter to Minister of State, Civil Aviation reiterating his stand.
(e) The representative of the Government of Haryana while reiterating his stand informed that since 75% of airport land 21
belonged to Union Territory of Chandigarh therefore Haryana Government had no objection if the airport was named as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh".
(f) The Committee noted that the concurrence of both the State Governments i.e. Punjab and Haryana was essential to resolve the issue but failed to understand why the Government of Punjab was insisting on Mohali to be added after the name of legend Sardar Bhagat Singh when major part of the airport fell in Chandigarh. Delaying an issue for such a long period wherein the name of a legendary leader Sardar Bhagat Singh was involved does not go well with the kind of respect commanded by the leader in the country. The Committee directed the Ministry to call a meeting of higher officers of Punjab and Haryana Governments and resolve the issue.
(g) As the issue was not resolved even after repeated attempts, the Ministry sent a request to the Committee to drop the assurances. The Committee at its meeting held on 13.10.2017 acceded to the request of Ministry and the assurances were dropped.
4. MINISTRY OF COAL
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2085 dated. 05.12.2016 regarding Human rights violation of tribal people in coal mines.
(a) The Committee interacted with the management of Odisha Thermal Power Corporation Limited (OTPCL), some Central Sector Coal PSUs and representatives of the Ministry of Coal in connection with issues raised in USQ No. 2085 dated 22
05.12.2016 regarding Human rights violation of tribal people in coal mines at Bhubaneswar on 29.08.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know details of reports from Amnesty International regarding human rights violations against tribal people in Indian coal mines; land acquired for expansion of coal mines by Coal India Ltd. and its subsidiaries; whether the required compensation was paid to the land owners and the promised jobs given to them, State-wise; complaints received regarding violations in coal mines and action taken thereon, the Minister had informed that information was being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. The Committee desired to know whether the information assured had been collected; whether cases of human rights violation were observed; whether they were inquired into; what action had been taken against the violators; whether compensation in all land acquisition cases had been paid or there were pending cases.
(c) The representatives of the Coal PSUs present unanimously informed that there were no violations of human rights within their areas of jurisdiction/operation and they were paying rightful compensation in land acquisition cases. They further informed that though as per extant CIL policy, one employment was to be provided against acquisition of minimum 2 acres of land, in compliance with Odisha R&R Policy, MCL was providing employment to land owners loosing even very meagre land (i.e. even at 0.03 acre of land). Finalisation of land and structure compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement benefit to the land losers were undertaken by Claims Commission appointed by Supreme Court of India and a 3 Member Committee was set 23
up to screen the applications. Out of 13 villages coming under Claims Commission, payment of compensation, rehabilitation, resettlement benefit in respect of 10 villages was on the verge of completion. ` 795.25 crores had been disbursed to the beneficiaries on account of land compensation and also 1439 persons had been given employment/cash in lieu of employment/ annuity. The representative of MCL informed that as per R&R cash compensation was 8.2 lakh rupees but they were giving 16 lakh rupees per person. In case a person did not opt for cash compensation, he was being given 12,000 per month with ` 500/- enhancement every two years upto 60 years. Annuity was given to legal heir in case of land owners death. On being asked about fate of acquired land after closure of mines by companies, he informed that though there was no provision in the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, they had started making it habitable and building colonies there to tide over the scarcity of land for developing colonies for rehabilitating the displaced persons. He stated that 3 options were given for construction of House on 1 decimal land viz. i) MCL would make house; or ii) pay ` 2.74 lakh for house building; or iii) pay cost of land to person. The land was either given by State Government and/or purchased by PSUs in case of inability of State Government to provide land. As observed by Supreme Court there no boundary walls were erected around the colony to allow free movement to collect minor forest produce for cooking.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Coal on being asked about the stand of Government on the issue whether Coal PSUs could frame their own policies for compensating/ 24
rehabilitating persons to the extent they did not override the Central Act, stated that they had to go for compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency In Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
(e) The Committee observes that though Coal mining was integral to India's economic progress, development was hollow without respect for human rights and the tribal people had equal rights on the natural resources and economic development and therefore deserved to be equally compensated. The Committee recommends that tribals should be properly counseled while being given cash compensation to ensure its safe utilization for their welfare as they were innocent people unaware of its value. The Committee further recommends that options may be explored for taking mines on lease for a limited period of their commercial exploitation for coal reserves instead of acquiring it so that the tribals retain the ownership of their land as the Committee feels that while the compensation suffices only for one generation, the land took care of the family for many generations.
(f) The Committee also recommends that the Ministry of Coal should collect and furnish the information on Human Rights violation of Tribal people in coal mines within two months and liquidate the assurance.
(ii) USQ No. 2309 dated 08.08.2016 regarding allocation of coal block to Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. in Odisha.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Odisha, managements of Odisha Thermal Power 25
Corporation Limited (OTPCL), Coal India Limited (CIL) Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and representatives of Ministry of Coal in connection with issues raised in USQ No. 2309 dated 08.08.2016 regarding allocation of coal block to Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. in Odisha at Bhubaneswar on 29.08.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether the Chief Minister of Odisha had requested the Central Government to cancel Tentuloi coal block and allocate other suitable coal block to Odisha Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (OTPCL) as Techno Commercial mining viability of the block upto depth of 900 meters made it unsuitable for mining as most of the coal was located at greater depth and what action had been taken by Ministry on the application submitted by OTPCL for allocating Baitarani east coal block against the cancellation of Tentuloi coal block, the Minister had inter-alia informed that it was decided to constitute a Committee by Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and co- opt a member nominated by Government of Odisha. Government of Odisha had nominated CEO (In-charge) of OTCPL to be member of the Committee. The report of the Committee was awaited.
(c) The Committee further noted that the Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry on 24.10.2016 stating that report of the Committee has been received was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance by the Committee as details of action taken by the Ministry on the application submitted by OTPCL was not given. Subsequently, the Ministry vide their communications in June and August, 2017 informed that the recommendations 26
of Technical Committee which examined the issue relating to Tentuloi Coal Block and alternative coal block in lieu, were sent to the Government of Odisha for seeking their views and further action would be taken after receiving the views of the State Government. The Committee at the outset desired to know about the recommendations of the Technical Committee and when these recommendations were sent to the State Government? Further, the Committee desired to know from the representative of the State Government whether they had finalized their views on these recommendations and by when they would revert back to the Central Ministry. How much time the Central Ministry would take thereafter in finalizing the issue?
(d) The representative of OTPCL, an Odisha State Government PSU, informed that they had given their requirements and stated that Tentuloi and other blocks offered were unsuited to their requirements and they needed a coal block near power plant for which they were looking for a block in Talcher. On being asked whether they had furnished their response on the Report of Technical committee, he replied in negative but said they would reply in a week.
(e) The representative of CIL informed that though 8 other blocks were deliberated, but some had more coal than the requirement of OTPCL and some had been allotted to others.
(f) The representative of the Ministry of Coal informed that they had written to the State Government on 20.04.2017 to reconsider Talcher with re-drawn boundaries, however reply to it was awaited. 27
(g) The Committee observes that though Odisha coal production accounted for 25% of total coal production of the country, it is strange that it is not getting coal for itself and recommends that the Ministry of Coal should involve CIL and discuss the matter for arriving at an early consensus and thereafter furnish a reply to the Committee.
5. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 651 dated 08.02.2017 regarding revenue insurance scheme for plantation crops.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Tamil Nadu and managements of Commodities Boards, General Insurance Companies and representatives of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry and Finance in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 651 dated 08.02.2017 regarding revenue insurance scheme for plantation crops on 10.05.2017 at Udhagamandalam (Ooty).
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know whether Government was considering Revenue Insurance Scheme for plantation crops and whether the said insurance scheme would be in lieu of the existing Price Stabilization Fund Scheme, 2003; the salient features of the proposed scheme with its date of commencement, names of the crops involved and area of operation; and whether Government would include the main rubber growing districts of Kerala, it was informed that the Department of Commerce had approved the Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops (RISPC) for protecting 28 growers of plantation crops from the twin risks of yield loss due to adverse weather parameters, pest attacks etc. and income loss caused by fall in international/domestic prices. The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) Scheme, 2003 was closed on 30.09.2013 and RISPC was an improved form of the PSF Scheme. The RISPC was approved on 16.09.2016 and would be implemented on a pilot basis for 2 years covering tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and tobacco in eight districts in the States of West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu by the Commodity Boards. On the basis of performance of the pilot project, the scheme would be considered for extension to other districts. The Committee desired to know from the representative of the Ministry the reasons why the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) Scheme, 2003 could not take off and was closed; how the new RISPC was improved upon the PSF Scheme. What was the criterion for selection of districts in Pilot Project; what were the salient features of the new scheme as asked in the question particularly on issues how loanee and non-loanee growers would be treated; how fall in international prices would be calculated; how public awareness for the scheme was reached out and the monitoring aspect of it. The Committee also desired to know from the representatives of General Insurance Companies about calculation of the premium rates and indemnity limits; whether there was any premium subvention scheme for the growers; whether the scheme was compulsory or optional; what marketing strategies would be adopted by the Insurance companies to reach maximum intended growers; what would be time-limit for claim settlement in case of adverse seasonal events or sharp price fluctuation? 29
(c) The representatives of the Commodity Boards unanimously stated that it was a good scheme but high level of indemnity could lead to inefficiency in farmers. They informed that individual farmers may suffer loss but may not get claim as it was based on areas affected, however, in case of localised claims a joint team was deputed to assess losses and they were settled in 30 days. They further informed that they were in talks with insurance companies and the targeted beneficiaries to arrive at mutually agreed terms for rolling out the scheme.
(d) The representatives of the General Insurance Companies unanimously informed that they had their reservations and it was difficult for them to provide insurance cover as RIPSC provided for high indemnity level i.e. upto 80% and to make it viable for insurers, they suggested to cap it at 70%. They further informed about some of their concerns viz. calculation of insurance premium on the basis of yield and price data of previous five years. They informed that they had suffered losses in the past in such schemes and Coffee insurance experience showed that farmers were averse to paying premium and being small labourers they were interested in getting double amount after paying premium. They also informed that for sustainable price they needed yield and price data of at least past 10 years for calculating realistic premium from actuarial point of view to protect their interest. They also stated that the Yield Estimation was based on "Eye Estimation" (both past, present and future) and there was no standard methodology for yield estimation available which was also a cause of concern. Also there was lack of clarity regarding growers to be covered on compulsory basis. They further stated that while the sum insured for loanee farmer was limited to scale of finance, for 30
non-loanee farmer it was to be calculated taking into account past 5 years average yield; past 5 years average price; percentage of indemnity level. They further informed that while Tea Board was implementing the scheme through National Insurance Company, other commodities Boards were holding discussions with Insurance Companies to decide upon mutually agreed terms and bids were yet to be floated by them.
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed that the Ministry had launched a Pilot Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops (RISPC) in September, 2016. It was an improved form of the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) Scheme, 2003 which was closed in 2013 which could not take off due to certain weaknesses viz. the PSF was not linked to landholdings and would kick in only when prices fell below a certain percentage of average prices prevailing over the past few years. The growers had complained that it had stringent criteria for determination of distress and had also demanded to include both small and large growers. Though the Government had also introduced a weather-based crop insurance scheme for the coffee growers to cover the yield risks, the scheme despite being highly subsidized was largely unsuccessful for various reasons including lack of adequate awareness, complex methodology and poor payouts. The RIPSC aimed to protect the growers of plantation crops from twin risks of yield loss due to pest attacks, adverse weather parameters etc. and income loss caused by fall in domestic and international prices thereby stabilizing income of growers to ensure their sustainability. It would cover tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and tobacco plantations and would be implemented by the respective Commodity Boards on a pilot basis for two 31
years i.e. till 2018 in eight districts in West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu and the insurance premium would be shared by Central Government, State Government and growers in the ratio of 75:15:10. On the basis of performance of the scheme in pilot project, it would be considered for extension to other districts. Elaborating further she informed the Committee about the salient features of the scheme (www.commerce.gov.in). (f) The representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu informed that the State Government was sensitive about the welfare of the workers and had agreed to give 15% share as decided for participating in the RIPSC. The Plantation Labour Act, 1961 was enforced in the State to ensure that labourers got proper health care, education for their children, warm clothing etc. Minimum wages had been fixed which got revised from time to time and the current minimum wage fixed this year for labourers was ` 234. The Committee was further informed that the State Agriculture Department had come up with App based technology to help farmers for soil/water testing to decide about crop suitability and new crops were being considered under scheme viz. mango and also drip irrigation was being promoted. (g) The Committee also interacted with small tea growers at Balacola Mahalinga Tea Growers Society near Ooty who made following submissions before the Committee:– (i) The proposal that the average price for the insured crop based on average domestic/international auction/indictor price of the last 5 years was already proven to be loss making endeavour, was a cause of concern and would not benefit the Nilgiris Small Tea Growers. 32
(ii) As observed by Hon'ble Madras High Court, that the artificial market sources are at play at the Tea Market, Government of India must endeavour to provide a realistic price. Also Expert Committee of IIPM (Indian Institute of Plantation Management) appointed by the Government had also found that the Small Tea Growers could not be able to realize their due price due to artificial market forces coupled with the mismanagement and deliberate misdeeds of the Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs).
(iii) Therefore in addition to the cost of production of Green Tea Leaves at ` 16/- base year 2013 should be the indicator for fixing the realistic price for Green Tea Leaves. Taking escalation of cost at least one rupee per annum for the last 3 years, i.e. ` 3/-, the cost of production of 1 kg. of Green Tea Leaves as on 01.05.2017 should be fixed at ` 19/-.
(iv) Further as suggested by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, that small farmers were entitled for at least 50% extra to the cost of production. Thus, the realistic/bench mark price for Small Tea Growers for 1 kg of Green Tea Leaves comes to ` 28.50/-which needs to revised annually.
(v) Hence, ` 28.50/- (as on 01.05.2017) should be the base rate receivable by the Nilgiris Small Tea Growers, and for the purpose of insurance, the price fluctuation must be arrived at, taking the above rate as the Base Rate into consideration.
(vi) Tea being the perennial crop, fixing crop season to Green Tea Leaves may not be advisable and crop insurance 33
should be made available on the basis of the annual average crop yield per acre.
(vii) The Government of India should ensure that the State Governments pays 15% premium and it was not made a liability on the Small Tea Growers by making appropriate amendment to the Tea Marketing Control Order (TMCO) Act.
(h) The Committee expresses its concern over the plight of plantation crops growers viz. rubber, coffee and tea. The Committee feels that they are highly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature and volatility in global prices and have been reeling under the impact of the sharp price fluctuations since past few years. As the previous schemes launched by the Government has failed to insulate the plantation growers of the various vagaries, it is all the more important that all out efforts are made to make the scheme a success. The Committee observes that so far only Tea Board has started negotiations with the insurers regarding the scheme and the other Boards are yet to select insurers. Further the Committee gets an impression that the insurers are not very enthusiastic about the scheme. The Committee recommends that desired information and data may be made available to insurers without any delay so that they could come forward to support the scheme. The Committee directs the representative of the Ministry of Commerce to keep it abreast of the developments in the implementation of the scheme. 34
6. MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 171 dated 24.04.2015 regarding villages not covered under mobile telephone services.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ministry of Communications in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 171 dated 24.04.2015 regarding villages not covered under mobile telephone services on 08.05.2017 at Leh. (b) The Committee noted that in response to the question raised to know whether mobile telephone service had not reached so far in around 56,000 villages and whether the Department of Telecommunications expected to cover these villages within five years with a funding of ` 21,000 crores from the USO fund, inter-alia assurance was given that Mobile Service to 8621 uncovered villages in the country was likely to be provided in a phased manner over a period of five years with funding from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Detailed Project Report (DPR) consisting of technical framework and cost estimates for Himalayan States (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand) were under preparation. The Committee sought to know about the roadmap and the timelines set for completion of the project particularly in J&K; whether it was progressing as per schedule or was lagging behind, whether there were any limiting factors; the details of funding and progress made so far in the matter; how many villages had so far been covered with mobile services in J&K. Being a border State, was there any special consideration to be kept in view while formulating the plan. 35
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Communications informed that the Government had planned to provide mobile services to all uncovered villages in a phased manner, over a period of five years with funding from USOF based on availability of funds / resources. USOF was established to provide financial support for the provision of telecom services in commercially unviable rural and remote areas of the country. He further informed that as per initial estimates, 4752 uncovered villages had been identified in Himalayan States (Himachal Pradesh-2416, Jammu and Kashmir-460 and Uttarakhand-1876), based on the inputs regarding mobile coverage in the villages provided by the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) as per Census 2011. The data regarding uncovered villages, as collected from TSPs varied largely with that of data provided by Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring Cell (TERM), field unit of the Department of Telecommunications. Therefore, the help of the State Governments was being taken for identification of villages through all India web portal provided by Department of Telecommunications to all State Governments for providing data in respect of mobile coverage in each village with name of TSP. After completion of the process of identification of uncovered villages, the work of preparation of DPR would be taken up by Telecom Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL). On being asked about technology to be used, he submitted that a Committee in Department of Telecommunications under Chairmanship of Member (Technology) was constituted to analyse the available technologies and recommend the Base Transceiver Station technologies as well as type of towers to be used and recommend scope, specifications, and implementation strategy for the upcoming USOF supported 36
projects. The Committee was likely to submit its report by end of May, 2017. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the Base Transceiver Station Technologies and type of towers would be decided and the work of preparation of DPR would be taken up. He also informed that as a standby, satellite phone services were being provided in Leh and Kargil area and requested for USOF subsidy for this purpose.
(d) The representative of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) informed that it was major service provider in Ladakh with 75% market share. It had 100% share in internet broadband and Wireless in Local Loop (WLL). He stated that the telephone connectivity in Ladakh was still developing. The main problem faced by BSNL in region was disruption in cables as lots of infrastructural development and construction of roads were taking place. However, laying of Optical Fibre Cable from Srinagar to Leh would be completed in 6 months with help of State Government. Talking about delay in completion of work he informed that some material which was supposed to be used in Leh was diverted to Srinagar after floods.
(e) The representative of Government of Jammu and Kashmir informed that the State Government was giving full assistance to BSNL in laying of Office Fibre Cable (OFC) which was being done on payment basis and assured that it would be completed within 6 months.
(f) The Committee however expresses its concern over poor connectivity and call drop problem in Leh and recommends that immediate remedial steps must be taken for their improvement. 37
(g) The Ministry furnished a Status Note vide their OM dated 26.09.2017 informing that States had been requested to ratify data of uncovered villages or provide data on additional villages pertaining to their States on a web portal designed to collect data on mobile coverage in each village with name of Telecom Service Provider and also uncovered villages. As per latest data, States have updated data for 57% villages. Detailed Project Report for providing mobile services in Himalayan States is under discussion and revision of list of uncovered villages as well as finalisation of technology to enable digital transaction which will take time. (h) The Committee notes that Leh has a scattered population and some villages are uninhabited for some part of the year. Similar is the condition of remaining parts of J&K and other Himalayan States. Therefore providing mobile service to all villages in these areas would certainly be a challenge particularly during inclement weather. The Committee hopes that the Ministry of Communications would take this task in the right earnest and mobile connectivity to all the uncovered villages in J&K and other Himalayan States would be provided over a period of five years as assured by the Minister. The Committee directs that the Ministry should explore the possibility of providing USOF subsidy for satellite phone services as in the absence of mobile telephones it is filling up the gap in these areas. 7. MINISTRY OF CULTURE B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 3738 dated 29.04.2008 regarding establishment of more National Schools of Drama. 38
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ministry of Culture in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 3738 dated 29.04.2008 regarding establishment of more National Schools of Drama on 08.05.2017 at Leh.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know details of proposal to establish more centres of National Schools of Drama (NSDs) in near future; locations identified for establishing the same; and by when the above centres would be set up, the Minister had informed that on the basis of the recommendations of the Broad Based Committee of the National School of Drama, it was proposed to open and operationalise 5 Regional Schools during Eleventh plan i.e. (i) Upgradation of the existing Regional Resource Centre of NSD at Bangalore into a full-fledged Regional School; (ii) Kolkata; (iii) Jammu and Kashmir; (iv) Maharashtra/Goa; and (v) Regional Training Centre in the North East. The Committee further noted that these NSDs could not be operationalised during Eleventh plan period and this project was taken to Twelfth plan period to develop them as independent centres. The Committee desired to know in detail about the status of setting up of NSD centres as assured by the Minister in the House; details of progress of centre at J&K and at what stage the matter was stuck up; whether the structure of the proposed NSD had been decided?
(c) The Director, NSD informed that on the basis of the recommendations of a Broad Based Committee, NSD Society in 2006 had proposed to establish its Five Regional Centres during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period (2007-2012), one 39
each at Kolkata, Mumbai/Goa, J&K, and North-East besides upgrading the existing Regional Resource cum Research Centre, Bengaluru to a full-fledged regional centre. These regional centres were to be established in consultation with concerned State Governments, who were required to provide land/ accommodation for the purpose. He further informed that so far, only Government of Karnataka had provided land/ accommodation at Bengaluru where one year theatre training course was being organized by NSD since August, 2014 and the same was proposed to be upgraded to a full-fledged 3 years diploma programme on the lines of NSD Delhi. He also informed that in the Twelfth Five Year Plan documents (2012-2017), the Ministry of Culture had proposed that NSD may not be burdened with the task of running drama schools across the country and the Ministry of Culture may operate an independent scheme of State/Regional/National Schools of Drama and professional repertory companies in various parts of the country and for which suitable budgetary provisions were made. However, these centres could not be set up. Now, the Ministry of Culture had again entrusted the task of opening up of Five Regional Centres to the NSD and a proposal for this had already been made in the Memorandum of Understanding (2017-18) to be executed between the Ministry of Culture and NSD which was subject to sanction of required funds from the Ministry of Culture and efforts would be made to take necessary action in this regard on priority basis as soon as the MoU was signed with budgetary provisions.
(d) Briefing about progress made so far towards setting up NSD Centre in Jammu and Kashmir, he stated that NSD had 40
approached the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to provide suitable space / accommodation for the purpose. The last letter was sent on 1st May, 2017. However, the State Government had yet not taken any final decision in the matter and NSD had been continuously reminding the Chief Secretary, Government J&K in this regard.
(e) Apprising about importance of this prestigious institute, the Director informed the Committee that the NSD was one of the foremost theatre training institution in the world which was registered as an autonomous organization under the Societies Registration Act in 1959 and fully financed by the Ministry of Culture. However, being a Society it could not offer academic courses like Ph.D., M. Phil., D. Lit. etc. He suggested that if NSD was given a status of Institute of National Importance, it would be able to produce academicians too. Further, it would also be able to establish 5-6 centres in the country under its umbrella.
(f) The representative of Ministry of Culture, while briefing the Committee about the development made so far for setting up of NSD centres in different parts of the country, informed that some States were not showing keenness in providing suitable space for the centres despite several reminders. West Bengal Government had declined to provide space for establishing NSD Centre in Kolkata. He opined that NSD should be upgraded as NSD as Institute of National Importance for which a Bill was required to be passed by Parliament.
(g) The representative of Government of Jammu and Kashmir informed that the State Government had already given nod to the proposal of establishing a Regional Centre of NSD in the 41
State. The Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages had written letters to the District Development Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar with the request to identify and allot suitable land for opening of NSD centre in the State at the earliest possible.
(h) The Committee notes that National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in India for preparing theatre artistes, but due to limited capacity of its Delhi Centre and in the absence of regional centres, some genuine desirous aspirants are left out. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Culture may pursue the matter with the Government of J&K to expedite identification and allotment of required land in the State and also explore the possibility of granting status of Institute of National Importance to NSD. The Committee further recommends that matter of providing suitable land may be pursued with other concerned States also. 8. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE B. Deliberations during Study Visit (i) USQ No. 902 dated 26.07.2016 regarding non-fulfillment of compensation for Kargil Martyrs. (a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Ministry of Defence in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 902 dated 26.07.2016 regarding non-fulfillment of compensation for Kargil Martyrs on 07.05.2017 at Leh.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details whether the compensation announced by the 42
Government for kins of Kargil martyrs had not been fulfilled even after the passage of number of years; if so, the reasons therefor; whether Government was not serious to the welfare of the kins of the martyrs; and if not, the extent to which the announcements made for the kins of Kargil martyrs had been fulfilled till date, an assurance was given that the information was being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. The Committee desired to know from the representative of the Ministry about the current position in the matter; in how many cases the compensation was payable to war wounded / slain soldiers; what was the procedure / time for disbursement of the same, why there was a delay in paying compensation and how much more time the Government needed for giving the compensation to these martyrs.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Defence informed that compensation to the Next of Kins (NoK) of all the martyrs of Kargil War had been paid and there was no pendency. She provided details of compensation paid to NoKs of all the three forces separately and stated that 523 Army Personnel, 5 Air Force Personnel and 2 Navy Personnel had died during Kargil war and 174 Army personnel had suffered non-fatal casualties / Disabilities. NoKs / families of such personnel were given (i) Liberalized Family Pension; (ii) Death-cum Retirement gratuity; (iii) Disability / war injury pension; (iv) Education Concession Card; (v) Air Travel Concession card; and (vi) Ex- gratia compensation. They were also given (i) Grant for Dwelling Units; (ii) Grant for children education; and (iii) Grant of Rs. 1000/- per month to dependent parents from National Defence Fund (NDF). 43
(d) The Committee though is satisfied with the steps taken by the Ministry to compensate the families of wounded / slain soldiers, recommends that prompt action should be taken by Government in such cases for respectfully and timely compensating aggrieved families of soldiers who rendered great service to the nation and sacrificed their lives to save the mother country.
(e) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which was found to be in satisfactory fulfilment of the assurance and has been laid on the Table of the House on 04.08.2017.
(ii) USQ No. 2907 dated 28.03.2017 regarding Self-sufficiency in defence procurement.
(a) The Committee interacted with the some Defence PSUs and representatives of Ministry of Defence in connection with the issues raised in USQ No 2907 dated 28.03.2017 regarding Self-sufficiency in defence procurement on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know whether the country had attained self-sufficiency in the defence production; the details of imports of defence equipment during the last two years, country-wise; whether Government had fixed any target for import of defence equipment for the current and the next two years; and the details of year-wise budget earmarked for the purpose; the Minister, while furnishing the capital expenditure on purchase of defence equipment for the three services in the last two years from the foreign and Indian vendors had stated that the details of imports of defence equipment during the last two years, country-wise, were being 44
compiled and would be laid on the Table of the House. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry whether the details of imports of defence equipment during the last two years, country-wise, had been compiled; what steps were taken to make country self-sufficient to fulfill its primary defence needs in the coming years; whether any long term strategic partnership with selected private firms was formulated to produce defence equipment indigenously in collaboration with foreign manufacturers. The Committee also asked the representatives of Defence PSUs present to inform about the steps taken by them to reduce import; whether they had fixed any long term goal to make India self-sufficient with regard to defence equipment; what was the amount earmarked by them for R&D, percentage-wise.
(c) The representative of Ministry of Defence submitted that in pursuance of "Make In India", the Department of Defence Production (DDP) had taken a series of measures to encourage participation of Indian public & private sector including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in defence production through Policy initiatives, ease of doing business and indigenous design & development of equipment and weapon platforms. Describing the Policy Initiatives taken by the Department, he apprised the Committee that in order to reduce entry barrier, 65 to 70% of the items had been de-licensed; the process of offset implementation had been streamlined and in order to create level playing field between Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSUs) & Indian private sector, Exchange Rate Variation protection had been made applicable for all vendors for all categories of capital acquisitions. He further apprised that the Government had finalised the much-awaited Strategic 45
Partnership (SP) model under which select Indian firms would be roped in to build military platforms like submarines, fighter jets, helicopters and armoured fighting vehicles / main battle tanks in India in partnership with foreign entities. The policy envisaged establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian defence majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. Government had notified one of the most liberal FDI policies for the defence sector in the world, which allows for 100 percent FDI in defence, with 49% under automatic route and beyond 49% with the approval of the Government. He also briefed the Committee regarding several steps taken under "Ease of Doing Business and also under "Indigenous design & development of equipment and weapon platforms".
(d) The representatives of Defence Public Sector Undertakings while deposing before the Committee apprised the Committee about their areas of operations and various projects completed and undertaken by them to achieve self-sufficiency in defence procurement. They informed the Committee about various initiatives on following accounts which have been undertaken to increase the defence production and substitute import of defence procurement in their respective fields:
(i) Initiatives for 'Make-in-India' Programme
(ii) Initiatives for strategic partnership with Indian and foreign companies
(iii) R&D activities and spending 46
(iv) Establishment of joint ventures and public private partnership
(v) Ease of doing business
(vi) Indigenous design and development
(vii) Modernization / upgradation of infrastructure.
(e) While appreciating the Defence PSUs for contributing a lot in attaining self-sufficiency in defence production and the steps taken by them to attain self-reliance in Defence Procurement, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Defence should compile the details of imports of defence equipment during the last two years, country- wise, as assured and furnish an Implementation Report.
9. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
A. Part-fulfilled Assurance
(i) USQ No. 1725 dated 14.12.2015 regarding dismantling centres for unfit vehicles.
(a) In response to question asked to know details whether Government proposes to ban plying of all commercial and public diesel vehicles older than 15 years in the country and the steps taken by Government for setting up of dismantling centres where unfit vehicles could be scrapped in a controlled manner and the locations where such centres were likely to be set up; it was replied inter-alia that the Government of India, through, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises had initiated the process to finalize the policy on incentives and loyalty 47
bonus for scrapping old vehicles and to decide the exemption of excise duty that could be given on purchase of new vehicle.
(b) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report stating that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has brought out a concept note on Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme which was placed on its website. Based on the comments received, the matter was considered at the appropriate level. Programme for Vehicle Fleet Modernization shall be implemented after due approvals.
(c) On examination, the Implementation Report was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance since there was neither any mention of policy on incentives and loyalty bonus for scrapping old vehicles nor the locations of dismantling centres were given. The Ministry was directed to furnish a revised Implementation Report which is still awaited.
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(ii) USQ No. 1139 dated 30.07.2015 regarding funds for Asiatic Lion conservation project.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Gujarat, Gir National Park and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1139 dated 30.07.2015 regarding funds for Asiatic Lion conservation project on 16.01.2017 at Sasangir.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to inter-alia know the updated status of action taken by the Ministry on request of the State Government of Gujarat to allocate sufficient funds 48
for Asiatic Lion Conservation Project, the Minister had informed that the State Government of Gujarat had submitted a revised project for 'Consolidating Long Term Conservation of Asiatic Lion in Greater Gir Region' for Rs. 150 crores for a period of five years. In turn, the Central Ministry had advised the State Government to review the proposal for the financial year 2015- 16 and prioritise the activities under the component 'Recovery Programme for Saving Critically Endangered species' of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'. The proposal had not been received from the State Government. The Committee asked the representatives of State Government of Gujarat to inform the time limit within which they would submit the renewed proposal by prioritising the activities under the component 'Recovery Programme for Saving Critically Endangered species' of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' to the Ministry.
(c) The representative of the Government of Gujarat informed that they had submitted a project for "Consolidating Conservation of Asiatic Lions" to the Government of India. The original proposal was of 262.35 Crores which was downsized to ` 150 crores as advised by the Planning Commission on 19.04.2012. Accordingly, the revised project amounting ` 150 crores was submitted by the Government of Gujarat on 04.07.2014 for financial assistance under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH). It was proposed that Government of Gujarat would share 10 % of the project cost. The main components of the revised proposal were:
(i) Habitat improvement - Rs. 15 crore. 49
(ii) Habitat and wildlife protection - ` 30 crore
(iii) Veterinary care, rescue and conflict management - ` 7.50 crores and
(iv) Eco development and relocation of Maldharies - ` 97.50 crores.
(d) In response thereto, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 22.05.2015 informed that the Ministry did not have adequate financial allocation to support the programme and the State Government should submit the proposal amounting to ` 1 crore only. Accordingly, an amount of ` 338.50 lakhs was proposed in the Annual Plan Operations (APO) for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park under IDWH for the year 2015-16 on 17.06.2015. The Ministry on 16.09.2015 conveyed approval for various Sanctuaries and National Parks under IDWH scheme, but no amount was sanctioned for Gir Sanctuary and National Park.
(e) The Committee was informed that the number of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat had increased and there were 525 lions in the State. Out of these 525 lions, 350 lions were within the reserve area and 175 were outside the reserve area. The Committee was further informed that the population of Asiatic Lion had spread over a large portion of the State of Gujarat from Sasangir to Amreli covering six districts in 25 talukas and the total reserve area of the forest had also doubled. In view of this, the representatives of State Government desired that the allocation to Gir National Park for protecting the Asiatic lions may be enhanced. During the discussion, on a suggestion made by a Member, the concept of 'Project Asiatic Lion' on the lines of 50
Project Tiger' came up which found favour from all Members of the Committee.
(f) The Committee was also informed that Ambardi Safari Park had been developed by the State Government in the East Zone of Gir National Forest and was ready to be opened for general public. However the proposal was pending with Central Zoo Authority for their concurrence / approval. The representatives requested the Committee to intervene in the matter so that the safari could be operationalised and additional revenue would be generated which, in turn, would be used for conservation of the Asiatic Lions.
(g) The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that the State Government's proposal amounting Rs. 150 crores was examined in the Ministry. As financial allocation under the scheme was not enough to support the programme, the State Government was advised to revise the proposal limiting it to Rs. 1 crore for the financial year 2015-16 and prioritise the different works to be undertaken. The State Government was further informed that on the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the Central Government had revised the funding pattern of many Central Sponsored Schemes including the IDWH on 50:50 basis. Accordingly, State Government would be required to provide matching share. However, he suggested that Government of Gujarat could utilise funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) for this project to which the representative of the State Government responded that it had to be utilised for developing of deforested land received against forest land. 51
(h) The Committee also visited Gir National Park, Rescue Centre and Gir Interpretation Zone (Devaliya Park) on 16.01.2017 to have a broader insight about conservation of Asiatic Lions. The officers of the Gir National Park apprised the Committee about the various measures taken for the conservation of Asiatic Lion. The Committee also interacted with the Maldharis, a tribe residing inside the reserve forest area. While visiting the Rescue Centre the Committee was informed that the rescue centre was one of its kind and catered to all the animals residing in the park. It had a full fledged hospital for treating the injured animals which after being restored to their normal health were released in their natural habitat. In case of the death of any animal, the centre had facilities for conducting post-mortem to ascertain the reasons for its death. The Committee was further informed that any animal dying in the area was brought here and after conducting the post-mortem the last rites were also done at the rescue centre itself. The Committee was also taken for a show round at 'Sinh Sadan' wherein it was shown various facilities available in the area for tourists and others. The Committee was impressed with the Forest Department's efficient and prompt response in rescuing lions that had fallen sick in the park.
(i) After having visited the Gir National Park, Devaliya Park and seeing the Rescue Centre for animals in Sinh Sadan, the Committee was convinced that the demand of the State Government of 150 crores was genuine and there was need for an efficient long term conservation policy for Asiatic Lion. Accordingly, the Committee directed the representative of the Central Ministry to re-look the proposal and consider for a special grant for Asiatic Lions in Gujarat. 52
(j) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report vide their OM dated 03.08.2017 stating that though no funds were released for Asiatic Lion Conservation Project in 2015-16 in the absence of proposal from the State Government, the Ministry had been releasing financial assistance to Greater Gir Region comprising of five protected areas which has been treated as satisfactory fulfilment of assurance and is yet to be laid on the Table of the House.
(k) The Committee expresses its happiness over continuously increasing population of Asiatic lions in the region and lauds the efforts of the State Government in bringing the Asiatic Lions from 'critically endangered category' to 'endangered category'. Though the assurance has been satisfactorily fulfilled, the Committee desires that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should explore the possibility of a "Project Asiatic Lion" on the lines of "Project Tiger". The Committee also desires that the Ministry should expedite the clearance of Ambardi Safari Park which would help the State Government to mop up more funds for conservation of Asiatic Lions.
(iii) USQ No. 1261 dated 07.05.2015 regarding Forest area acquired in Gujarat for Central Projects.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Gujarat and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1261 dated 07.05.2015 regarding forest area acquired in Gujarat for Central Projects on 16.01.2017 at Rajkot. 53
(b) The Committee noted that on question asked to know about the total area of forest, single-crop, multi-crop and barren lands acquired in Gujarat for Central Projects in the last five years, head-wise, year-wise and district-wise and whether afforestation had been carried out in Gujarat in lieu of forest and barren land, the Minister had stated that the information was being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. In December, 2016, the Ministry had informed the Committee that the State Government was requested vide letters dated 03.07.2015, 28.03.2016 and 23.05.2016 to provide point wise reply, which was awaited. Accordingly, the Committee desired to know from the representatives of State Government the reasons behind delay in compilation of required information and by what time they would furnish the reply to the Ministry.
(c) The representative of the Government of Gujarat informed that required information was voluminous in nature and collection of data was a time consuming process. However, the information had since been compiled and sent to the Central Ministry. He further informed that the Forest Conservation Act permitted only unavoidable use of forest land for various development purposes and provided a framework and mechanism wherein if any demand arose for forest land for non-forestry purposes and also if no alternatives were available, the minimum forest land may be diverted for non-forestry purposes with due compensatory measures. During the last five years, the total area of forest land approved for non-forestry purpose in Gujarat for 27 Central projects was 1349.43 hectare. In accordance with FCA provisions, compensatory afforestation had been taken in 2537.89 hectares against these projects. Regarding criteria for afforestation, it was informed that in degraded forest land, 54
afforestation was required to be done in double area of the acquired land.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that the information from the State Government had been received and the implementation report would be submitted very soon.
(e) The Committee directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to allow the acquisition of forest land only if no alternate land was available in the area and ensure that compulsory afforestation was carried out within stipulated time- frame and carry out regular inspection to ensure that mandatory afforestation had really been carried out by the concerned agency.
(f) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which has been found in fulfilment of the assurance and the same has been laid on the Table of the House on 04.08.2017.
(iv) USQ No. 2659 dated 18.12.2012 regarding Forest clearance to Rengali Canal Project in Odisha.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of the Government of Odisha, and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2659 dated 18.12.2012 regarding Forest clearance to Rengali Canal Project in Odisha on 28.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to inter-alia know whether forest clearance of Rengali Canal Left Bank Canal (LBC) Phase-II and Right Bank Canal (RBC) in Odisha was receiving priority attention for clearance and the 55
probable time for clearance of the project, the Minister had inter-alia informed that for the construction of remaining portions of LBC and RBC system in the 2nd Phase, Stage-II clearance was required for the balance 1295.0 hectares of forest land for which compliance reports on the stipulations imposed by the Ministry in their Stage-I and Stage-II (part) approvals were yet be submitted by the User Agency. The Committee further noted that though more than four years had passed since the assurance was given, but as per the last update provided by the Ministry on 22.12.2016, there was status quo in the matter. In this backdrop, the Committee desired to know from the representatives of the State Government about the details of the project and its benefits; present status in the matter; whether concerned State Agencies had surveyed the areas and verified the actual ground situation. As completion of project was targeted in 2012-13; what were the reasons for delay and by when the requisite information would be sent to the Central Ministry. The Committee also desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry how much time they would take to clear the proposal after receiving the information from the State Government.
(c) The representative of the Government of Odisha informed that the project involved total 2107 hectares forest land, out of which final i.e. stage II clearance had been received for 812 hectares in 2003. In 2016, Stage - I clearance was received for remaining 1295 hectares. The Committee was apprised that on 28.07.2017, online proposal had been submitted for 400 hectares and the proposal for clearance of remaining land had to be submitted in previous format. He further informed that by 56
31.08.2017 they would submit all the pending proposals to Central Ministry.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change informed that the proposal for diversion of 2017.00 ha was received from Government of Odisha in the Ministry in 1996 and was granted Stage-I approval for an area of 2107.00 hectares vide this Ministry's letter dated 21.11.1996. Further Stage-II approval was granted for an area of 812 hectares vide this Ministry's letter dated 14.05.2003. Thereafter on 11.11.2016, Government of Odisha had requested to grant stage-II for the balance area of 874.60 hectares. The proposal was then considered in Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) on 15.06.2017, which recommended the proposal subject to submission of additional information. Accordingly the State Government was requested vide letters dated 22.06.2017 & 15.08.2017 to furnish additional information as desired by the FAC. The information was awaited from the State Government. The file would be processed on receiving the information. On being asked regarding the procedure for sending proposal, he informed that user agency was required to submit online proposal to Additional PCCF who after checking the same forwarded it to the Ministry within 2-3 months. Regarding procedure for examination of the proposal, whether site examination was done on-site or of-site, he informed that it was done off-site since the proposal coming from State had all necessary reports / approvals. However for projects of 100 hectares and above, report was sought from regional office.
(e) The Committee directed the representatives of the Government of Odisha to submit all the proposals to the Central Ministry by 31.08.2017 as agreed by them during the deliberations. 57
(f) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change may expeditiously examine the proposals after receiving them from the State Government and keep the Committee updated about the progress in the matter.
(v) USQ No. 502 dated 27.11.2012 regarding pending projects for environmental clearance.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Odisha, managements of Orissa Minerals Development Company Limited (OMDC), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and representatives of Ministries of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Steel in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 502 dated 27.11.2012 regarding pending projects for environmental clearance on 28.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know inter-alia whether many irrigation projects and mining areas in Odisha were pending for more than three years for want of forest and environment clearance; whether the Bolani Mines of SAIL, OMDC Mines in Thakurani area in Keonjhar District and Bishra Lime Stone and Dolamite Quarry in Sundargarh District had stopped operations for the last six months for mining clearance and thousands of tribal workers had lost their jobs, the Minister had inter-alia replied that the case for giving environment clearance and proposal for grant of Stage-II approval for diversion of forest land for Bolani Mines of SAIL was under examination in Ministry of Environment and Forest. The proposal for diversion of forest land in respect of OMDC Mines in Thakurani area was pending 58
with the State Government for want of digital global positioning system map of the mining lease. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry and the State Government about the reasons for keeping the issues pending for so long; what were the impediments holding back the clearance; how much more time was required to accord approvals. The Committee asked the representatives of the State Government to also inform why they had not sent the digital global positioning system map of the mining lease in respect of OMDC Mines.
(c) The representative of the OMDC informed that the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) had recommended Environmental clearance on 24.5.2012 for production of 3 MTPA Iron ore and 0.06 MTPA Manganese ore subject to submission of Stage- 1 Forest Clearance and site specific wild life management plan. Forest diversion proposal of the Company was returned by District Forest Officer (DFO), Keonjhar on 18.03.2014 due to 7.791% difference in forest areas as per Records of Revenue (RoR) and Digital Global Positioning System survey which was more than permissible limit of 5%. Proposal was resubmitted to the office of DFO, Keonjhar for granting clearance on 28.09.2014 and was still pending. He further informed that the Digital GPS map of mining areas was sent much earlier. He also informed that the issues relating to mining leases including leases relating to Thakurani mines were under litigation before the Hon'ble High Courts of Kolkata and Cuttack and a decision may come by the end of 2017.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) informed that environmental 59
clearance had been granted for the Bolani Mines of SAIL and Bishra Lime Stone and Dolamite Quarry in Sundargarh District. Sharing the details he informed that for Bolani Mines of SAIL located at Village Bolani, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Odisha, Environmental Clearance was granted on 21.12.2012 which included 706.52 hectares of forest land. Stage-I Clearance was obtained on 24.02.1999 for diversion of 706.52 hectares of forest land and Stage -II approval was pending due to non- submission of information by Project Authority.
(e) The representative of SAIL informed that environmental clearance for expansion of capacity of the mine to 12 MTPA run-of mine (ROM) was granted by the MoEF&CC on 21.12.2012. Regarding Forest Clearance he informed that the proposal for grant of Stage-II clearance for diversion of forest land, under consideration of MoEF&CC mentioned in the reply to the question pertained to diversion of 1152.58 hectares of forest land within the 5.10 sq. miles mining lease of Bolani Ores Mines of SAIL. The Stage-I clearance for diversion against the said application had been already granted by MoEF&CC on 12.11.2010 with permission to work in already broken area for a period of one year. Further the Ministry had granted Stage-II approval on 11.12.2012 for diversion of 835.58 hectares out of the applied area of 1152.58 hectares. An area of 317 hectares was excluded as it fell within the then proposed Karo- Karampada Elephant Corridor (KKEC). In the meanwhile, SAIL raised a request to Government of Odisha for scientifically ascertaining the actual alignment of the proposed KKEC. The Government of Odisha constituted an Expert Committee headed by the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Rourkela on 22.09.2012 with a mandate to undertake site inspection, evaluate 60
secondary information and furnish their report on status / existence of the KKEC in terms of its functionality in the context of Bolani Ores Mines of SAIL. The Expert Committee submitted its report on 03.08.2013 to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Life) & Chief Wild Life Warden, Odisha with its recommendations. In the interim, MoEF&CC granted Stage-II approval on 09.07.2013 for diversion of 54.05 hectares of already broken area located within the then proposed KKEC, out of the excluded 317 hectares. Thereafter, MoEF&CC granted Stage-II approval on 12.11.2014 for diversion of the remaining 262.95 hectares of forest land within the 5.10 sq. miles mining lease, thereby completing the grant of Stage-II approval for diversion to the entire 1152.58 hectares of forest land within the said lease. On receipt of EC and partial Stage-II FC as detailed above, mining operations in Bolani partially resumed on 27.12.2012. The operations normalised on receipt of Stage-II FC for diversion of 54.05 hectares of already broken area within the then proposed KKEC, as detailed above, in July 2013.
(f) The Committee observed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change should keep it updated on the case of OMDC mine in Thakurani area presently under litigation in High Courts.
(vi) USQ No. 1860 dated 07.12.2009 regarding forest diversion proposals.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Odisha and Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in connection with issues raised in USQ 61
No. 1860 dated 07.12.2009 regarding forest diversion proposals at Bhubaneswar on 28.08.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know details of forest diversion proposals received from the Government of Odisha over the last 10 years and the specific purpose for which such forest lands were sought to be diverted; the cases which were pending, the reasons for pendency and by when those were likely to be cleared; and the cases rejected so far along with the reasons, the Minister had replied that the information was being collected. The Committee noted with pain that around eight years had passed since the assurance was given but the information could not be collected. The Committee further noted that the Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry in January, 2011 was treated as part fulfillment of the assurance as it was incomplete. The Committee also noted that the Ministry vide their status note sent in March, 2011 had informed that out of 12 proposals indicated in Annexure-II of the Implementation Report, one had been given in-principle approval, one had been closed, two were pending in the Ministry out of which one was to be placed before FAC. Remaining eight proposals were pending due to non-receipt of information from the State Government of Odisha. In view of foregoing, the Committee desired to know from the representative of the State Government about the latest position in the matter; why they had not sent their response to the Central Ministry and how much more time they needed for sending the information. The Committee desired to know from the representative of the Ministry regarding the status of the two proposals pending in the Ministry and the procedure to 62
deal with the proposals received from the States regarding diversion of forest land.
(c) The representative of the State Government informed that they had sent information on 31.05.2016 giving status of all 12 projects.
(d) The representative of the Ministry furnished a list of proposals pending at the level of State Government and informed that the Ministry was continuously writing to the State Government for submission of requisite information pertaining to pending projects submitted by State Government of Odisha during 2000- 2009 under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Government of Odisha had not responded to the queries raised by MoEF&CC. In absence of relevant clarifications sought, MoEF&CC could not take appropriate decisions on disposal of pending cases.
(e) The Committee expressed anguish over the lack of co-ordination between the Central and State Governments and asked the representatives of Government of Odisha to send the information again to the Ministry and directed the representatives of the Ministry to apprise the Committee after receiving the information.
(f) The Committee is appalled to hear that information sent by the State Government was not received by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Committee finds it difficult to comprehend that in this era of Information Communication Technology, any information cannot be lost unless there is casualness on the part of the sender or the receiver. Further the 63
Committee also feels that this situation also reflects upon poor co-ordination between Centre and State in respect of a Parliamentary matter. The Committee therefore reiterates that the assurance given in Parliament should be dealt with utmost seriousness.
(vii) USQ No. 1089 dated 30.11.2009 regarding no objection certificate for power projects.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Power Sector PSUs and representatives of Ministries of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Power in connection with issues raised in USQ No. 1089 dated 30.11.2009 regarding no objection certificate for power projects at Bhubaneswar on 28.08.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know the details of the proposals of power projects received from various states including Chhattisgarh which were pending for no-objection certificates; whether these power projects were to be set up in dense forest area; and whether the concerned State Governments had sought a comprehensive report about dense forests of these areas before finalizing the proposal for these projects, the Minister while giving the State-wise break up of 36 pending projects had informed that the information was being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. The Committee further noted that the Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry on 24.03.2017 was treated as part fulfillment of assurance as the reply contained the details of power projects of Chhattisgarh only whereas the question was raised to know details regarding all pending power projects at that time. The Committee desired to know from the 64
representatives of the Ministry about the efforts made to collect the information; what was the present status; whether the requisite information had been compiled; if not how much more time would be needed to collect the information.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change informed that as per the provisions contained in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, prior approval of Central Government was required for use of forest land for non-forest proposes, including Thermal Power projects. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 as amended from time to time and guidelines issued thereunder provide for comprehensive assessment of the forest land by the Central Government. Accordingly the Ministry had sought the details of density of the forest, species-wise and girth-wise, tree enumeration report, details of flora and fauna, protected areas and Schedule - I Species, etc. under the provision of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for granting in- principle approval for diversion of forest land for any non- forest activity including power projects. There were 31 Thermal Power Projects (TPP) in the states out of which only 3 projects in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha involved forest land. He further informed that the information had been received and would send within one week to the Ministry of Power.
(d) The Committee directed representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to expeditiously furnish the requisite information to the Ministry of Power so that the long pending assurance may be liquidated.
(e) The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change furnished a Status Note vide their OM dated 06.10.2017 65
inter-alia giving details of the 31 thermal power projects asked in the question and stating that out of them only 3 projects, one each in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha involved forest land. The information furnished has been found to be in fulfillment of the assurance and the Ministry has been directed to furnish an Implementation Report, which is awaited.
(f) The Committee is constrained to observe that the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has taken undue long time of 8 years in compiling the information. The Committee feels that the Ministry needs to develop the channels of information highways so that collection of information is efficient and fast. The Committee hopes that the Ministry would endeavour to tread in that direction.
10. MINISTRY OF FINANCE
A - Part fulfilled IR
(i) Assurance given in reply to USQ No. 1174 dated 08.03.2016 regarding vacancy of MD and CEOs in PSBs.
(a) In response to question asked to know details of vacancies for the posts of MD & CEO and Non-Executive Chairman in PSBs to be filled up; since when these positions were vacant; whether the Government proposed to fill up such vacancies; and if so, the time by when the said vacancies were likely to be filled up; it was inter-alia replied that as on date, one post of Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD&CEO) from 14.08.2015 and nine newly created positions of Non- executive Chairman in PSBs were vacant. Process to fill-up these vacancies was underway. 66
(b) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report stating that Cabinet has approved the proposal of this Department to merge Bharatiya Mahila Bank with State Bank of India. Therefore, now there was no need to fill up the post of Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer in Bharatiya Mahila Bank. As regards filling up of the vacancies of nine newly created positions of Non-executive Chairman in Public Sector Banks was concerned, the Department had already requested Banks Board Bureau, to recommend candidates to be appointed as Non-executive Chairman to expedite the process of selection. Since, appointment of Non-executive Chairman in PSBs was an ongoing process, the Committee on Government Assurances may drop this assurance. (c) On examination, the Implementation Report was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance since neither there was any mention therein regarding filling up of the said vacancies nor any time frame was given for the purpose and the Ministry was directed to furnish a revised Implementation Report, which has not been received so far. (d) The Committee observes that the Ministry of Finance has hurriedly furnished the Implementation Report giving a generalised statement that appointment of Non-Executive Chairman in PSBs is an ongoing process. The Committee directs that the Ministry should complete the process of making appointments as assured by the Minister and then carefully submit an Implementation Report which is complete in all respects.
(ii) Assurance given in reply to USQ No. 2990 dated 28.03.2017 regarding penalty on non-maintenance of minimum balance in bank account. 67
(a) In response to question asked to know details whether the Government was considering making it mandatory to have a minimum balance of at least Rs. 5000 in the bank account after demonetisation; whether Government was also considering imposition of service charges on the penalty of minimum balance separately, if so, who was going to be benefited thereby; the reasons for reintroducing maintenance of Minimum Average Balance and the steps taken by Government and whether arbitrarily imposing charges on withdrawing cash from the ATM more than three or four times was detrimental to the interest of account holders; inter-alia it was replied that Banks have been advised to formulate policy on penal charges with the approval of the Board of the Bank for levying of penal charges on non-maintenance of minimum balances in savings Bank accounts.
(b) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report stating that the Banks had informed that the service charges for non- maintenance of minimum balance in saving Bank accounts to be levied had been revised as per the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India dated 20.11.2014 on levy of penal charges on non-maintenance of minimum balance in savings bank accounts. Further, the revision had been implemented only after obtaining prior approval of the Banks' Board.
(c) On examination of the Implementation Report it was observed that details regarding policies formulated by individual Banks regarding levying of charges / penalties and details of charges levied by the Banks had not been given. Further, replies to the thrust of the question i.e. whether Government was considering making it mandatory to have a minimum balance of 68
Rs. 5000/- alongwith categorical replies to parts (c) to (e) of the question were also not given. Therefore the Implementation Report was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance and the Ministry was directed to furnish a revised Implementation Report. (d) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report giving details as asked for in the question which has been found to be in fulfilment of assurance and is yet to be laid on the Table of the House. (e) The Committee deplores the practice adopted, of late, by the Department of Financial Services of sending incomplete Implementation Reports in a hurry to liquidate the assurances, completely ignoring the vital information / thrust as asked for in the question and feels that it defeats the purpose / mechanism of ensuring accountability of the executive of Parliament. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should apply due diligence in preparing Implementation Reports to the assurances given by the Minister and ensure that they are complete in all respect before sending them to the Parliament. B. Deliberations during Study Visit (iii) USQ No. 1988 dated 15.03.2016 regarding RBI report on financial inclusion. (a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Public Sector Banks and representatives of Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and Ministry of Finance in connection with the issues raised in USQ No.1988 dated 15.03.2016 regarding RBI report on financial inclusion on 15.01.2017 at Rajkot. 69
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details of the recommendations of the Committee set up by the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a five year action plan for financial inclusion and the further steps taken by Government on the approved recommendations, the Minister had inter-alia informed that the Committee constituted by the RBI under the chairmanship of Shri Deepak Mohanty, Executive Director, RBI for medium term (five year) measurable action plan for Financial Inclusion, had submitted its report to RBI on 28.12 2015 and the recommendations of the Committee were being examined by RBI. The Committee noting that more than a year had passed since the said report of the Mohanty Committee was presented, desired to know from the representative of the RBI about the status of the report; whether the Report had been accepted in-toto or with modifications; what action had been taken on the recommendations thereof. The Committee observing that since Public Sector Banks were the key stakeholders in furtherance of any financial inclusion programme of the Government, desired to know about their action plan in view of the recommendations of the Committee for financial inclusion.
(c) The representative of the RBI informed that Mohanty Committee was set up to formulate a medium term Plan for financial inclusion in pursuance of the Prime Ministers vision. The Committee had made 81 recommendations out of which 76 had been accepted and 5 were not found feasible. Out of the 76 recommendations which were accepted, 36 had been implemented completely and 40 were under implementation. The recommendations were said to be implemented after issuing of circulars by RBI / Banks. Regarding the reasons for rejecting 70
the 6 recommendations, the Committee was informed that they were technically not feasible viz. one of the recommendations for shifting State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) on rotation basis was not accepted as it would have disrupted the continuity. The Committee was further informed that the RBI was working to create financial literacy centres at block level to increase awareness about the schemes.
(d) The representative of the NABARD informed that they managed the financial inclusion fund which supported for 21 activities. Out of these, 11 activities could also be done by commercialized banks. Regarding enhancing the financial outreach it was informed that 35000 Point of Sales (PoS) machines had been sanctioned and the target was to set up 2 lakh PoS machines by 31.03.2017. The fund also had a provision for financial literacy.
(e) The representatives of the Public Sector Banks detailed the action taken by them towards achieving the targets for financial inclusion and unanimously informed that most of the Banks had simultaneously implemented 36 recommendations. They further informed that the Banks had not faced any hindrances as they had been doing it previously also. The Banks were making all efforts for increasing financial literacy among people and lead Banks had schemes for it being handled by dedicated officers. Regarding the steps taken for securing digital transactions, the Committee was informed that their systems were safe and barring few stray incidents, no major breach had been reported. Nevertheless the Banks were very much concerned about the safety of transactions and they had appointed consultants for enhancing cyber security. 71
(f) The representative of the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance informed that formulation of the policy was the prerogative of RBI. He further informed that there were 5 recommendations on Aadhaar. He stated that the Implementation Report would be submitted shortly.
(g) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which was found to be in satisfactory fulfilment of the assurance and has been laid on 08.02.2017.
(h) The Committee feels that despite various schemes and drives of the Government, institutionalised financing still eluded a large segment of our society and people are still forced to approach private money lenders for their needs for various reasons. Economic development of all sections of the society especially that of the poor is dependent on finance and thus access to finance to them is of prime importance since financial exclusion can lead to social exclusion. The Committee recommends that the Department of Financial Services should formulate schemes so as to ensure that the increased financial lending reaches the targeted beneficiaries.
(iv) USQ No. 196 dated 19.07.2016 regarding developing long term debt market for financing infrastructure projects.
(a) The Committee interacted with the management of LIC and representatives of Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) in connection with the issues raised in USQ No.196 dated 19.07.2016 regarding developing long term debt market for financing infrastructure projects on 15.01.2017 at Rajkot. 72
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details of measures taken by Government to help develop long term debt markets with a view to finance infrastructure projects; whether the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) had initiated the process to set up a credit enhancement fund to provide guarantees for infrastructure sector companies to help them access funds from domestic and overseas markets at lower cost and by when would such a fund be made operational, the Minister had inter-alia replied that LIC had sought necessary regulatory approvals for the setting up of a Credit Enhancement Fund to provide guarantees for infrastructure sector companies to help them access funds. The timelines for the operationalization of the Fund would be finalized after the requisite approval was in place. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of LIC about the action plan for the setting up of a Credit Enhancement Fund; the targeted beneficiaries; the amount of the corpus expected to be created, the safeguards etc. The Committee further desired to know from the representative of the Department of Economic Affairs about the progress made in the matter and how much more time was required to set up the fund.
(c) The representative of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance informed that initially it was decided that LIC would set up the Credit Enhancement Fund. Later on after meetings with investors, regulators, users, it was decided that LIC would be a strategic investor and Indian Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) would be the promoter and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would be formed for the purpose. Consultations with RBI were on for finalisation of 73
norms and after getting the approvals, the fund would be set up. The Committee was informed that the fund would not provide funds to start a project but to a company which had started commercial production and which needed additional funds to meet the demand for enhancement of funds arising out of mismatch between outcome of funds or other reasons.
(d) The representative of the Indian Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) informed that the fund would be regulated by the RBI. The SPV would have the potential to support upto rupees one lakh crores for one year. All stakeholders have given their in-principle approval and after getting the final approval, the fund would be registered with RBI.
(e) The representative of the LIC informed that clearances had been obtained from the LIC Board and IRDAI. IRDAI had also given approval for 20% investment in the fund. This was a new experience and no studies on that had been done in India. International models had been studied and necessary safeguards had been incorporated. Guarantees would be given only after Commercial Operation Date (COD). Pari-passu charge would be levied on security. Fees would be charged on borrowers. The Committee was informed that LIC had always been careful in investing and due diligence had been done so as to ensure that the policy holders money was safe. Investment was done as per LIC Act which provided for minimum 50% in government securities and 15% in equities. LIC invested in AAA rated companies and did a 3 level survey of stock before investing. 74
(f) The Committee understands that development of long- term debt markets is critical in the mobilization of the huge magnitude of funding required to finance potential business expansion and infrastructure development. Thus in the present times, when India is endeavouring to sustain its high growth rate, it is imperative that financing constraints in any form be removed and alternative financing channels be developed in a systematic manner for supplementing traditional Bank credit. The Committee recommends that the necessary approvals be expedited to ensure early setting up of the Credit Enhancement Fund and the Committee should be kept abreast of the progress.
(v) USQ No. 727 dated 22.11.2016 regarding cyber attack on ATM system of public and private banks.
(vi) USQ No. 1516 dated 29.11.2016 regarding RBI guidelines on safety of bank customers.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Public Sector Banks and representatives of RBI and Ministry of Finance in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 727 dated 22.11.2016 regarding cyber attack on ATM system of public and private banks and USQ No. 1516 dated 29.11.2016 regarding RBI guidelines on safety of Bank customers on 08.05.2017 at Leh and 12.05.2017 at Coimbatore.
(b) Regarding assurance arising from USQ No. 727 dated 22.11.2016, the Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether more than 3.2 million debit cards of major public and private Banks were compromised by a cyber 75
malware attack in ATM system and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI); the estimated loss; whether those debit cards were fraudulently used in China and USA; whether Centre's cyber security arm had issued a warning to all Banks regarding targeting of their information infrastructure by cyber criminals from Pakistan and steps taken / proposed to be taken by Government and its preparedness to deal with such cyber crimes, it was inter-alia stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had informed that an incident of data breach with respect to cards was reported and the matter was under investigation. Independent investigation by a forensic auditor approved under Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) framework was under process. The Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry inter-alia giving outcome of investigation and a general statement that Banks had advised the customers to change their pin was treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance by the Committee since no answer was given about the steps taken / proposed to be taken by Government and its preparedness to deal with such cyber crimes.
(c) Regarding the assurance arising from USQ No. 1516 dated 29.11.2016, the Committee noted that in response to question raised to know about the amount involved in the data breach of ATM card holders due to carelessness of Banks and their subsidiary ATM gateway companies; action taken by Government against banks and their ATM gateway companies; whether Reserve Bank of India had proposed guidelines for the safety of customers instructing therein that customers shall be compensated in such cases of fraud and whether this proposal had been passed; and if not, whether the customers will not be compensated in want of rules, identical reply was 76
given inter-alia giving outcome of investigation and a general statement that Banks had advised the customers to change their pin. This Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry was also treated as part-fulfillment of the assurance by the Committee since no answer was given for parts (c) and (d) of the question i.e. whether RBI had proposed guidelines for the safety of customers instructing therein that customers shall be compensated in such cases of fraud.
(d) The Committee desired to know whether the losses to the customers affected by the breach had been estimated; apart from advising customers to change their pin, what action Banks had taken to fortify their systems to avert such incidents in future; what action had been taken against their ATM gateway companies as the vulnerabilities were observed in their systems? Further what action had been taken / was to be taken by Gateway companies to address the vulnerabilities. The Committee asked the representative of RBI to inform whether it had proposed guidelines for the safety of customers instructing therein that customers should be compensated in such cases of fraud. The Committee also desired to know on which system the most of the ATM's were run and how frequently it was updated to make it out of reach of the hackers.
(e) The representatives of the Public Sector Banks unanimously informed that security of customer accounts was of paramount importance for them and they had been taking all the necessary steps to protect them against frauds and misuse and had compensated all the customers who had made a complaint to the Banks as per extant compensation policy of the Banks. They further informed that there was no breach in their ATM 77
Payment Gateway system but as informed by NPCI, VISA and MasterCard had advised that certain suspected cards of Banks could have been compromised as they were used in the gateway of the compromised system of other Bank (Hitachi Payment Services) installed at a Private Bank. The malware was suspected to be introduced in Mid-2016 and was able to work undetected and took 6 weeks to detect. As a precautionary measure the Banks had advised the customers to change their PIN numbers and had blocked the suspected compromised cards and issued new EVM chip cards to the customers without any charge. The Customers had also been given facility to block / unblock cards through SMS and international transaction card were given on customers request. RBI had conducted cyber security drill through specialist to assess the security threat on data in transit and on shore and the findings did not indicate any compromise in the Banks systems. Banks had put in place 24x7 security operating centre for monitoring the transactions and monthly penetration / vulnerability tests were carried out to immediately detect any fraudulent transaction and plug it. Online Banking systems of the Banks were being constantly updated / patched to keep them safe and out of reach of fraudsters. Educational seminars were being conducted to inform the customers about the Do's and Don'ts.
(f) The representative of the RBI informed that a specialized and focused cyber security cell with 10 officials had been established in RBI which was being further augmented. An IT subsidiary of RBI had also been set up for working on innovations and also carried out onsite / office monitoring. The RBI was doing a targeted study under which 10-15 Banks had been taken for in-depth study. A Master Circular containing detailed instructions 78
had been issued and advisories were being issued from time to time and the PSBs had also been directed to report any suspicious transactions within 2-6 hours on being noticed. Further a Standing Committee of experts of industry and others had been established which had 3 sub-groups viz. (i) Mobile Banking; (ii) Cards and (iii) Vendor Risk and all the sub-groups had been given 3 months to submit their report. On being asked about the replacement of ATM machines / Cards, he informed that PSBs had been given time upto September, 2017 to replace the old ATM machines and upto December, 2018 to replace the Cards of the customers with latest chip enabled cards with new safety feature. He also impressed upon the Banks to give an undertaking that they had compensated all affected customers.
(g) The representative of the Ministry of Finance informed that they were in continuous liaison with Intelligence Bureau / National Security Advisor, RBI and Banks. Regularly reports were being received from the Intelligence Agencies but as they were confidential, only major concerns were shared with the PSBs.
(h) The Committee observes that at a time when the Government is urging everyone to go digital in transactions, such incidents of cyber attacks on ATM systems of Banks shook the confidence of the people and discourages them from adopting digital means of transaction. The Committee recalling its earlier meeting on the assurance regarding policy to reduce cash usage with some Public Sector Banks recommends that the PSBs should ensure that stringent measures are put in 79
place to check frauds and misuse to retain the faith of common man in the Country's Banking system.
(i) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which has been found to be in fulfilment of assurance and the same has been laid on the Table of the House on 04.08.2017.
(vii) USQ No. 2474 dated 11.08.2015 regarding allocation for deep sea fishing.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of State Government of Tamil Nadu and representatives of Ministries of Finance and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2474 dated 11.08.2015 regarding allocation for deep sea fishing pertaining to Ministry of Finance on 12.05.2017 at Coimbatore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know inter-alia whether the Ministry would increase allocation of Rs. 20000 crores for schemes approved by NITI Aayog to consider funding specific projects to encourage deep sea fishing including replacing trawlers with tuna long-liners, it was inter- alia informed that the Government had allocated Rs. 20000 crores for schemes approved by the NITI Aayog for specific interventions. As regards project relating to deep sea fishing including replacing trawlers with tuna long-liners, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries was examining the proposal in consultation with the Government of Tamil Nadu.
(c) The Committee noted that though the assurance arose out of the question answered by the Ministry of Finance, the part of the assurance pertained to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture and 80
Farmers Welfare and desired to know from the representative of the DADF about the present status of the proposal for replacing trawlers with tuna long-liners; what would be cost sharing pattern between States and Central Government for proposed tuna long liners; whether Ministry of Finance would consider to increase the fund allocation beyond Rs. 20000 crores for this project. The Committee also asked the representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu to put forth their views on the proposal.
(d) The representative of the DADF, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed that the best possible solution was to phase out Trawlers and replace them with tuna long liners. Informing about the latest development he stated that approval had been received from the Prime Minister's Office for the implementation of the project for replacing 750 boats of fishermen in first phase with the financing plan of 50% grant from GOI, 10% contribution from the beneficiaries and 40% as loan from the National Co-operative Development Corporation with the State Government Guarantee. He further informed that keeping in view the problem being faced by the State, Prime Minister had also approved a total contribution of 300 crores by the Central Government for the State of Tamil Nadu. Out of the said contribution, Rs. 100 crores would be released immediately; another instalment would be met by the DADF and the balance 100 crores would be released after proper evaluation of the project implementation. The central assistance towards purchase of long-liners including setting up of fish landing harbours would be adjusted against central share under the scheme of DADF. 81
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Finance informed that they had given 100 crores to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
(f) The representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu informed that they would be able to purchase 250 vessels immediately with 100 crores and thanked the Government of India for the decision. He further informed that firstly for capacity building, training of 200 fishermen in fishing methods had been started with 100% funding from GOI; secondly only traditional fishermen or their associations would be given vessels and 2 vessels would be given to registered society of fishermen. This would ensure livelihood to the small fishermen.
(g) The Committee is aware that bottom trawling was banned in many countries including Sri Lanka and at times Tamil Nadu fishermen using trawlers for fishing enter Lankan waters to maximize their catch and ran into trouble including facing arrest and seizure of boats. As bottom trawling method of fishing damages the sea bed and marine resources, to overcome this problem, many countries have opted for tuna long liners in place of bottom trawling. The Committee feels that there is an urgent need for the same in our country also to enhance deep sea fishing. The Committee recommends that the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries may ensure timely availability of funds to the State Government so as to ensure smooth replacement of the trawlers with tuna long liners. The Committee also directs the Ministry of Finance to furnish an Implementation 82
Report since action in the matter is complete, which is awaited.
(viii)USQ No. 2982 dated 28.03.2017 regarding sale of non-core assets by PSBs.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Public Sector Banks and representatives of RBI and Ministry of Finance in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2982 dated 28.03.2017 regarding sale of non-core assets by PSBs on 05.07.2017 at Amritsar and on 08.07.2017 at Indore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know details whether Government had directed all State-owned banks to dispose off their non-core assets, if so, what was the estimated cost of non-core assets of the State-owned Banks, Bank-wise, it was informed that the Government had requested all Public Sector Banks to review their investments in different non-core banking activities and take suitable necessary decision with regard to investment / divestment in existing as well as proposed non-core activities with the approval of their respective boards. The Committee further noted that the Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry vide OM dated 09.06.2017 stating that PSBs had sold non-core assets worth Rs. 1073.31 crores in FY 2016 and Rs. 5408.67 in FY 2017 had been treated as part-fulfillment of assurance since the Implementation Report did not reflect the decisions taken by Public Sector Banks in respect of their non-core assets. Further, the IR also did not contain reply to part (b) of the question i.e. details of the estimated cost of non-core assets of the State-owned Banks, Bank-wise. In this backdrop, the Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Public Sector Banks present 83
about their major areas of non-core assets; whether they had made an assessment of their non-core assets; what was the estimated value thereof and how much money they would realize after their disposal; how much profit was expected in the process as the assets would have been acquired over a period of time at a lower price; what planning had been done regarding utilization thereof. The Committee further desired to know as to whether any time-line had been fixed in this regard; whether all PSBs or only some of them had investments in non-core assets; what was the percentage of investments of Banks in core vis-a-vis non-core assets. The Committee asked the representative of the Ministry of Finance to inform about the total investment of Banks in non-core assets; why Banks were allowed to invest in such areas before and what are the reasons/ circumstances which prompted rethinking on the policy in vogue.
(c) The representatives of the Public Sector Banks gave details of their non-core assets both fixed and liquid and unanimously informed that while they had disposed off some, process was on for disposal of remaining non core assets after obtaining approval from their respective Boards. They further informed that they eventually proposed to dispose off all non core assets, some liquid assets were under lock-in period, and for some they were waiting for the market to improve to realize good profit on the investments. They also informed that additional funds were needed to meet the requirements under BASEL- III guidelines which would be applicable from 2018 onwards. However, the funds which would be realized from the disposal of non core assets alone would not be sufficient to meet the 84
requirements and they had requested Government of India to provide funds and were also planning to raise funds from the market through public issue.
(d) The representative of the RBI informed that no timelines had been provided to the Banks for disposal of their non core assets and they were advised to dispose them at opportune time with approval from their respective Boards. The Committee was further informed that data on quantum of non core assets of Banks was being collated and would be furnished shortly. He also informed that though the Banks were in a comfortable position capital wise, more money was needed for growth for which additional avenues were being explored, and disposal of non core assets was one of them.
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Finance informed that the review of the policy was done with a view to reduce dependency of Banks on the Government and the Government had no role in the investments made by Banks. He further informed that the capital to be given to the Banks by the Government would help them in becoming independent and indirectly would give more return to the Government.
(f) The Committee observes that it is strange that the Ministry chose to furnish an incomplete Implementation Report without giving requisite details asked in the question particularly when Banks from whom information was to be collected had the requisite information available with them as revealed while making their presentations before the Committee. The Committee feels that the Ministry should have exercised due care in forwarding the information to the Committee. The Committee directs 85
the Department of Financial Services to obtain the information from all the PSBs and furnish a revised Implementation Report.
(ix) USQ No. 2175 dated 21.03.2017 regarding irregularities in sanctioning loans by PSBs.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Public Sector Banks and representatives of RBI and Ministry of Finance in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2175 dated 21.03.2017 regarding irregularities in sanctioning loans by PSBs on 29.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar and 01.09.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details of complaints received by the Government and RBI during the last three years concerning sanctioning of loans by Public Sector Banks in violation of laid down guidelines; whether the complaints had been enquired into; responsibility had been fixed and suitable penal action taken, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and whether there was any proposal to inquire into the conduct of nominee Directors of RBI / Ministry on the Bank Boards as well as the CMDs / MDs of Banks who had sanctioned loans in contravention of the laid down guidelines, the Minister had inter-alia informed that RBI had informed that some complaints regarding irregularities in sanctioning of loans by Public Sector Banks had been received in RBI. Further it was informed that those complaints were examined on case to case basis followed with appropriate action depending upon findings as deemed necessary was taken, but no data of such complaints was collected by RBI. 86
(c) The Committee further noted that the Ministry vide its OM dated 31.05.2017 had requested to drop the assurance giving more or less the same information. The Committee further noted that irregularities were indeed committed in sanctioning of loans by Banks and the situation was grave in remote areas and villages and even there were many cases which remain unreported. In this backdrop the Committee desired to know from the representatives of Public Sector Banks present whether any such complaints had been received by them in this regards; if so, how many in last 3 years; whether they had been inquired upon and if so whether any irregularities established, if so, what action was taken against the guilty. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the RBI and Banks the reasons / rationale behind not keeping records of such complaints by the Banks / RBI; whether complaints were made to the Banks or to the RBI. The Committee asked the representative of the Ministry to inform the role of the Ministry in the process and what was the process to expedite the examination of complaints including taking prompt action thereon.
(d) The representatives of the Banks present unanimously informed that they strived for customer satisfaction and had zero tolerance towards malpractices which were dealt with sternly so that they acted as deterrent for others. They further informed that they had regular audit system viz. Concurrent Audit, Risk Based Internal Audit, Statutory Audit, and Risk Based Supervision by RBI and any deviation in sanction of advances pointed by RBI was placed before Audit Committees / Board of Directors of the Bank. Further there was a well established Banking Ombudsman and complaint management system in 87
some Banks. Banks also had internal departments for consumer education & protection. The complaints received generally were regarding violation of rules for loan; non sanction of loan; delay in sanction. The complaints were either received directly in the Banks or through RBI / CVC both online & offline. The Banks ensured that they were resolved in 4-6 weeks. They also informed that though data was not maintained at central level, but it was available at Regional level. The Committee was also informed that the Banks had policies in place for protection of whistle blowers.
(e) The representative of the RBI informed that complaints against Banks (which were not under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme) as and when received were examined on an ongoing basis. In the current supervisory framework, complaints received against the Bank were examined by the Senior Supervisory Manager (SSM) of the concerned Bank on the basis of comments sought from the concerned branch and action as deemed necessary was taken. In cases of irregularities, such as suspected fraud, malpractices etc. the matter was further examined by taking the information provided in the complaint as an input. Any adverse finding regarding the same was suitably factored in the supervisory assessment of the concerned Bank by RBI and also included other supervisory actions such as advising the banks to Red flag or investigate into accounts to rule out fraudulent activity. In case of irregularities, Banks were required to take appropriate action as prescribed in RBI Regulations / Bank's internal policies. However, database for such complaints was not compiled centrally by the RBI for all Banks. In case of serious irregularities in large borrowal accounts, RBI conducted scrutinies while in some cases, it 88
advised the consortium leader to subject the complaint to detailed examination. In case of any fraudulent activities observed, RBI sought clarification from the Bank on the reason for non-classification of such accounts as frauds; directed them to fix accountability and furnish information on disciplinary action taken against the officials involved in loan irregularities. Further, the RBI advised Banks to strengthen preventive vigilance mechanism so as to avoid recurrence of such incidents. Incidentally, the primary responsibility of overseeing irregularities in sanctioning of loans lies with their Vigilance Division and the RBI supervisory processes examined whether the division was effectively and independently performing the functions entrusted to it. The guidelines in this regards had been revised in 2013-14.
(f) The representative of the Department of Financial Services informed that the Ministry relied on the RBI for data which for the instant question had stated that it was not maintained by the Banks centrally. On being asked as to why the Banks were not maintaining data, he stated that the issue would be taken up with the RBI which would refer it to the managements of the Banks.
(g) The Committee finds it strange as to why the Department of Financial Services evaded answering the question stating that the data was not maintained centrally whereas the Banks present in the meetings had the requisite data available with them which was presented before the Committee. The Committee feels that the Department should have collected the information from Banks and liquidated the assurance. 89
(h) Meanwhile the Ministry has furnished a Status Note requesting therein to drop the assurance which is pending consideration of the Committee. 11. MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE A. Part fulfilled IR (i) USQ No. 2675 dated 22.12.2015 regarding sale of medicines online. (ii) USQ No. 2679 dated 22.12.2015 regarding setting of medicines online. (a) In response to similar questions asked to know details whether Government was proposing to give permission to sell medicines online, inter-alia it was replied that the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has constituted a 7-Member sub-committee to examine the issue of sale of drugs on the internet, while taking care of the risks and concerns related to such sales. However, no decision has been taken to allow online sale of medicines. (b) The Ministry furnished Implementation Reports on these assurances stating that the DCC in its 48th meeting held on 24.07.2015, had constituted a sub-committee to examine the issue of sale of drugs on internet. The sub-committee has submitted its report to the DCC, which in its 50th meeting held on 4th and 5th November, 2016, accepted the report. (c) The Implementation Reports were treated as part-fulfillment of the assurances on being observed that details of the recommendations and steps taken to stop sale of medicine online had not been given and the Ministry was directed to furnish a revised Implementation which have not been received so far. 90
(d) The Committee discussed these assurances during oral evidence of Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare held on 03.11.2017 wherein the representatives of the Ministry informed that 2-3 meeting had been held with Chemists and Druggists association and they were in the process of finalisation of draft notification which after Minister's approval would be put on website for public comments and final notification would take about 6 months.
(e) The Committee directs the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that the time-line given for final notification should be adhered to and the Committee should be apprised about the same.
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(iii) USQ No. 1220 dated 08.03.2016 regarding establishing AIIMS in Tamil Nadu;
(iv) USQ No. 1894 dated 15.12.2015 regarding finalization of site for AIIMS in Tamil Nadu.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of State Government of Tamil Nadu and representatives of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1220 dated 08.03.2016 regarding establishing AIIMS in Tamil Nadu and USQ No. 1894 dated 15.12.2015 regarding finalization of site for AIIMS in Tamil Nadu on 12.05.2017 at Coimbatore.
(b) The Committee took up both the assurances together for consideration as both pertained to same subject. The Committee noted that in response to similar questions asked to know 91
inter-alia whether Government had finalized any site from the sites recommended by the State Government of Tamil Nadu for setting up of AIIMS in the State, it was informed that a Central Team had already visited all the five sites identified by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report of the Central Team was under consideration of the Ministry. It was also stated that some hospitals of the State had been selected for upgradation under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana. The Committee further noted that the Finance Minister in his Budget speech for 2015-16 had proposed to set up six new AIIMS including one in Tamil Nadu and more than two years had passed since then. The State Government had suggested five sites which had been inspected by the Central team and now the decision was to be taken by Central Health Ministry. In this background, the Committee desired to know from representative of Ministry of Health when were the sites inspected by them and whether they had zeroed down to any site suitable for setting up of AIIMS and by when the work at the ground would start and what was the time schedule for completion of the project. The Committee also asked the representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu to put forth their views on various sites selected for AIIMS.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that Central team had visited the 5 sites offered by the State Government and submitted its report which was under active consideration in the Ministry. In one site an ONGC pipeline was found to be bisecting the site. In a meeting held on 07.02.2017 regarding operationalisation of New AIIMS and New Medical Colleges held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, it was decided that in cases 92
where site for new AIIMS had not been finalised, the Ministry would adopt a common form based on challenge method setting parameters against which points were given to a site to asses sites objectively. Accordingly the State Government had been requested to assess the sites according to the new proforma and their response was awaited. He further informed that sites had been finalised for 4 new AIIMS announced in 2014-15 budget and for those announced in 2015-16 budget, the State Governments had been asked to suggest site under challenge method. On being asked about the Bhan Committee he informed that it had given its report on 07.01.2017 and it was under consideration. He further informed that human resource was a major issue in AIIMS and one of the major recommendations of the Bhan Committee to address the issue of quality, was to fix mentor institutes to help them sustain and grow during the gestational period to bring them at par with the AIIMS.
(d) The representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu informed that they had given in principle approval and sent a point wise reply to Central Government on 07.07.2014 and the Chief Minister had assured all provisions in suggested sites. The Central Team had visited the sites and Singipatti at Thanjavur had been found feasible by the Central Government. He further informed that the decision was pending with Central Government. Reply sought on the 10 point additional details had also been given on blanket provision on non started AIIMS.
(e) The Committee observes that it is the responsibility of the Government to provide quality healthcare to the citizens especially those living in the remote corners of 93
the length and breadth of the country so that they are not forced to run to the AIIMS in the national capital which unnecessarily strains the resources both of the institute as well as that of the patients. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should finalise the sites at the earliest to ensure delivery of specialized healthcare in the States.
(v) USQ No. 264 dated 25.11.2014 regarding Cancer hospital in Odisha.
(a) The Committee interacted with the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha and representative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in connection with issues raised in USQ No. 264 dated 25.11.2014 regarding Cancer hospital in Odisha on 28.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know about the demand for a Regional Cancer Institute at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi District in Odisha and by when it would be established, the Minister had informed that a proposal for strengthening of District Hospital, Bhawanipatna as Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC) had been received from Government of Odisha on 12.11.2014. The Committee also noted that the Implementation Reports furnished by the Ministry on 15.05.2015 and 31.05.2016 were treated as part fulfillment of the assurance. Further the request of the Ministry for dropping of the assurance on the grounds that the proposal cannot be approved as per the present guidelines and the deficiencies in the proposal had been communicated to the State Government several times and the matter was pending with them was also not acceded to by the Committee at its 94
meeting held on 01.08.2017. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the State Government whether they were really keen for their proposal for strengthening of District Hospital, Bhawanipatna as Tertiary Care Cancer Centre and if so, what were the reasons for not responding to the queries raised by the Ministry; how much more time was needed for sending the response. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry about the present guidelines in the matter and the deficiencies in the proposal of the State Government.
(c) The representative of the Government of Odisha informed that initially 4 sites were selected by the Government of India and after examination, the one at Bhawanipatna was finalised. The State Government had already submitted proposal for establishment of Tertiary Cancer Care Centre (TCCC) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in the prescribed format on 13.01.2017. Further, Action plan, Equipment list and building plan were submitted on 23.08.2017 with an assurance to complete the civil works, procurement etc. within one and half years of getting approval and release of funds from Central Government. MOU had been signed and submitted to MoH&FW. Necessary proposal for creation of HR would be sent to Finance Department, Government of Odisha within one month of receiving sanction order from Central Government. He further informed that the Government of Odisha had sent a revised proposal on 23.08.2017 stating therein that proposal for creation of necessary posts required to operationalise Cancer Care Centre could be taken up if pre- requisites of 50 bedded Cancer Ward at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) Kalahandi and prior approval 95
of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for Radiotherapy Unit were waived off by Central Ministry in view of essential requirement of Cancer Care Centre in the inferior district of Kalahandi. Government of India had been requested to send the appraisal team to District Headquarter Hospital (DHH) Bhawanipatna at the earliest.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that a revised proposal for TCCC at District Hospital, Bhawanipatna, District Kalahandi, Odisha was received from Chief Medical Officer, District Kalahandi vide letter dated 29.03.2017. The Directorate General Health Services on examination thereof found that it did not have AERB approved layout plan and approval letter; details regarding availability of Radiotherapist, Medical Physicist etc. were not furnished; details of availability of beds in different departments were not furnished; and the recommendations of the State Government were required to be submitted in the prescribed format bearing name, designation and stamp of the signing authority. The deficiencies in the proposal had been communicated to the Chief Medical Officer, District Kalahandi, Odisha and the Government of Odisha for fulfillment vide letter dated 27.04.2017 & reminder dated 12.06.2017. Regarding concessions sought by the Government of Odisha he stated that the Central Government shared the concern of State Government and could consider waiving 50 bed requirement, but AERB approval and all technical persons must be put in place as they were essential pre-requisites.
(e) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may pursue the matter with the State 96
Government and also to consider the request of Government of Odisha for relaxations of certain conditions so that the establishment of the tertiary cancer care center could be expedited and keep the Committee informed.
(f) The Committee also deliberated upon the assurance during the oral evidence of Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 03.11.2017 wherein the Ministry again requested for dropping of the assurance. However the Committee did not accede to the request and reiterated upon the Ministry to pursue the issue with the State Government.
C. Oral Evidence
(ii) The representatives of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were asked to appear before the Committee on 3rd November, 2017 for their presentation on pending assurances.
(a) The Committee heard the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare on 03.11.2017 in connection with the pending assurances pertaining to the Department. The Committee expressed concern over the assurances pending for a long time and impressed upon the need for expeditious fulfillment of the assurances given to the Parliament.
(b) The Committee noted that out of the 55 pending assurances of the Department, 11 were on establishment of AIIMS in various States, 6 on Health Protection Scheme for economically weaker persons, 4 on Health Insurance Scheme for Central Government employees and some others on Indian Medical Services, sale of medicine online, ban on spitting in public places, sale and 97
use of tobacco. The Committee desired to know about the status of each assurance and also the reasons for delay in fulfillment of the assurances.
(c) The Secretary, Department of H&FW, after giving overall scenario of the pending assurances, made her submission. Regarding the four pending assurances on Health Insurance Scheme for CGHS beneficiaries, she informed that the draft proposal was presently pending with the Department of Expenditure since 9th February, 2017 for consideration and approval. The Committee however felt that the matter was delayed and directed the Secretary to take it up with the Ministry of Finance.
(d) Regarding the assurance on CGHS dispensary at Shimla, the Committee was informed that it was about empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS in Shimla and would be finalised by March, 2018. The Committee pointed out that fixing of L-1 rates for diagnosis and treatment through tendering meant L-1 rates given by a small laboratory / hospital would be equally applicable to all the big laboratories/ hospitals of the country who perhaps would not be in a condition to afford such lower rates and would result in quality being compromised. The Committee suggested to fix minimum rates for every procedure / treatment before inviting tenders and then go for L-1 rates to ensure quality treatment to the CGHS beneficiaries throughout the country. The representative noted the idea and assured that they would consider that suggestion.
(e) Regarding assurances on creation of separate cadre of Indian Medical Services on the lines of IAS, IPS and IFS as per the All India Services Act, 1951, it was informed that 'Health' 98
being a State subject, views of States and Union Territories were sought, but comments were received from only four States and consensus could not be reached. The Committee keeping in view the limitations of the Ministry in respect of issue being State subject decided to drop the assurances.
(f) Regarding the 11 clubbed assurances on establishment of AIIMS like institutes in States, the Committee was apprised about the progress at all the places. The Committee granted 6 months extension to the Ministry and decided to review the progress thereafter.
(h) Regarding assurance on enforcement of prohibiting sale of tobacco near schools, the Committee was informed that while issue of ban on advertising and ban on sale near schools, etc., had already been taken care of, the pending issue was for a total ban which was being examined. The Committee was apprised that the issue was very complex with far reaching ramifications including livelihood issues and the Ministry did not favour bringing legislation for a complete ban and requested to drop the assurance. The Committee did not take an instant decision and asked the representatives of the Ministry to send detailed comments on the issue for its consideration.
(i) Regarding assurances on National Health Protection Scheme for economically weaker persons, the Committee was informed that the scheme was basically supplementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) where a coverage of upto one lakh rupees would be provided to disadvantaged category to provide free in-patient care in case of hospitalization in Government hospitals as well as empanelled private hospitals through the State Governments. The Secretary informed that 99
presently 24 States had their own schemes for healthcare due to that little time was taken to finalize the scheme suitable for all the States. The scheme was still under consideration and the Cabinet approval was awaited.
(j) The Committee also deliberated upon other pending assurances of the Department and asked the Secretary to expedite their fulfillment and pursue with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to lay the assurances on the Table of the House, which had been fulfilled. The Committee asked the Secretary and other officials of the Ministry to be careful while dealing with the assurances given in the House.
(k) The representatives of the Ministry responded to the queries raised by the Members and assured the Committee that they would take requisite steps for the fulfillment of the assurances within the prescribed time frame and abide by the instructions given to them.
12. MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2172 dated 30.07.2014 regarding fencing along Indo-Pak Border;
(ii) USQ No. 3775 dated 13.08.2014 regarding fencing along India- Pakistan Border.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Border Security Force and Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2172 dated 30.07.2014 and USQ No. 3775 dated 13.08.2014, both regarding fencing along India-Pakistan Border on 18.01.2017 at Bhuj. 100
(b) The Committee noted that in response to similar questions raised to know the details of fencing along India-Pakistan border, the Minister had replied that 78.72 Kms. fencing work in the State of Gujarat was pending which was originally scheduled to be completed by May, 2012. As these stretches fell in the inundated / water logged marshy areas, the executing agencies were deploying improved technology for construction of fence. The Committee further noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs in January, 2016 vide its Status Note had informed that one kilometre pilot project along the Gujarat Border had been undertaken to test the technology which could sustain the harsh terrain of the Rann area and the result of the project would be known in a year. In November, 2016 the Committee was further informed by the Ministry that a Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Madhukar Gupta, Retired Home Secretary to strengthen border protection. The Committee in its report submitted on 29.08.2016 had suggested that alternative appropriate surveillance technologies coupled with an effective and quick response mechanism may be adopted for this region. The matter was under consideration of the Department of Border Management. In this backdrop, the Committee asked the representative of the Ministry of Home Affairs to inform about the outcome of the one Km. high-tech pilot project; whether Government was contemplating fencing the remaining part of the border as per result of this pilot project or it would go for alternative surveillance technologies?
(c) The representative of the Ministry informed that the Government had sanctioned construction of border roads, fencing and floodlight in 340 km in Gujarat along Indo-Pakistan Border out of which work in 280 km had been completed. However due 101
to difficult working conditions in the Kutch area and hostile terrain coupled with water-logging problem, the work could not be completed in balance 60 km stretch. In order to complete the work, a one km. pilot project with improved technology was undertaken in 2014 which sustained the terrain conditions. Based on the pilot project, proposals of ` 86.53 Crore (for 17 km) and ` 376.01 Crore (for 43 km) were approved in August, 2014 and February, 2016 respectively for construction of balance fence, border road & floodlight work of 60 km. The Committee was further informed that in the meanwhile, a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Madhukar Gupta, Retired Home Secretary was constituted to strengthen border protection along Indo-Pakistan Border. The Committee submitted its report in August, 2016. Considering the typical condition of the terrain and the past records of infiltration and threat perception, the Committee suggested to leave that portion as an unfenced gap and an alternate mode of surveillance be put up in place. The recommendations of the Committee were deliberated in the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was felt that the balance portion of fence may not be required considering that the Rann itself being a very good physical obstacle and thus, there was a need to review the requirement of physical infrastructure and the work in 60 km. stretch had been suspended w.e.f. 24.11.2016. The Ministry would go for technological solutions for surveillance by using radar, scanners etc.
(d) The representative of the BSF informed that the topography, geology and harsh climatic conditions made construction and maintenance of fencing extremely difficult in the Rann of Kutch area. The area got submerged in water and was prone to sinking and there was high salt concentration in water. This 102
difficult terrain and marshland itself acted as a natural obstacle for those who ever tried crossing the border. There was similar inaccessible area towards Pakistan also. No normal person had ever tried to cross the border; however, few cases of some insane persons trying to cross the border had so far been noted. The visibility of this area was very clear and visual surveillance of border was easy. Incidents of violation of border had been very less. In recent past, incidents of crossing the border by some fishermen while catching fishes were noticed. Infiltration by terrorists or drug peddlers crossing the border had not been reported. He further informed that Government had introduced All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), which could float over water and run on land both ways. BSF protected creeks and marshy border area with the help of these unique ATVs. Soldiers, protecting border were given specialised training to walk in the highly salty and swampy Rann of Kutch.
(e) In order to have first hand information on the hostile terrain of the Borders areas of Kutch the Committee visit BSF's Koteshwar Out Post and Border Out Post 1175 at Lakhpat, Kutch on 18.1.2017. During its visit the Committee was apprised about the ways and means used by BSF for protection of border and land in various creeks in the rough sea. The Committee witnessed the various facilities available for BSF personnel and also interacted with them. The Committee also met with elite Creek Crocodile Commandos deployed there who were specially trained for patrolling the difficult-to- manoeuvre places. During its visit to BOP 1175, the Committee was informed about the difficulties in fencing the border due to hostile climate conditions. The Committee was happy and satisfied to see dominance of Indian Soldiers protecting the 103
Border using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and other devices. The Committee concurred with the views of BSF and the Ministry of Home Affairs that the marshy land of Rann of Kutch was a natural barrier and construction of physical fence over there was extremely difficult. The Committee also felt that development of infrastructure and running / maintenance thereof in the area was both difficult and expensive. The Committee appreciated the courage and valour of BSF personnel in protecting the border in such a difficult terrain and extremely adverse climatic conditions.
(f) Appreciating the constraints expressed by the representative of Ministry of Home Affairs and BSF in fencing the harsh terrain and also noting the recommendations of Madhukar Gupta Committee on protection of border in Kutch area, the Committee acceded to the Ministry's request and dropped the assurances.
(iii) USQ No. 401 dated 27.04.2016 regarding lathicharge on students in NIT campus in Srinagar.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 401 dated 27.04.2016 regarding lathicharge on students in NIT campus in Srinagar at Leh on 07.05.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether Government had done any inquiry in the incident of lathicharge by police on students in NIT, Srinagar and how Government would ensure safety and security to campus 104
students, inter-alia assurance was given that State Government had ordered a Magisterial Enquiry to enquire into the incident and NIT, Srinagar had constituted a fact finding committee to look into the matter. The Committee desired to know about the reasons behind the unfortunate incident of lathicharge on students by police; how many students suffered injuries; whether all were given timely medical aid. The Committee asked the representative of the State Government to inform about the present status of Magisterial Enquiry; whether it had submitted its report, what were its findings.
(c) The representative of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir informed that the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar vide his Order dated 06.04.2016 had ordered a Magisterial Enquiry and appointed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Additional District Magistrate), Srinagar as Enquiry Officer to hold an enquiry into the incident that had taken place at NIT, Srinagar leading to unrest and Police action, as also fix responsibility for delinquency, if any. The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir vide communication dated 23.04.2016 furnished a copy of the said Enquiry Report conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to the Home Department. The Home Department examined the aforesaid Enquiry Report and with the approval of the competent authority forwarded a copy of the same to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for appropriate action. The Magisterial Enquiry report recommended measures to avert such occurrences in future and promote inclusiveness in the Campus which inter alia included need for unmasking and bringing to book the third force if any, and carrying forward investigations into FIRs in a transparent way. He further informed that after this incident 105
police had been deployed 24X7 within the campus. Para-military forces had also been deployed in the campus to enhance the trust level. Regarding action taken on both the FIRs, he stated that investigation was going on and culprits were yet to be identified.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Home Affairs informed that normalcy in the campus had been restored. A copy of the Enquiry Report had been forwarded to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to furnish their comments and take necessary action. A helpline number had been established for counselling of students.
(e) The Committee emphasized that as indicated in the report the Third Force if any, should be unmasked and brought to book at the earliest and advised that the investigation in the cases should be expedited and urgent action may be taken on the recommendations of the Enquiry Committee Report. The Committee also advised MHA to pursue the matter with MHRD to expedite their comments and furnish the status report for perusal of the Committee.
(f) The Committee observes that Status Report in the matter is yet to be received from Ministry of Home Affairs. The Committee directs the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the report and liquidate the assurance.
13. MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 1650 dated 16.03.2017 regarding appointments in Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak. 106
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministry of Human Resource Development in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1650 dated 16.03.2017 regarding appointments in Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak on 07.07.2017 at Indore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether the complaints received regarding corruption in appointments in IGNTU, Amarkantak during 2015 and 2016 had been investigated and anyone was found guilty; and if so, the details thereof and action taken against them, an assurance was given that the complaints had been forwarded to the University for comments and further course of action would be decided after examining the response of the University. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry of Human Resource Development about the present status of the complaints received regarding corruption in appointments in IGNTU, whether they had been investigated, if so, whether anyone was found guilty, and if so, the details of action taken against them.
(c) The representative of the Government of Madhya Pradesh informed that the University was under the control of Central Government and they had no say in its functioning and had no comments to offer in this regards.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development informed that the complaints against the Vice Chancellor IGNTU, Amarkantak alleging corruption / irregularities in the appointments made to several posts in the University were received in the Ministry. Accordingly as per 107
extant guidelines of CVC in this regard, the complaints being against the Vice Chancellor of the IGNTU, were forwarded to the Registrar of IGNTU for comments. IGNTU in its reply had refuted the charges in respect of some of the complaints and in respect of other it had stated that the complainant had denied making the complaints. The matter was referred to the Vigilance Section of the Ministry. Since as per extant CVC guidelines, the genuiness of the complainant and complaints had to be established first and then further action was to be taken, Vigilance Section had issued letters to the complainant on 23.05.2017 and reminder on 28.06.2017 to confirm within 15 days whether complaints had been made by him. The process was still on and the complaints were yet to be verified. The Vice Chancellor of the IGNTU who had come to the meeting, probably on being asked by the State Government, tried to offer his comments but the Committee declined to hear his submission on realizing that the allegations of irregularities were against him only.
(e) The Committee found it was surprising that when the Chairman, Committee on Government Assurances pointed out about the raids by Central Bureau of Investigation and observations of Comptroller and Auditor General on the irregularities of IGNTU, the representative of MHRD showed ignorance about the same.
(f) The Committee observes that though tribal people have rich cultural heritage and art and craft skills, they lag behind in higher education and the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak was established with a noble cause to provide higher education and research facilities to the tribal population and the complaints of 108
alleged irregularities has brought disrepute to it. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should get the matter investigated expeditiously through its Vigilance Department and furnish a Status Report to the Committee.
14. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 3135 dated 07.08.2014 regarding CAS or DAS license to TAC TV.
(a) The Committee interacted with the management of Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd (TAC TV) representatives of Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 3135 dated 07.08.2014 regarding CAS or DAS license to TAC TV on 12.05.2017 at Coimbatore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know the details whether Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had requested for early accordance of CAS / DAS license to TAC TV and the reasons for the delay in giving the approval; it was stated that a letter dated 03.06.2014 had been received from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for grant of Multi System Operator (MSO) registration to M/s TAC TV for operating in the DAS notified areas of Tamil Nadu. The application of M/s TAC TV was being examined in the light of the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding entry of Government entities. The Ministry in June, 2016 further informed that as per TRAI's recommendations, State Government entities were not permitted 109
to enter into Broadcasting and Distribution activities. However, to examine the said recommendations of TRAI, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had constituted an Inter- Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the matter was under consideration of IMC. In this backdrop, the Committee desired to know from the representative of the Ministry that how many meetings of the IMC had since been held and whether Government had arrived at any conclusion. What was the present status of the matter and how much time the Government would take to accord approval or otherwise to the Tamil Nadu Government's request. The Committee sought to know from the representative of Tamil Nadu Government as to why they were insisting for license to operate in DAS for a State owned Organisation when there were many private operators in the field.
(c) The representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu informed that they had received provisional registration for TAC TV to implement / start the channel in 3 month for which they thanked Government of India. They further informed that tender had been floated for procuring 70 lakh set top boxes and the headquarters had been set up in Chennai to supply uninterrupted digital signals with State of the Art Technology. Regarding insistence on starting their own TV channel, it was informed that it was being done for the benefit of masses and the State Government had been providing quality services at affordable cost; previously 125 Channels were being offered at ` 70/month and they had applied for Digital License after which they would be able to offer 300 channels at the same price. 110
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed that keeping in view that DAS in cable TV had been implemented across the country and also the direction of Hon'ble Chennai High Court in the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 34213 of 2103 filed by TAV TV for grant of DAS license on 17.04.2017, provisional MSO registration had been granted to the Government of Tamil Nadu for TAC TV to operate in that State on the same condition that this permission shall automatically lapse if the Government / Ministry, after having considered the TRAI recommendations decides that State Government entities such as TAC TV cannot be permitted to enter into broadcasting and distribution activities of cable TV and the permission holder shall abide by the decision. As DAS had been implemented across the country, 3 months' time had been given to TAC TV to switch over to DAS and after this no analog signal shall be carried by them. On being asked about the reasons for discrimination against Government Channels and why there was delay in taking decision, the representative informed that current guidelines of TRAI, which was the broadcasting regulator, did not permit giving permanent license to Government broadcasters and the matter was being examined by an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted on 03.01.2013. Three meetings of IMC had been held but no decision had been taken so far.
(e) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should expedite the examination of the matter by inter-Ministerial Committee and furnish a Status Report on the final decision taken, for perusal of the Committee. 111
15. MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2176 dated 16.03.2016 regarding bringing of hospitals for Beedi workers in Tamil Nadu under ESIC.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Labour & Employment in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2176 dated 16.03.2016 regarding bringing of hospitals for Beedi workers in Tamil Nadu under ESIC on 12.05.2017 at Coimbatore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know inter-alia whether the Public Health Centers, Hospitals and Dispensaries run for the welfare of Beedi Workers in Tamil Nadu would be switched over to the governance of Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and how many such hospitals would be taken over and what would happen to the existing Doctors, Staff and other paramedical staff working on contractual salary, it was informed that a proposal was under process to hand over Hospitals / Dispensaries under Beedi Workers Welfare Fund to ESIC all over the country. A total of 12 Hospitals and 292 Dispensaries under all cess funds namely: BEEDI, MICA, LSDM, IOMC and CINE had been decided to be handed over to ESIC. Fate of contractual employees would be decided as per requirements of ESIC. The Committee desired to know the present status of proposal; whether all the merger modalities, identification of beneficiaries, issuance of identity cards etc. had been finalized; in what manner contractual medical and paramedical staff would be 112
accommodated in new mechanism. The Committee also desired to know the views of State Government in this regard.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment informed that on being approved by the Minister of Labour and Employment to hand over 12 Hospitals and 292 Dispensaries of Labour Welfare Organisation (LWO) to the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), an OM was issued on 17.03.2016 for handing over them to the ESIC w.e.f. 1st April 2016. Further an OM was also issued to ESIC on 22.03.2016 requesting to nominate their field officers to whom the Medical / Paramedical and staff of the Hospital / Dispensaries would report after relieving. Consequent upon issuance of this OM dated 17.03.2016 by this Ministry, the ESIC vide their letter dated 01.04.2016, expressed their inability to take over the Dispensaries and Hospitals of the LWO. He further informed that in a review meeting held under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Labour and Employment, wherein it was decided that the ESIC would start providing medical services through the LWO Hospitals / Dispensaries "on as is where is" basis at four centres viz.. Bihar - Central Hospital Bihar Sharif, Central Hospital Sagar - Madhya Pradesh, Chittoor Dispensary in Andhra Pradesh, and Nirmal Dispensary at Telangana on pilot basis. The administration of above mentioned 2 Hospitals and Dispensaries had been transferred to ESIC w.e.f. 01.04.2017. The Committee was apprised that later Department of Expenditure, Finance Ministry vide OM dated 18.07.2016 informed regarding the meeting taken by the Finance Secretary for the implementation of recommendations of the Expenditure Management Committee (EMC). The said OM stated that EMC had recommended for transfer of LWO 113
Hospitals / Dispensaries to ESIC. EMC had stated that running of the LWO Hospitals / Dispensaries by the Ministry of Labour and Employment for specific beneficiary classes was not the most efficient way of either running these Hospitals / Dispensaries for meeting the health care needs of the beneficiary classes and these Hospitals / Dispensaries may be handed over to the ESIC. Based on the above recommendation a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Secretary Labour and Employment and a decision was taken that the approval of the Cabinet may be solicited for transfer of all LWO Hospitals / Dispensaries to ESIC. In this regard a Cabinet Note was under preparation in the Ministry and information relating to Assets, Valuation of Stocks, land and building of all Hospitals and Dispensaries were being collected from 17 welfare regions. After incorporating all necessary information, Cabinet Note would be put up for the approval of Cabinet.
(d) The representative of the Government of Tamil Nadu informed that Beedi rolling was essentially a rural and home-based labour intensive industry, which provided employment to around 3 lakh beedi workers directly and the major concentration of the beedi workers and beedi industries was in Tirunelveli (1,64,841) and Vellore (72,256) Districts in the State. She further informed that the Beedi Workers' Welfare Fund Act 1976 was enacted by the Central Government to collect taxes by way of cess or by imposing excise duty on manufactured beedies, for funding the measures to promote the welfare of persons engaged in beedi establishments. In Tamil Nadu health care facility was provided through one 30 bedded hospital at Mukkudal in Tirunelveli District and 22 dispensaries. Elaborating the modalities of taking over of dispensaries run for welfare of 114
Beedi workers by ESIC she informed that the State Medical Commissioner of concerned state had to initiate take over as per terms and conditions laid by Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Regional Director had to carry out tagging of Insured Persons. Manpower and functional requirement were to be provided by Medical Superintendent of ESIC Hospitals. All infrastructure of Labour Welfare Organisation hospitals & dispensaries were to be transferred on 'as is where is' basis and the land title would vest with the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Primary, Secondary & Tertiary health care would be provided to the workers. No contribution would be taken from Labour Welfare Organisation. The medical & paramedical staff of Labour Welfare Organisation would be deputed to ESIC without any deputation allowance and the expenditure on their salaries, other entitlement and post-retirement benefits would be borne by Government of India. ESIC would exercise administrative and functional control over Labour Welfare Organisation officers and staff. ESIC will issue their ID-Card to Labour Welfare Organisation beneficiaries. Concerned Welfare Commissioners would prepare inventory of movable and immovable assets of Labour Welfare Organisation hospitals & dispensaries.
(e) The Committee observes that the beedi industry is primarily a home based labour intensive industry providing employment to large number of people in several States. Though several welfare schemes have been formulated under the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act and other laws to extend health care, housing, educational, social security benefits etc., to beedi workers and their family members but the infrastructure appears 115
to be insufficient to ensure proper health care for beedi workers. The proposed move of Ministry of Labour and Employment to bring all Hospitals and Dispensaries functioning for Beedi Workers under ESIC to provide ESI facilities to Beedi workers is certainly a welcome step. The Committee therefore recommends that the Ministry should expeditiously obtain the approval of the Cabinet and complete the process for the welfare of beedi workers.
16. MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ. No. 1277 dated 08.03.2016 regarding unspent Multi- Sectoral Development Plan funds.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana and Ministry of Minority Affairs in connection with the issues raised in USQ. No. 1277 dated 08.03.2016 regarding Unspent Multi-Sectoral Development Plan funds on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know inter-alia the details of Multi-Sectoral Development Fund (MSDP) released by the Ministry and spent by the Government of Telangana, during the years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 along with the reasons for not utilizing the same, the Minister, while furnishing the details of funds released during the above period, had stated that the Block / Town Plan under the Programme was implemented by the concerned State Government and status of implementation was furnished by State Governments to the Ministry through Quarterly Progress 116
Report (QPR), however QPR from the Government of Telangana had not been received despite reminders. The Committee asked the representatives of the State Government to inform the reasons for not furnishing the updated status of expenditure of funds and implementation of the Scheme through QPR; when the last QPR including all updated details was furnished; whether there was any hindrance in implementing the projects? The Committee also desired to know from the representatives of Ministry the level of coordination between Centre and States in implementation of the Programme; how many review meetings had been held with the State Government of Telangana for furnishing the desired information and what was the present status of utilization of funds?
(c) The Chief Secretary of Telangana, while furnishing the year- wise details of funds sanctioned, released and expenditure incurred during last 4 financial years under MsDP, stated that they were furnishing the required QPR in different proforma, and they had got the correct prescribed proforma only a day before and very soon they would furnish the required QPR to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. However, he attributed the delay to the bifurcation of the State and creation of 21 new districts out of 10 districts. He informed the Committee that 204 residential schools for minorities had been sanctioned in the State. Though, all the schools were functional, but necessary infrastructure was being developed in the schools. Out of these 204 schools, 103 schools were only for girls. Presently about 1.53 lakh students were studying there and all the expenses incurred on boarding and lodging, fee, uniform etc. of students were born by the Government. He also informed about post matric scholarship, grant for overseas study, reimbursement of 117
tuition fee, establishment of Skill Development Centres on Waqf land and provision of subsidy for purchase of Auto Rickshaw.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs informed that the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) was a joint scheme of the Centre and the States for inclusive growth and development of backward minority concentration areas to help reduce imbalances and fill the development deficits either by topping up the funds of ongoing programmes of the Central Government or innovative projects which were not catered to by existing schemes of the Central and State Governments. In case of innovative projects, the fund sharing between the Centre and the State was in the ratio of 60:40. The implementation of restructured MsDP in Telangana was started only in 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) from Financial Year 2013-14. She apprised the Committee that 6 Minority Concentration Towns and 5 Minority Concentration Blocks of 4 districts of Telangana, namely Medak (Nyalkal, Zahirabad & Kohir Blocks), Nizamabad (Ranjal & Yedpalle Blocks and Nizamabad & Bodhan Towns), Adilabad (Adilabad and Kagaznagar Towns) and Rangareddi (Rajendranagar & Tandur Towns) had been identified for implementation of MsDP during 12th FYP. Project proposals for Health Centres, Anganwadi Centres, School Buildings, Skill Training, Toilets and Residential Schools etc. amounting ` 117.91 crores had been approved and ` 58.87 crores had been released as 1st installment. She also apprised the Committee about financial and physical progress of approved projects during Financial Years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. She further informed that despite several reminders, State Government had not furnished Quarterly Progress Report 118
(QPR) of the projects which were being undertaken under MsDP in Telangana. On being asked about Skill Development of youth of Minority communities, she stated that Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centres were being established in 100 districts of the country which would effectively provide job oriented skill training in various fields to youths belonging to Minority communities. ` 150 crores had already been released for the purpose. Further, "Sadbhavna Mandal" were being created in every minority concentration districts of the country which would look after all the issues pertaining to minority communities.
(e) The Committee understands that Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) is conceived as a special initiative of the follow up action on the Sachar Committee recommendations. The programme aims at improving the socio-economic conditions of minorities by providing basic amenities to them for improving their quality of life and reducing imbalances in the identified minority concentration areas. The Committee, while appreciating the implementation of MsDP in the State of Telangana, notes that the programme is a joint effort of the Centre and the States and its success hinges on its execution by the States and any laxity in the implementation of the Scheme would defeat its basic purpose. The Committee accordingly recommends that the State Government should furnish the QPR in prescribed format to the Ministry of Minority Affairs within one month so that the assurance could be liquidated. 119
17. MINISTRY OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2593 dated 17.12.2012 regarding development of solar cities
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2593 dated 17.12.2012 regarding development of solar cities on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know inter-alia the details of various cities proposed to be developed as solar cities, funds sanctioned, released and utilized for the purpose, the Minister had inter-alia stated that so far the Master Plan for 8 cities had been finalized and the development of projects was in progress. The Committee further noted that the goal of the Solar City Programme was to promote the use of Renewable Energy in urban areas by providing support to the Municipal Corporations for preparation and implementation of a road map to develop their cities as Solar Cities. The Committee sought to know the present status of Solar Cities in the country; whether concerned State Nodal Agencies were extending desired support to the project and providing matching funds to expedite its execution; steps taken by the Ministry to create awareness and popularize the use of renewable energy through solar cities? The Committee also desired to know from the representative of the State Government whether they had finalized project proposals and earmarked / released suitable matching funds to respective 120
Municipal Corporations to develop Amritsar, Ludhiana and Mohali as Solar Cities; what was the present status of the project and by when it was likely to be completed?
(c) The representative of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) informed that 60 cities/ towns had been approved for development as "Solar/ Green Cities" under "Development of Solar Cities Programme". Financial assistance up to ` 50 lakh for each city was provided for preparation of the Master Plan, setting up of Solar City Cell and its functioning in the City, oversight of its implementation and organizing other promotional and awareness activities. Fifteen Cities had been selected as 'Pilot Solar Cities' for installation of renewable energy projects systems with financial support upto ` 2.50 crore for each city and eight cities as Model Solar Cities with financial support upto ` 9.50 crore for each city. Out of these 60 cities, 5 cities namely Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Mysore and Nagpur had been taken under Model Solar Cities and 13 cities namely Agartala, Coimbatore, Rajkot, Shimla, Faridabad, Thane, Rajpur, Shirdi, Leh, Aizawl, Puducherry, Vijayawada and Amritsar had been taken under Pilot Solar Cities. He further informed that Master Plans of 49 solar cities, including Amritsar and Ludhiana had been prepared and Solar City Cells had been created in 36 Solar Cities including Ludhiana. Master Plan for Mohali was under preparation. So far, the cumulative fund of ` 101.66 crores had been sanctioned and ` 25.19 crores had been released under this programme. Under Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Power Plants programme, over 194 MWp (Mega Watt Peak) Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Projects have been set up in the Solar Cities. In Chandigarh Model Solar City, Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Power Plant 121
with a capacity 5896 KWp (Kilo Watt Peak) had been commissioned. The Committee was further informed that the Government of India had set up a target for meeting 10% of total energy needs by New & Renewable Energy Sources in next 10 years. Though 30% subsidy was given by the Government of India for residential roof top projects, no subsidy was given for commercial projects. The representative further submitted that development of solar cities was a long term process and the installation of renewable energy projects in solar cities depended on the proposals received from Municipal Corporations / State Governments and availability of funds in the Ministry. Since, the Ministry had already approved all 60 solar cities as per targets and the implementation of renewable energy projects in solar cities was an on-going process, the assurance may be considered as fulfilled.
(d) The representative of the Government of Punjab informed that the State Government had no major role to play in the issue. No financial aspect was pending regarding the project.
(e) The Committee noted that the growing consumption of energy had resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels not only cause environmental concerns but these resources would also not last forever. Therefore there is an urgent need for shifting out attention towards sustainable, renewable and clean energy sources in the country.
(e) The Committee expresses its concern over the slow pace of progress of the solar city projects and feels that efforts need to be speeded up. The Committee recommends to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to keep the Committee abreast about the progress. 122
(ii) USQ No. 59 dated 30.11.2015 regarding Allocation of Solar Pumps to Telangana.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 59 dated 30.11.2015 regarding allocation of solar pumps to Telangana on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to inter-alia know whether Telangana had been allocated solar pumps for irrigation and drinking water under Solar Pumping Programme for 2014-15, the details of solar pumps installed so far and by when left out pumps would be installed, it was informed that the Ministry had sanctioned 4,225 solar pump sets for irrigation and 869 solar pumps for drinking water purpose in 2014-15 to the State of Telangana with an advance release of ` 15.938 crores for irrigation pump sets and ` 1.12 crores for drinking water pump sets. It was further informed that no pump was installed so far; however Government of Telangana had constituted a committee to finalize the modalities to install pump sets in the State. In this background, the Committee desired to know about the present status of the project; whether the State Government had finalized the modalities for installation of solar pump sets; whether there was any problem in accepting the proposal of the Central Ministry?
(c) The representative of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) informed that as on 31.07.2017 out of total 5094 solar pump sets sanctioned under solar pumping programme for 2014-15, Government of Telangana had installed only 349 123
solar pump sets (259 for drinking purpose and 90 for irrigation purpose and the State Nodal Agency had closed the project. He submitted that since the project had been closed, the assurance may be dropped from the pending list of assurances of the Rajya Sabha.
(d) The representative of the Government of Telangana informed that State Government had constituted a committee in July, 2015 for finalization of modalities on implementation of Solar Pump Sets Programme in the State. The Committee in its meeting held on 27.01.2016 decided to invite tenders as per standard bidding document of MNRE incorporating the eligibility criteria and technical specifications issued by MNRE. It was proposed to provide subsidy as below:
(i) MNRE Subsidy: Fixed per HP i.e. ` 1,62,000/- for 5HP Pumps and ` 97,200/- for 3HP Pump.
(ii) Beneficiary share was proposed to be fixed as ` 50,000/- for 5HP Pump set and ` 30,000/- for 3HP pump set.
(iii) The balance of the finalized lowest tender price would be met from the State Government's fund, with reservation for SC & ST beneficiaries up to 25% (16+9). He further informed that the State Government had made budget allocation of ` 200 Crores for solar agriculture water pumping programme for the year 2015-16. The applications were invited and scrutinized by the District officers and seniority list, based on certain criteria, was prepared. Accordingly, Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited (TSREDCO) had invited tenders as per MNRE standard bidding document during 124
March, 2016. As the Financial year was closed by that time and budget funds for the year 2016-17 were not available, the programme couldn't be taken up.
(e) The representative of the Government of Telangana also submitted that as the free power facility was available for agricultural pump sets and in most of the area of the State ground water table was below 200 feet, the scheme did not attract beneficiaries as it involved huge contribution of the beneficiary. In the above circumstances, TSREDCO could complete only 90 Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Pump sets at Badradri Kothaguddem District (erstwhile Khammam District). The 90 Pump sets were taken up in un electrified villages with the support of District Water Management Authority (DWMA) contribution to the ST beneficiaries @ ` 2.53 lakhs per pump set totaling to the tune of ` 227.7 lakhs under Indira Jalaprabha Scheme by utilizing the MNRE grant @ ` 1.62 lakhs per pump set (Subsidy) i.e. totaling to the tune of ` 145.80 lakhs. As the project sanction period was over by 31.05.2016, the Utilisation Certificate was submitted to Government of India and balance fund was returned on 09.08.2016.
(f) Regarding Drinking Water Pump Sets, the representatives stated that the MNRE had accorded sanction for 869 Solar Pump sets for drinking water purpose to take up through the Rural Water Supply Department and released funds of ` 1.12 Crores towards 1 HP SPV dual pumping systems. Out of 869 Solar Pump sets, 366 1 HP SPV dual pumping systems for drinking water had been completed. As uninterrupted power supply was available in the State, the necessity and demand on the programme had drastically decreased. As the Project sanction 125
period was over by 31.08.2016, the Utilisation Certificate was submitted to the MNRE on 09.09.2016.
(g) The Committee notes that the world is moving fast towards reducing dependency on limited fossils fuel for which sustainable energy resources are being promoted and incentivised. As our country has abundant solar energy, installation of solar pumps would not only save scarce resources of country but also prevent environment pollution. The Committee observes that due to some reasons the project did not get desired response from the people of Telangana. Since the scheme has been closed and the State Government has also submitted Utilisation Certificates, the Committee directs that the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy should submit an Implementation Report and liquidate the assurance.
18. MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 1246 dated 04.05.2016 regarding start up fund for hydrocarbon sector.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Oil Sector PSU's and representatives of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1246 dated 04.05.2016 regarding start up fund for hydrocarbon sector on 15.01.2017 at Rajkot.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether the Ministry was planning to create a start-up fund for the oil and gas industry; the reasons for creating such 126
a fund and the target the fund seeks to achieve; and the progress on creating such a fund so far by the Ministry, the Minister had replied that the Ministry had asked the Oil and Gas PSUs to work out the modalities for promoting start-up ventures in the sector. The objective was to create an innovation ecosystem for oil and gas sector. The Committee asked the representatives of the National Oil Companies to inform about the progress made towards finalizing modalities for promoting start-up ventures in the sector; what were the key areas / sectors in which start-ups were being supported and what was the method for supporting them; how much fund had been earmarked for the purpose in next three years?
(c) The representatives of the National Oil Companies explained in detail about their individual set up and working of the fund. They were unanimous in their views that energy sector being capital intensive was presently a domain of large corporate houses. In order to attract outside talent, start-ups which could bring in new innovations / ideas, needed to be supported for which the fund had been created. Some of the areas identified for support were refining, marketing, energy conservation, business process re-engineering. Some of the oil companies said they had collaborated with premier engineering institutes viz., IITs working in the field to identify and nurture the talents and based on their recommendations they would support the project suiting their needs. The selection would be done by Committees which had been put in place. Some National Oil Companies informed that they had launched portal for the purpose and had also created incubation centres to provide hand holding for the start-up companies. Wide publicity was being given to the funds and they had already started inviting 127
proposals. Regarding the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) on the innovations made by the start-ups, the Committee was informed that though the IPRs would rest with the start-ups, the first right of refusal for commercial production would lie with the oil company which was giving money.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas informed that in line with the government's 'Start-up India' initiative, Public Sector Oil companies had set up start-up fund of ` 260 crores to foster, nurture and incubate new ideas related to the oil and gas sector. The fund was being set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and would either be housed in the Ministry or each company would have an office for the fund. As part of this initiative, oil companies would provide the entire support chain for start-ups including seed capital, hand-holding, mentoring, market linkage and follow-ups. A workshop was organized to discuss the issue wherein successful start-ups / incubators / intelligentsia were invited to share their views. The main views emerged therein were that youth need to be promoted for ideas; venture capital should be provided to them as seed money and there should be minimum government interference for start-ups. The necessary action in the matter was complete and an Implementation Report would be submitted shortly.
(e) The Committee feels that innovations are needed to reduce dependency on the limited natural resources especially the hydrocarbons. For promoting innovation and creating infrastructure, innovators and entrepreneurs need to be encouraged to establish innovative technology and business process re-engineering with significant 128
business potential and social relevance with focus on environment protection. The Committee appreciates the prompt action taken for creation of the Start-up fund. The Committee knows that the Indian intellectual capacity is contributing immensely to the global oil and gas economy and the Indian energy market too should benefit from that capacity.
(g) The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas furnished an Implementation Report which has been found to be in fulfilment of the assurance and has been laid on the Table of the House on 08.02.2017.
(ii) SQ No. 111 dated 06.05.2015 regarding target for investment in oil and gas sector.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Oil PSU's and representatives of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in connection with the issues raised in SQ No. 111 dated 06.05.2015 regarding target for investment in oil and gas sector on 07.07.2017 at Indore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether a Government panel had recommended key measures in a bid to boost local manufacturing, and whether the Government was targeting an investment of ` 6-7 lakh crores in oil and gas sector in the next five years to contribute to its 'Make in India' plan, inter-alia assurance was given that Government had constituted the Steering Committee on Make in India for oil & gas sector. The three Sub-Groups namely, upstream, midstream and downstream had been created for the purpose of preparing concrete action plans with timelines 129
and the reports submitted by each Sub-Group were being discussed for deciding future course of actions.
(c) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report informing that on 12.04.2017 the Union Cabinet had approved the policy to provide Purchase Preference (linked with Local Content) in all PSUs under the Ministry. It was further mentioned therein that the Policy aimed to incentivize growth in local contents in goods and service while implementing oil and gas projects in India by providing purchase preference to the manufacturers / service providers who met the local content targets in oil and gas business activities. However on being observed that the Implementation Report furnished by Ministry did not spell out certain details vis-a-vis the question asked for, the Committee decided to discuss the assurance with the representatives of the Ministry and Oil PSUs before taking a decision regarding treating the assurance as fulfilled or part-fulfilled.
(d) In this backdrop the Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry about the key measures recommended to boost local manufacturing in upstream, midstream and downstream of the oil and gas sector; the contours of the Purchase Preference Policy particularly its criteria for selection of vendors and the guidelines for implementing the policy; the local content targets in oil and gas business; whether the incentive for growth in local content was only for purchase or help would be given in manufacturing also. The Committee asked the representatives of the Oil PSUs to apprise it about the suitability of the Policy to them, whether their views were taken at the time of formalizing the Policy, 130
what preparations had been made for its implementation i.e. funding, awareness and training to local manufacturers etc.
(e) The representatives of the Oil PSUs unanimously informed that they were vigorously pursuing the Make in India Policy in their respective fields of operation which comprised of three components i.e. Upstream (relating to exploration and production activities), Midstream (relating to production of petroleum products) and Downstream (relating to pipelines and retailing of products). They further informed that they had met the stakeholders to assess their needs and requirements with a mandate of hand holding of persons desirous of entering the sector. After assessing the level of indigenisation, policy to provide Purchase Preference (Linked with Local Content) (PP- LC) had been launched wherein 10% preference was given to manufacturers / service providers who met the local content targets in oil and gas business activities and were in the 10% band. The Committee was informed that Oil companies were having Indigenisation Committees / Groups and many items were being manufactured locally in consultation with vendors. Further earlier most of the technology was imported but now they were doing it themselves. Regarding difference in activities being done before from those under Make in India, the Committee was informed that though many local companies capable of doing work relating to manufacturing in Oil Sector existed before, but they were not able to compete on price terms vis-a-vis the dominant giant multinational companies and thus were forced to stay out of the competition. Therefore the PP-LC policy was initiated to promote them. Another initiative was the conceptualisation of Petroleum Economic Zones (PEZ) which was initiated after the consultant engaged opined that 131
MNCs could come and manufacture in PEZs. Oil companies had been given target of 10% reduction in imports which they had been meeting and were trying to exceed. Under Enhanced Oil Recovery Scheme, new areas had been opened for exploration which would help in maintaining current level and meet future growth targets. (f) The representative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas informed that new Policies i.e. Production Enhancement Contract (PEC) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) had been introduced. He further informed that the Oil PSUs had also been requested to be generous towards the Indian companies / entrepreneurs in promoting them. On being asked about the slow progress on the start-ups and whether any time limit had been set in this regards, the Committee was informed that neither any time limit nor any guidelines had been prescribed. Initially the Oil PSUs had some doubts as to whether to go for activities in core petroleum sector or total energy sector but now slowly the work had started gathering pace and Oil PSUs had started supporting start-ups in total energy sector. (g) The Committee welcomed the initiative of the government in promoting indigenisation in Oil and Gas Sector and appreciated the efforts made to help out Start- ups in the process. The Committee however desired that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas may frame broad guidelines regarding promoting start-ups by the Oil PSUs to remove the ambiguities. (h) The Committee was satisfied with the replies and decided to treat the Implementation Report as satisfactory fulfilment of the assurance and the same has been laid on the Table of the House on 04.08.2017. 132
19. MINISTRY OF POWER
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 569 dated 21.11.2016 regarding pending Hydro Power Projects.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), Central Electricity Authority and Ministry of Power in connection with the issues raised USQ No. 569 dated 21.11.2016 regarding pending Hydro Power Projects on 07.05.2017 at Leh.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know the details of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of hydro power projects pending before the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), inter-alia it was informed that 12 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of Hydro Power Projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 9979 MW were under examination in Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The Committee desired to know about the details of the pending hydro power projects in J&K i.e. about Kwar project from the CVPP and about Sawalkote project from JKSPDC. The Committee further desired to know from the CEA about the time they would take to clear these projects and the steps taken for revival of the hydropower sector.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Power informed that out of the 12 pending Hydroelectric Projects, three were from J&K, two were from Uttarakhand and one was from Himachal 133
Pradesh. Out of these, all the three from J&K and one from Himachal Pradesh had been approved. The DPRs of remaining eight hydro-electric projects were at various stages of examination in CEA and a decision was likely to be taken shortly.
(d) The representative of the CEA informed the Committee in detail about twelve DPRs which were under examination in CEA. Detailed Project Reports of Kwar (540 MW), Sawalkot (1856 MW), Kirthai-II (930 MW) all in State of Jammu & Kashmir and Dugar (449 MW) in HP had been appraised and concurred by the CEA. DPRs of Jelam Tamak and Bowala Nand Prayag of Uttarakhand could not be concurred for want of report on e-flow of Empowered Committee of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (M/o WR, RD & GR) in view of DO letter of Hon'ble Minister. Regarding Dagmara in Bihar, he informed that project could not be concurred due to high cost & tariff submitted by developer. In case of Umngot in Meghalaya and Magochu in Arunachal Pradesh developers were not submitting compliance to observations of various appraising groups despite several reminders. For Subansiri Middle, developer had requested time for Hydro Fracture Test upto June, 2017. He further informed that Dibang project of Arunachal Pradesh had been cleared and another project of State namely Attunily would be cleared soon. On being asked how much time was required for appraisal and clearance of a project, he informed that appraisal of DPR was a complex process involving multi-disciplinary specialized organisations. There were 25 aspects and the Guidelines framed in 2015 envisage that if 9 aspects were cleared and the scheme was found technically and economically viable, CEA would 134
give concurrence within 4-5 months. The Ministry of EF&CC was trying to expedite clearance in single window by coordinating with all 5 Departments. The Committee was also informed about different aspects of Run-off-the-River and storage type projects and advantage of hydro power over solar power.
(e) The representative of CVPP informed that it was a Joint Venture Company between NHPC (49%), JKSPDC (49%) and Power Trading Corporation (PTC) (2%) and had been entrusted with development of Kwar Hydroelectric Project (540 MW) for which DPR was submitted to CEA in July, 2012. Briefing about the progress of the project he further informed that the DPR was accepted by CEA for concurrence in June, 2014. Forest, Defence and Environmental clearances were received in August, 2014, September, 2014 and April, 2017 respectively. CEA Appraisal was received on 23.02.2017. Matter will be processed for Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs after approval of Government of Jammu & Kashmir for exemptions of Works Contract Tax / Entry Tax and Waiver of 12% Free Power and Water User Charges. Tender Documents were under preparation and Culling Capacity was being done.
(f) The representative of NHPC informed that time taken for getting Environment Clearances and Land acquisition, non identification of land for compensatory afforestation at times, hindrance by groups were some of the reasons for delay in commencement of the projects.
(g) The representative of the JKSPDC informed that the Kirthai-II Hydro-electric Project was a run-off-the-river (ROR) scheme on the river Chenab located in Paddar tehsil of district 135
Kishtwar of J&K. Various clearances required for the Project at the level of Central & State Governments have been received. Two indents had been submitted in the office of Collector Land Acquisition Kishtwar & preparation of land papers for acquisition of land was in progress. Tenders had been floated on 20.04.2017 for engagement of Consultant for preparation of Bidding Documents for EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) execution and assisting JKSPDC in the EPC Bid process till execution of contract with the successful bidder.
(h) The representative of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir informed that that presently solar and wind energy projects were being given a lot of incentives whereas the hydro power projects were not being considered for any incentives. He further informed that due to high cost of electricity produced, no purchaser came forward and suggested that as the finance to hydro power projects were for a long duration, the tariff should also be calculated on long term basis. The representative desired that hydropower tariff should be incentivised as it was difficult to sell power generated through projects in J&K.
(i) The Committee observes that despite having such a vast potential of hydro electricity in the country, its optimum exploitation appears to be facing some kind of neglect. The Committee is of the view that to avoid unnecessary cost overrun caused due to delay in approval of projects by different authorities, Single Window Clearance system should be adopted by the Government to expedite the appraisal. The Committee recommends that to attract and retain private developers in this field, the Government should review the policy of setting up of 136
hydro power projects. The Committee also recommends that the associated benefits of a hydro power project should also be taken into account while calculating the tariff and some incentives should be given to promoters for establishing hydro power projects like in solar and wind energy projects.
(ii) USQ No. 2749 dated 30.04.2012 regarding eviction of tenants by BBMB.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Ministry of Power in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2749 dated 30.04.2012 regarding eviction of tenants by BBMB at Amritsar on 04.07.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know inter-alia how many cases had been filed by BBMB against the occupants before Estate Office and Courts in Punjab under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act and their outcome, the Minister had stated that 314 cases in Nangal Township and 286 cases in Talwara were pending as on January, 2012. The Committee further noted that the Ministry of Power from time to time had informed the Committee about the status of pending cases. The Committee further noted that in February 2017 the Ministry had informed that the number of cases in respect of Nangal had come down from 249 to 225, however in case of Talwara, the court cases had increased from 286 to 320. They had further informed that in 356 cases possession could not be taken for want of assistance from civil / police authorities. The Committee, while noting that settlement of cases in courts took its own time, felt 137
that the cases pending for want of civil / police assistance showed laxity on the part of government machinery. The Committee asked the representatives of the Ministry of Power, Bhakhra Beas Management Board and the State Government to inform about the steps taken by them to remove illegal encroachments and take possession where the cases had been settled; why desired civil / police assistance was not being provided to BBMB by State Government; by when these encroachments would be removed and possession would be taken by BBMB.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Power informed that as there were no markets in the area during construction period of BBMB projects, in order to attract commercial establishments to cater to the basic amenities of employees and workers posted at Project Stations, Built-up shops, Shop-cum-Flats, Khokhas were allotted to the private persons. Some plots were also provided to the private persons for their residential purposes. Accordingly, lease agreements were executed between BBMB and the lessees of the properties. In subsequent period, some of the shopkeepers and lessees of the plots violated the terms and conditions of executed lease agreements and made additions / alterations without the permission of BBMB. To remove such encroachments, notices were served to them and after non- compliance of notice; cases were filed in the court of Estate Officer, BBMB. In case of subletting, addition / alteration, encroachments, non-payment of lease money and non-renewal of lease agreement, eviction proceedings were undertaken by BBMB. Regarding latest position of pending cases of encroachment and cases decided by Estate Officer/Civil Court the Committee was informed that in 369 cases 138
encroachments could not be removed or possession could not be taken for want of assistance from Civil / Police Authorities. The Committee was further informed that though almost all the cases had been decided in Nangal, the Board was not getting adequate support from State Government for eviction. So far compensation to the affected people was concerned, the Committee was informed that power companies were ready to give compensation but implementation of court order was to be done by State Government.
(d) The representative of the Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) informed that the BBMB had initiated eviction proceedings against the unauthorized occupants under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. While defending the Court cases, the unauthorized occupants relied upon the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Government of India in 2002, which prevented arbitrary use of powers to evict genuine tenants from the Public Premises. However, Hon'ble Punjab & Haryana High Court vide its order dated 19.10.2006 ruled that those instructions were guidelines and could not override the provisions of Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 and BBMB could seek eviction of a person who was / is in un-authorized occupation of its premises. The verdict was upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India vide order dated 16.04.2007. He further informed that while responsibility of implementation of the award was of the State Government, the Board only had to pay the compensation. He also informed that BBMB had been framing lease policies from time to time for leasing its land and properties at Project Stations to private persons, the last being framed during the 139
year 2013. The existing lease agreements broadly covered the guidelines of the Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation. In order to remove certain bottlenecks hindering the universal application of Lease Policy, 2013, recently certain amendments were proposed in the same. The proposed amendments, which had been mooted in consultation with all the stake holders, aimed at regularizing the possession of present occupants / lessees who had made additions / alterations by encroaching BBMB land. The same was put up to full Board of BBMB for deliberation and decision during its 226th meeting held on 19.05.2017 at Chandigarh. However, the agenda item had been deferred on the request of representative of the Punjab Government on the plea that the decision of the Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi with regard to ownership of land at Nangal was under examination by the Punjab Government. He further submitted that BBMB had been making all efforts for proper upkeep of the project properties as its custodian and at the same time fulfilling the responsibility enjoined upon it by its partner States as their true representative. Also, at the same time, BBMB was sensitive to avoid any arbitrary use of powers to evict genuine tenants from the public premises under its control as a true law abiding organization by following due process of law in each and every case of encroachment of BBMB land while ensuring that no harassment takes place.
(e) The representative of the Government of Punjab stated that State Government provides adequate force for compliance of court orders as and when required. In instant case, he submitted that the issue might had been taken up at lower level of administration and assured that Punjab Government would extend 140
full cooperation to get encroached land evicted from illegal occupants.
(f) The Committee while noting that the settlement of cases in Courts would take its own time, expressed its anguish over pendency of cases decided by Courts for want of assistance from civil / police authorities and directed BBMB to hold a meeting with State Government in this regard and furnish an action taken report to the Committee.
(g) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Power should update the Committee on the issue.
(iii) USQ No. 2000 dated 20.03.2017 regarding expenditure by power companies on CSR.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Power Sector PSUs and representative of Ministry of Power in connection with issues raised in USQ No. 2000 dated 20.03.2017 regarding expenditure by power companies on CSR on 28.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know the details about the quantum of funds spent by various companies in the Ministry under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during the last three years; State-wise, district-wise and work-wise; and whether less funds had been issued to Chhattisgarh under CSR during the above period, the Minister had replied that information was being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. The Committee desired to know about the CSR spending of the public sector companies, particularly the expenditure in Odisha; what was the thrust of their CSR policies and how much CSR fund was going towards 141
health and education; how CSR policies of power sector companies were directed towards under-privileged citizens of the country and what were the guidelines and monitoring mechanism of CSR activities.
(c) The representatives of the power PSUs gave individual presentations on their CSR activities and unanimously informed that being responsible companies they were proactively performing CSR activities and they strived to meet expectations of society by supporting initiatives for improving infrastructure / quality of life of the society / community on sustainable basis. They further informed that some of the major thrust areas of CSR included supporting measures for environmental sustainability, viz. Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficient and Environment-friendly Technologies, waste management, sanitation & provision of safe drinking water; promoting education and employment-enhancing vocational skills, viz. skill development and training to under privileged sections of society / women, interventions in education sector, promoting girl education etc.; activities related to supporting differently-abled persons; activities related to Health Sector; contribution to any fund set up by Central Government for socio-economic development, support technology incubators located within academic institutions approved by Central Government and any initiative of the Ministry of Power. The Committee was further informed that Employment oriented Skill Development Trainings imparted to the unemployed youth belonging to SC / ST / OBC / PwD / Women / EWS categories across the country through various reputed training partners had yielded excellent results and significant number of unemployed youth trained in such training centres got gainful employment. Some PSUs informed 142
that their spending on CSR was well beyond the mandatory limit of 2% of net profit.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Power informed that information on the quantum of funds spent by various companies under Ministry of Power under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during the last three years had been collected and an implementation report had been sent to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. He further informed that the Power PSUs were discharging their CSR duties and the Ministry was constantly monitoring their activities. He also informed that PSUs had been directed to go beyond peripheral development in spending CSR funds.
(e) The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Power towards prompt fulfillment of the assurance but recommends that the Power PSUs should not limit their CSR spending to only 2% of their net profit as prescribed under the Act while helping the needy sections of the society.
(f) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which was treated as satisfactory fulfillment of the assurance.
20. MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 1728 dated 11.03.2016 regarding connecting Himachal Pradesh with Leh.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Ministry of Railways in connection 143
with the issues raised USQ No. 1728 dated 11.03.2016 regarding connecting Himachal Pradesh with Leh on 07.05.2017 at Leh.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details of request received from Government of Himachal Pradesh to connect the State with Leh through a railway line and the Government's reaction thereon along with the steps taken / being taken in this regard, the Minister had inter-alia stated that Reconnaissance Engineering-cum-Traffic (RET) survey for Bilaspur-Kullu-Manali-Leh (498 km) new line had been completed. Final Location Survey had to be carried out along with detailed Geological and Geotechnical studies, etc. It was further stated that a survey of Srinagar- Kargil-Leh (430 km) new line had been taken up to assess the feasibility and viability of another rail connectivity in Ladakh region. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry of Railways about the latest status of both the projects; whether Final Location Survey had been initiated and how much time would be taken for it; what were the challenges involved in the projects; whether sufficient funds had been set aside for the project; what was the position of land required for the project. The Committee asked the representative of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council to appraise it as to whether they had allotted land to the Ministry for setting up camp office. The Committee also asked the representatives of the Ministry of Defence to inform their stand on the issue.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Railways informed that Leh being cut-off from other parts of country during winters, it necessitated all weather rail connectivity both from strategic 144
as well as socio-economic considerations. Reconnaissance Engineering cum Traffic (RET) survey for 501 Kms. Srinagar- Kargil-Leh BG line and 665 Kms Pathankot-Manali-Leh had been taken up to assess the feasibility and viability. This RET survey was done using topo-sheets from Survey of India manually. While Survey Report in respect of Srinagar-Kargil- Leh line had already been submitted to Railway Board in March, 2017, it was under finalization in respect of Pathankot-Manali- Leh line. He further informed that Railway Board had directed Northern Railway to take up Final Location Survey (FLS), a precursor to actual construction, in respect of Bilaspur-Manali- Leh BG Line. The alignment would connect Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Keylong and other important towns enroute. The line from Bilaspur would further get connected to Bhanupali between Anandpur Sahib and Nangal Dam on Chandigarh- Una line which was being undertaken by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). He stated that construction of railway line in such difficult and treacherous terrain was a challenge for engineers and State of Art technologies were being employed to have a constructible, most economic, safe, and all weather railway line.
(d) The representative further informed that Final Location Survey (FLS) would be undertaken in 3 phases. In first phase Corridor optimization through digital elevation modelling and Geological appraisal would be undertaken. Development of most suitable alignment will be done in second phase. In third FLS phase, Geotechnical investigations, General Arrangement Drawings for Bridges & Tunnels and Detailed Project Report would be prepared. Apprising about present status he stated that FLS was awarded to M/s RITES Limited in August, 2016 and the 145
work was in progress by factoring in the list of Obligatory Points furnished by Ministry of Defence. The input data received from various stake holders (Survey of India, Geological Survey of India, Snow & avalanche study establishments, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Army Headquarters etc.) were being utilized to arrive at various alternative corridors/ alignments at various grades using latest alignment design software and latest survey techniques. Field inspection was being undertaken for the purpose of finalization of the corridors. The FLS was targeted to be completed by March, 2019.
(e) Regarding benefits of the project, financial viability, technology used and completion time, he informed that it required huge expenditure with negative returns. Technology from several countries would be required for different phases of the project as no indigenous technology was available for construction of rail line in such a difficult and treacherous terrain. Depending on availability of finance the project would be completed in 20 years.
(f) The representative of the Ministry of Defence informed that FLS at a cost of ` 158 crores was sanctioned in July, 2016 and it would be fully funded by Ministry of Defence. Out of ` 158 crores, the Ministry had already released ` 40 crores for the purpose in the month of August, 2016.
(g) The representatives of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir were of the view that this all-weather line when completed would benefit the people of Leh as they were literally disconnected from rest of the world during winters and promised to extend full support to the project. 146
(h) The Committee was satisfied with the progress made by Government in providing rail connectivity to the Himalayan Region and hoped that there would not be any paucity of funds in completion of this highest rail track of the world. The Committee observes that once this railway line is completed, Leh would be directly connected to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of India by railway enabling smooth and easy transportation of men and material to Leh, which is a strategic military base.
(ii) USQ No. 3071 dated 21.02.2014 regarding Railway projects in Madhya Pradesh.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministry of Railways in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 3071 dated 21.02.2014 regarding railway projects in Madhya Pradesh on 08.07.2017 at Indore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question raised to know inter-alia the details of under construction / pending Rail Over Bridge (ROB) / Rail Under Bridge (RUB) and manned and unmanned level crossings in Madhya Pradesh; whether implementation of these projects was being carried out as per schedule; if not, project-wise reasons for delay thereof; the number of sanctioned and operational ROBs / RUBs in Madhya Pradesh and present status thereof; and by when above said projects were likely to be completed, it was inter-alia informed that as on 01.04.2013, 84 ROBs and 207 RUBs were operational in Madhya Pradesh. As per Railway Works Programme 2013-14, 56 ROBs and 368 RUBs had been sanctioned in Madhya Pradesh out of which, construction 147
of 5 ROBs and 44 RUBs had been completed. Remaining ROBs / RUBs were at various stages of planning, estimation and execution. The Committee therefore desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry about the latest update in the matter. The Committee asked the representative of the Government of Madhya Pradesh to put forth his views on the issues falling within the ambit of the State Government.
(c) The representative of the Western Railway stated that as informed at the time of answering the question in respect of Madhya Pradesh, while all of the 36 RUBs being constructed under their jurisdiction had been completed; out of 16 under construction ROBs, 7 had been completed and work on remaining 9 were at various stages. Similarly out of 263 manned level crossings and 81 unmanned level crossings, 52 unmanned and 27 manned level crossings had been eliminated under their jurisdiction and they had a target for eliminating all unmanned level crossings in Madhya Pradesh by 31.03.2018. The Committee was further informed that 24 ROBs were at various stages of planning, estimation and execution, out of which NOC for closure of 19 ROBs had not been received from the State Government and consent for cost sharing had not been received for 22 ROB's. The representative of West Central Railway informing about the status of ROBs / RUBs under their jurisdiction in Madhya Pradesh as answered in reply to the question stated that out of 56 ROB's sanctioned on 01.04.2014, 16 had been commissioned; work on 7 was being done by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as they fell on National Highways; 18 were pending due to issues related to State Government; and balance 15 were at various stages. Similarly regarding the RUB's he informed that out of 368 148
sanctioned as on 01.04.2014, while 233 had been completed, 56 were not found feasible and had been dropped; 9 level crossings had been manned and 14 level crossings had been closed and there was a balance of 50 which were at various stages.
(d) The Committee was further informed that of late, the cost of pumps to improve drainage were being included in the project cost and would be borne by the Railways. On being asked about the reasons for delay in execution of projects, it was informed that smooth construction was dependent on positive co-operation of State Government and some of the reasons for delay were viz. late sanction of corresponding work in State Budget; inadequate fund allocation by State Government; frequent changes in alignment of approaches; non availability of encumbrance free land for construction of approaches; delay in providing consent for closure of railway crossings etc. The Committee was also informed that the Ministry was in regular touch with the State Government and matters were being sorted out through co-ordination.
(e) The representative of the Government of Madhya Pradesh informed that they had requested the Ministry of Railways to develop the ROBs / RUBs in PPP mode but that did not materialize. Now the issues of 16 ROBs have been sorted out and discussions for 18 were underway and sanction was likely to be given for them within this financial year and work would start on them within one year.
(f) The Committee observes that construction of ROB / RUB is essential for the safety of citizens crossing the railway lines and recommends that the Ministry of 149
Railways should enhance co-ordination with the State Government and sort out the issues and inform the Committee about the action taken.
(iii) USQ No. 2747 dated 16.12.2011 regarding survey of Damoh- Jabalpur Railway Line.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministry of Railways in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2747 dated 16.12.2011 regarding survey of Damoh-Jabalpur Railway Line at Indore on 08.07.2017.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details whether survey for Damoh-Jabalpur railway line had been conducted and the action plan made in this regard, it was informed that an updating survey from Damoh-Jabalpur had been taken up as a part of Jabalpur-Damoh-Panna new line survey. Field work had been completed, the survey report was likely to be finalised by March, 2012. The Committee noted that the Ministry in its last communication in September, 2016 had informed that updating of survey had been completed and report was under finalisation in Zonal Railway and had sought extension of time till 31.12.2016. Thereafter neither the fulfillment report nor request for extension of time had been received. Further the survey report which was to be finalised in March, 2012 was finalised in 2016 after 4 more years. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry why there was so much delay in finalizing the report and what was the present status of the matter and by when the details of survey would be available. 150
(c) The representatives of the Railways informed that survey for a new Railway line of 246 kms. Jabalpur-Panna via Damoh which was first completed in 2001-2002 was shelved due to negative Rate of Return (ROR). Further an updating survey sanctioned in 2010-2011 had been completed and the report from West Central Railway had been received in Railway Board on 23.06.2017. The report was under examination in Railway Board and the process would take three months after which a decision would be taken. On being asked about the delay in the survey he informed that after the updating survey, Panna was skipped and instead of it Devendergarh had been included. It was also decided to cover Kundalpur for which re- survey was done. In between the land and other rates were revised and time was taken to factor in them also. (d) The Committee noting that the survey had been completed and the matter was being examined in the Railway Board which would take three months, directs the representative of the Ministry to expedite the process and inform it about the decision taken within the given timeline. (iv) USQ No. 1711 dated 11.03.2016 regarding Setting up of Rail Coach Factory in Telangana. (a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana and Ministry of Railways in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1711 dated 11.03.2016 regarding Setting up of Rail Coach Factory in Telangana on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know whether Railways was planning to set up Rail Coach 151
Factory in Telangana as per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, the Minister had informed that as per item 10 of Schedule XIII (Infrastructure) of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, Indian Railways was required to examine the feasibility of establishing a Rail coach factory in the successor State of Telangana and take expeditious decision thereon. To, inter-alia, examine the feasibility of establishing the Rail coach factory, a committee of Senior Officers from Railways had been constituted by the Ministry of Railways. Before taking any final decision on the report of the Committee, the Ministry of Railways had asked the Committee to consult the various stakeholders also, which includes the Members of Parliament, State Governments, etc. The Committee desired to know about the efforts made to establish Rail Coach Factory in Telangana; why there was so much delay in the project; what was the status of the report by the Committee of Senior Officers constituted for the purpose? The Committee also desired to know from the State Government whether they were ready to share the cost and provide adequate land and other inputs, if project was cleared.
(c) The representative of the Government of Telangana stated that as per item No. 10 of Schedule XIII of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, the Central Government had to take steps for setting up rail coach factory and improve the rail connectivity in Telangana. During the past 2 years, Chief Minister of Telangana, had written series of letters to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Railways for its establishment in the State and that the State Government was ready to facilitate the availability of required land for the purpose. 152
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Railways informed that the Committee of Senior Officers had wide consultations with all the stakeholders including MPs of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and all the Zonal Railways. The Committee also assessed the present capacity of coach production in the country and demand of new coaches by 2022. Though, the Report of the Committee would be finalized by December, 2017, it was felt that there was no requirement of new Rail Coach Factory (RCF) as sufficient number of coaches meeting the requirement were already being manufactured in the country. However, in place of Rail Coach Factory, setting up of a Wagon Periodic Overhauling Workshop at Kazipet had been approved by the Ministry in 2016-17 at a cost of ` 269.78 crores. This workshop would take care of Periodic Overhauling (POH) of 200 wagons per month. The work had been entrusted to RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Limited) for execution. General Arrangement Drawing had been finalized by RVNL and Detailed Estimate was under preparation. The land would be provided free-of-cost by the State Government. On being asked about statutory commitment to set up a Rail Coach Factory in Telangana, he stated that the commitment was to look into the possibility of setting up of a RCF in the State. (e) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should update it after the presentation of the final report of the Committee of Senior Officers. (v) USQ No. 3478 dated 31.03.2017 regarding execution of Bhadrachalam - Kovvur - Manuguru - Ramagundam Railway line.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana and Ministry of Railways in 153
connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 3478 dated 31.03.2017 regarding execution of Bhadrachalam-Kovvur- Manuguru-Ramagundam Railway line on 31.08.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know whether the Ministry had received any representation from the Government of Telangana regarding allocation of sufficient funds and early execution of Bhadrachalam - Kovvur - Manuguru - Ramagundam railway line and the response of the Ministry to the request, the Minister after giving details of allocation for the project had stated that for Bhadrachalam - Kovvur, 151 Km. new line, consent of Telangana State Government for cost sharing was awaited. Regarding Manuguru - Ramagundam new line, it was stated that the work was proposed in Budget 2013-14, subject to requisite approvals. Railways was unable to take up this project at present, due to its un-remunerative nature, heavy throw forward of ongoing projects and constraint of resources. However, State Government of Telangana had been requested for sharing at least 50% of the cost of new line besides providing land free of cost. Reply of Telangana State Government was awaited.
(c) The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the State Government whether they had given alignment approval for the first project and consent for cost sharing. The Committee also desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry whether they had released the allocation of ` 7 crores as proposed and what was the present status of the project; whether any target was fixed for its completion? Regarding second project, what was the stand of State Government 154
regarding 50% cost sharing and free allocation of land; whether any progress had been made in this regard?
(d) Regarding new rail line between Bhadrachalam Road to Kovvur, the representative of Government of Telangana stated that it was sanctioned vide Pink Book item No. 17 of 2012-13 with 50% cost sharing by the State Government. Out of 150.90 kms of total length of new line, 78.5 kms came under Telangana State and 72.50 kms came under Andhra Pradesh State. Consequent to bifurcation of the State of Andhra Pradesh, the consent given by the Government of undivided State to share 50% of the cost of the new line and to provide free land was under examination of the Government of Telangana and decision taken in this regard would be communicated to Railways within one month.
(e) Regarding new Broad Gauge Railway line from Manuguru to Ramagundam, the representative of Government of Telangana informed that construction thereof was sanctioned in 2013-14 with an estimated cost of ` 1112 crores. The total length of the project was 200 kms. The then Chief Minister of erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh had agreed to bear 50% of the cost of the said new railway line project. On 29.8.2017 South Central Railway had furnished detailed estimate of the said project to the State Government of Telangana with a request to confirm 50% cost sharing and to provide land free of cost and same was being processed. The decision in this regard was expected in 6 weeks.
(f) The representative of Ministry of Railways informed that in the same area, there was one more sanctioned project of new line from Bhadrachalam Road to Sattupalli (56.375 km) for 155 which M/s. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) would bear the full cost excluding land. Cost of land would be borne by Railways. The alignment of new line between Bhadrachalam Road-Sattupalli could be followed upto Chandragondu station (23.80 Km) for the proposed project. Due to adoption of common alignment, the total length of Bhadrachalam-Kovvur new line project would be reduced to 130.20 Kms (i.e. from Chandragondu to Kovvur) as against 150.90 Kms originally proposed. Since the common alignment from Bhadrachalam to Chandragondu fell in Telangana, letters had been written to Government of Telangana and M/s. SCCL, for communicating their consent and no objection for common alignment of the project. M/s. SCCL, vide letter dated 30.05.201, had agreed for utilizing the common alignment upto Chandragonda station and had deposited Rs. 50 Crores with Railways, as first installment for execution of the work. The consent from Government of Telangana for common alignment and cost sharing was awaited. Several letters had been sent to the Principal Secretary (TR&B), Telangana for communicating State Government's consent. The proposals of land acquisition had already been submitted to the respective District Collectors. The Principal Secretary (TR&B), Andhra Pradesh had also been requested several times to communicate State Government's consent on sharing 50% cost of the project for the length falling in their State. Matter was being perused at Chief Secretary level during regular Coordination Meetings between the State Governments of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh and Railways. Budget outlay of Rs. 7 crores for the year 2017-18 had been earmarked. 156
(g) Regarding 200 Km Manuguru to Ramagundam rail line project in Telangana, the representative of Ministry of Railways informed that sanctioned cost of the project was ` 1112 crores. Final Location Survey had been completed and detailed estimate would be submitted to Railway Board in the current financial year. Principal Secretary (TR&B), Telangana was requested in June, 2016 to confirm the commitment of the Government of Telangana for providing land free-of-cost and sharing 50% of balance cost. In response to a query made by Telangana Government in July, 2017 Railway had clarified that total land requirement was 875.95 Hectare and present estimated cost, including land, was ` 2649.96 crores. 50% of the balance cost (excluding cost of land) had to be provided by State Government. He further stated that it had been clearly mentioned in Pink Book, where the sanction was communicated, that, no expenditure should be incurred in this project unless the mandatory approvals and sanctions were received. (h) The Committee observed that these projects were sanctioned in 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively and their execution has been delayed due to one reason or other. The Committee asked the State Government to communicate their consent to Railways within the time limit as promised by them. (i) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should furnish an updated status of both the projects once the communication is received from the State Government. (vi) USQ No. 3461 dated 31.03.2017 regarding reconstruction of old railway bridge in Amritsar.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, and Ministry of Railways in connection 157
with the issues raised in USQ No. 3461 dated 31.03.2017 regarding reconstruction of old railway bridge in Amritsar on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details whether Government was taking steps to reconstruct Rego railway bridge in Amritsar which was in a very dilapidated condition and could cause danger to human life due to heavy traffic, the Minister had replied that condition of Railway portion of Rego Road Over Bridge (ROB) in Amritsar was satisfactory as per the latest inspection conducted by Railway officials. However, there was a proposal from State Government for widening of the Rego ROB on deposit terms. Technical scheme was under finalization with State Government. The Committee desired to know whether final approval for widening of the bridge had been given and technical scheme finalized; by when the work on ground would be started; what would be the cost sharing formula between Railways and State Government and by when the widening work was expected to be completed?
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Railways informed that in 2011, the Government of Punjab had sent a proposal to renovate Rego Road Over Bridge by changing deck slabs and widening the bridge to 4 lanes. The work was entrusted to Railways on deposit term basis and the State Government had deposited ` 14.4 lakhs with Railways towards preliminary expenses. During a meeting between Northern Railways and State Government held on 08.08.2011 it was decided to construct new ROB as widening of existing ROB was not feasible and RITES was engaged as consultant for this purpose. RITES 158
submitted alignment plan and span arrangement in December, 2014, but, span arrangement proposed by RITES was not found feasible as it was infringing future Railway track. Alternatively, Railways proposed a new span arrangement and sent the same to State Government for approval in September, 2016. Meanwhile, Northern Railway developed a new feasible plan and sent to State Government in May, 2017 for approval. The State Government gave approval for second proposal in June, 2017 and the same was sent to Ferozpur Division for approval. However, Ferozpur Division had modified the span arrangement for accommodating future track. The revised plan was supposed to be sent to State Government in July, 2017. Tentative estimate of ` 35.39 crores for ROB (Railway portion) had been sent to State Government for their consent and preparing a combined estimate including approaches. Once the detailed estimate of ROB was sanctioned, Amritsar Improvement Trust would deposit requisite funds with the railways. Thereafter, the tender would be processed. He further stated that since the new ROB would be made at the existing location, the existing ROB will have to be dismantled. The entire construction in railway portion would take 24 months. The approaches would be done by State Government.
(d) The representative of the Government of Punjab stated that Rego Bridge constructed in 1883 connected Grand Trunk Road and Cantonment area and was the most utilized bridge with heavy flow of traffic. As the Railway portion of the bridge was in dilapidated condition, State Government had requested the Ministry of Railways for its renovation in 2011. Project design and estimates had not been received from the Ministry. 159
After its receipt, they would approve the plan along with approaches within 15 days of time. The representative of the State Government further informed that they were not in a position to bear the cost of the bridge that was around 60 crores and requested the Ministry to bear the expenses of 135 mtr railway portion of the bridge.
(e) The Committee expresses its displeasure over time taken by the Ministry of Railways in finalization of bridge layout plan for one reason or the other and felt that any further delay in the execution of the project might cause untoward incidents which could be fatal for lives of commuters. The Committee directs the Ministry to furnish the design to the State Government for their approval and furnish a Status Note for perusal of the Committee. In view of the inability of the State Government to bear the cost of the bridge, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should consider absorbing major cost of the bridge.
21. MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 1963 dated 14.03.2013 regarding fund sharing for expressway from Delhi to Ludhiana; and
(ii) USQ No. 2812 dated 27.03.2017 regarding Amritsar Delhi Expressway.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in 160
connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 1963 dated 14.03.2013 regarding fund sharing for expressway from Delhi to Ludhiana and USQ No. 2812 dated 27.03.2017 regarding Amritsar Delhi Expressway on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to similar questions raised to know whether Government intended to construct Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar Expressway; what would be the fund sharing pattern between the States and the Centre for this Expressway and whether Government has made any progress in this regard, the Minister had informed that proposals for preparation of project report for Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway with connectivity to Chandigarh had been received from Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab. It was pre- mature to indicate project details including start time etc. till finalisation of the feasibility report and investment decision. The Committee desired to know about the progress made towards finalisation of feasibility report and investment pattern of Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar Expressway; whether cost would be shared between Centre and State or the Ministry intends to go on PPP mode. The Committee also asked to know if there were any issues of land acquisition.
(c) The representative of the Government of Punjab stated that the project was conceived by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The Government of Punjab would extend all support including land acquisition towards execution of the project.
(d) The representative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed that originally it was envisaged to develop an expressway from Delhi to Chandigarh. Later, on the requests 161
of Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana, the Ministry modified the proposal and gave in-principle approval for Delhi-Ludhiana- Amritsar-Katra Expressway with connectivity to Chandigarh. The bids for appointment of consultancy service for the preparation of Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report of the expressway had been received by the NHAI. Technical evaluation had already been carried out and the financial bids were under evaluation. Alignment study would be carried out during the feasibility study stage. He stated that since the feasibility of the project was yet to be carried out, therefore, the likely start time of the project, scheduled completion period and fund sharing pattern could not be stated.
(e) The representative of NHAI informed that the Delhi-Chandigarh Expressway was identified under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-VI, which envisaged constructing 6000 KMs expressways of 6 lanes. A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Minister of Road Transport and Highways on 16.01.2013 in which Chief Minister, Haryana, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, PWD Ministers of Delhi, Haryana & Punjab were present and it was agreed to take up Delhi-Ludhiana Expressway with connectivity to Chandigarh instead of Delhi-Chandigarh Expressway. Accordingly the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways gave approval for feasibility study / DPR of Delhi-Ludhiana Expressway vide letter dated 20.08.2015. Later in a meeting held on 16.10.2015 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (RTH), it was decided to extend this Expressway upto Katra.
(f) To assess the further development, a meeting was likely to be held very soon under the Chairmanship of Minister of Road 162
Transport and Highways in which Chief Ministers of Haryana, Punjab and J&K were being invited. The bids for the appointment of Consultant to carry out the feasibility study / DPR were invited four times. In the 4th call (18.10.2016): Three bids had been received out of which two were technically qualified. The financial bids had been opened and were in the process.
(g) Sharing the details of the expressway the representative of NHAI further informed that the approximate length of the expressway was 590 kms with 100 mt Right of Way (ROW) and Tentative Land Requirement was 6300 Hectares. Estimated Tentative cost of land @ ` 1.5 Crores/acre was ` 23,625 Crores and tentative construction cost @ ` 50 Crores/km worked out to ` 29,500 Crores. Tentative Total Cost including Land Acquisition (LA) cost was ` 53,125 Crores and the Tentative Cost of Expressway / km including LA ` 90.04 Crores/km. As per the tentative Time Schedule prepared, Preliminary alignment study and discussion with concerned States were to be done by September, 2017; Finalisation of alignment by October, 2017; Pre-feasibility study was likely to be completed by December, 2017 and Feasibility study and Start of Land Acquisition Process were slated for completion by March, 2018. The representative also briefed the Committee about Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways was being constructed around Delhi.
(h) The Committee understands that the project once completed would ease the traffic congestion on NH-1 to a large extent and would particularly be beneficial for the pilgrims visiting Golden Temple and Mata Vaishno 163
Devi Shrine. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should keep it informed about different stages of the project.
(ii) USQ No. 2887 dated 20.02.2014 regarding NH projects funded by international agencies.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana, NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2887 dated 20.02.2014 regarding NH projects funded by international agencies on 01.09.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know inter-alia the details of cases of corruption reported in internationally funded NH projects along with the penal action taken against the guilty, project-wise; the Minister had informed that there were three cases of corruption in projects funded by international agencies i.e. Lucknow-Muzaffarpur National Highway project, East West Corridor and Hyderabad - Bengaluru Section of NH-7. The Lucknow-Muzaffarpur NH project was being investigated by CBI wherein two preliminary inquiries had been registered. The other two cases were under investigation by Vigilance Division of NHAI. The Committee further noted that more than three years had passed since question was answered but the Ministry had not been able to furnish any progress report in these cases and had been repeatedly seeking extension of time casually stating that more time was needed to fulfill the assurance. The Committee desired to know about the progress made in investigation so far in all the three cases. 164
(c) The representative of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways informed that a self-contained note of CBI regarding Lucknow- Muzaffarpur NH project (WB-09, WB-10 & WB-12) had been received in NHAI. The Preliminary Enquiry (PE) was closed by CBI as available evidence was not sufficient to convert into a regular case. The CBI had recommended that NHAI may take action as deemed fit against contractors, consultant and concerned employees of NHAI. He further informed that due to the charges levied by CBI in its report, Shri R. N. Reddy, then Manager with M/s PCL (who later joined in NHAI on deputation from the State Government as Manager (T), Vishakhapatnam) was repatriated to his parent department with the approval of competent Authority along with direction of CBI for necessary action. The parent department of Shri Reddy (Command Area Development) vide letter dated 11.12.2016 had informed that no action was needed to be taken against him. Apprising about action taken against the Consultant, he stated that the Authority had referred the matters to three CGMs Committee for deciding further course of action. The three CGMs Committee submitted its report vide letter dated 20.05.2016 wherein it opined that no adverse inference could be drawn against the consultant due to lack of evidence and no case was substantiated to take any deterrent action. On being asked about action taken against contractors he submitted that in the case of WB-09 the contract was terminated on 11.11.2013 and NHAI had declared the contractor as non performer vide letter dated 18.02.2014. The project WB-12 was substantially completed on 20.09.2011 and the project WB- 10 was terminated on 14.01.2016. 165
(d) Regarding East West Corridor under NHDP Phase II, the representative apprised the Committee that there was certain Audit observation which was investigated by Vigilance Division of NHAI. The investigation had been completed and report had been forwarded to Audit office which was under investigation.
(e) The representative further informed that in respect of Hyderabad - Bengaluru section of NH-7, some clarification / explanation was sought from the two officials involved in the matter, belonging to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The clarification from Parent Department of one officer i.e. Roads and Bridges Department of Government of Andhra Pradesh had been received. However, it was still pending from Telangana. The Principal Secretary (R&B Department), Government of Telangana vide letter dated 07.06.2017 was again requested for clarification / explanation, who in turn vide letter dated 17.06.2017 directed the officer to furnish clarification / explanation immediately to NHAI. After receipt of the Report, the Vigilance Committee would decide quantum of punishment in the matter.
(f) The representative of the Government of Telangana informed that Report in respect of an official involved in Hyderabad - Bengaluru section of NH-7 was pending to be furnished to NHAI by the State Government. He assured that within a fortnight the State Government would furnish desired Report to NHAI.
(g) The Committee is of the view that cases of fraudulent and corrupt practices particularly in projects funded by international agencies do not go well with the 166
Government's resolve and tarnish the country's image. Therefore speedy and thorough investigation, coupled with exemplary punishment is required in the matter. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should furnish an Action Taken Report immediately after receiving necessary inputs from NHAI and State Government of Telangana.
(iii) SQ No. 83 dated 14.07.2014 regarding accidents due to faulty design of Volvo buses.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Telangana, NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in connection with the issues raised in SQ No. 83 dated 14.07.2014 regarding accidents due to faulty design of Volvo buses on 01.09.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know inter-alia whether Ministry was aware that the investigation made by CID of Andhra Pradesh revealed that there was a flaw in the design of Volvo buses which was causing accidents; and whether the Ministry would direct the company to change the design of its buses or ban them in the country; the Minister had stated that the accident that took place at Palem, near Kothakota, Mahabubnagar District on Bengaluru-Hyderabad Highway was investigated by the Crime Branch, CID, Andhra Pradesh. A copy of the report dated 19.06.2014 (without annexures) of CID, Telangana, was received from Government of Telangana, on 10.07.2014 and the same was under examination. The Ministry vide its several communications informed that State Government of Telangana was regularly being requested to furnish the complete CID 167
report along with their views / comments for further appropriate action, however reply of the State Government had not been received so far. The Committee desired to know about the findings of CID and the reasons as to why the State Government was not furnishing complete CID report as desired by the Ministry, owing to the fact that more than 3 years have elapsed since then. The Committee also desired to know from the Ministry about the implementation of Bus Body Code in order to bring quality and performance regulation to ensure that the material used was fire retardant and bus makers were held accountable for product failure.
(c) The representative of the Government of Telangana apprised the Committee that there was an accident involving a Volvo bus in Andhra Pradesh on 30th October, 2013 resulting in death of 45 persons due to burning. The bus was registered in Karnataka. An enquiry in the matter was conducted by CID of the State Police which pointed out violation of certain provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. A charge sheet had been filed against 10 accused persons in the matter. The report was sent to Central Ministry in July, 2014 for their perusal. Apprising the Committee about action taken by the Government to prevent such accidents in future he stated that the Department had identified Black Spots such as sudden curves, poor visibility, sudden narrowing and engineering defects etc. on roads and steps were being taken to rectify them. Further, point-wise penalty system for drivers had been introduced in the cities of Telangana and if any person accumulated 60 points his license would be cancelled. 168
(d) The representative of M/o RTH informed that a copy of the report of the Additional Director General of Police (CID), Telangana, along with annexure was received in the Ministry. The copies of report and views / comments of State Government were sent to testing agencies and Roads Wing of the Ministry for seeking their comments / suggestions and advice for necessary remedial measures in the Volvo buses plying on roads to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Reports from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) had been received and examined. He further informed that based on suggestions and feedback gathered from several reports, the Bus Body Code Standard, AIS 052 had been revised and notified for implementation under rule 125C of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules w.e.f. 1st October, 2014 for new model of buses and 1st April, 2015 for existing model of buses. In the revised Bus Body Code, safety parameters had been sufficiently strengthened, the number of emergency windows had been increased, emergency door had been added, hammers with long handles to break open the window glasses had been provided, entry-exit doors modified to have the manual override for opening, audio-visual alarm system had been made mandatory, usage of fire retardant material to control flammability had also been added. Further, Volvo had reduced the fuel tank capacity to 450 litres. He further informed that the implementation date had been extended till 1st October, 2017 for the existing model of buses. The Ministry had also notified mandatory fitment of Speed Governor for the transport vehicles, vide notification GSR 290 (E) dated 15th April, 2015 wherein the maximum pre-set speed mandated for such vehicles had been fixed at 80 KMPH. 169
(e) The Committee while appreciating the steps taken by the Ministry, observed that though Volvo company would comply with the revised design standards for new buses, the shortcomings in the existing buses would remain as there was no statutory mechanism to check whether the old buses had also been modified accordingly. The Committee further observed that if Motor Vehicle Rules which were being amended for the purpose, could be given retrospective effect, the old buses would also have to undergo change in their design as per new rules.
(f) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should examine the suggestion for giving retrospective effect to the Motor Vehicle Rules so that old buses should also be modified in tune with new provisions leading to better safety on roads. The Committee further directs the Ministry to expedite the process of liquidation of assurance as the necessary information has been received from the State Government.
22. MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 928 dated 07.12.2015 regarding enquiry into irregularities under MNREGA.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministry of Rural Development in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 928 dated 07.12.2015 regarding enquiry into irregularities under MNREGA on 07.07.2017 at Indore. 170
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know the details of cases of irregularities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the country reported and inquired into by National Level Monitors (NLMs) and wherein irregularities had been established during the last three years, State-wise and year-wise; inter-alia assurance was given that information was being collected. Further noting that the responsibility of implementation of MGNREGS was vested with the State Governments, the Committee asked the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh about the status of the said complaints, whether they had been inquired upon and if so whether any irregularities had been established, if so, whether action had been taken against the guilty. (c) The representative of Government of Madhya Pradesh informed that action had been taken against 2359 functionaries in 418 cases and gave a breakup of the list of functionaries. Regarding action taken against guilty persons she informed that it included issue of show cause notice in case of unsatisfactory Preliminary Enquiries (PE); Departmental action i.e. withholding of increments. She also informed that FIRs had been filed in 160 cases and recoveries had been made in cases of non-payment of wages. (d) The representative of the Ministry of Rural Development informed that the matter pertained to enquiry by the State Government and the Ministry would obtain the requisite information from the State Government and would send to the Committee.
(e) The Committee observed that the MGNREGS was launched by the Government to guarantee rural employment. The 171
Committee further observed that more than ten years had passed since the scheme was launched but all along it had been marred by complaints of diversion of funds, embezzlement of funds, less / non-payment of wages, lack of transparency etc., which were in plenty in case of nearly all the States.
(f) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Rural Development should pursue the matter with the State Government and obtain detailed breakup of cases of corruption and inform the Committee.
23. MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 570 dated 28.04.2016 regarding installation of largest telescope in Ladakh.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir and Ministry of Science and Technology in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 570 dated 28.04.2016 regarding installation of largest telescope in Ladakh.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the details whether Ladakh was going to be the site for world's largest telescope project; the role of the Ministry in installing this telescope; and the benefits that would accrue to the Ladakh region and the country as a whole by installation of this telescope; inter-alia assurance was given that the Ministry of Science and Technology through Department of Science and Technology (DST) was funding this project in association with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Hanle, Ladakh was one of the potential site for the project 172
which was being evaluated for hosting the telescope. The Ministry of Science and Technology furnished an Implementation Report stating that Hanle, Ladakh was not found suitable for locating such a large telescope. The Committee however decided to seek some clarification before taking a final decision regarding fulfilment of assurance as it felt that certain issues were unanswered in the Implementation Report. The Committee sought to know about the deciding authority of the site, what was the role of the Ministry in the process, on which assessment parameters did Hanle, Ladakh fell short; whether the reasons for rejection were scientific or other. The Committee also desired to know about the participating countries and their shares in the project.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Science & Technology apprised the Committee about the scientific specifications of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project and stated that the project was being implemented in a collaboration of five countries, namely, USA (40%), Japan (20%), Canada (20%), China (10%) and India (10%). India joined this project in 2010 and became formal member in 2014 with 10% share, out of which 70% would be in kind and 30% in cash. Total cost of the project would be around 1.30 billion USD and it was scheduled to be completed by 2022. She informed that the site initially chosen for the proposed project was in Hawaii, but due to some local issue and resistance from a section of local population, the site got cancelled. Hanle, Ladakh was one of the potential alternate sites for the TMT project. However, after detailed investigation, a crucial scientific parameter for the Hanle site was not found to be suitable for installation of the Telescope. The La-Palma site at Canary in Spain had been 173
chosen as the alternate site. She further informed that participation in TMT had given a lot of experience and as an alternative to TMT, the Government was going to install its own Seven Meter Telescope near Pangong-tso in Ladakh. She also informed that they were receiving a lot of requests from foreign nationals for participation in that project and the work on this project would be started in three-four months.
(d) The representative of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir informed that they were ready to participate in TMT project if Hanle site was chosen. However, they would still participate and coordinate with Government of India's Seven Meter Telescope project and would include it in physics curriculum. All required permits had already been cleared. He further informed that due to lack of information there was apprehension in local population regarding environmental pollution due to construction, on which representative of Department of Science and Technology assured that she would hold a meeting with them to dispel the misinformation.
(e) The Committee was satisfied with the replies and decided to treat the Implementation Report as satisfactory fulfilment of assurance.
(f) The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Science and Technology towards installation of Largest National Telescope and hopes that the project would be completed within stipulated time schedule and would be put to the service of nation. The Committee recommends that a meeting with all the stakeholders including representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, DC Leh 174
and local population should be convened as soon as possible to clear all the apprehensions about Seven Meter Telescope Project.
24. MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) SQ No. 230 dated 21.12.2015 regarding improving operational efficiency of major ports.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Gujarat, managements of some Major Port Trusts, State Government / Private Sector Ports and representatives of Gujarat Maritime Board and Ministry of Shipping in connection with the issues raised in SQ No. 230 dated 21.12.2015 regarding improving operational efficiency of major ports on 18.01.2017 at Bhuj.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to the question asked to know whether the Government plans to make amendments in the Major Port Trusts Act to change the management structure of major ports to help them function more efficiently and independently; and measures taken by Government to augment capacity and improve the operational efficiency of major ports, inter-alia an assurance was given that the Government was examining proposals to amend the Major Ports Act, 1963 with a view to modernise the institutional structure of the major ports and to secure greater operational freedom for the ports in tune with the present day requirements. The Committee asked the representatives of the Ministry to inform about the proposed changes and the current day requirements and the developments which necessitated changes 175
in the Major Ports Act, whether views of all the stakeholders including the State Government had been taken before proposing the changes; what was the current position in the matter; whether any interim measures had been taken to modernise the institutional structure of the major ports and to secure greater operational freedom for them and by when they were proposed to be implemented. The Committee also desired to know the views of the Major Ports, Gujarat Maritime Board and Private Ports on the framework and ways to improve efficiency of ports. (c) The representatives of the Ports apprised the Committee about their operations and the major items handled by them and were unanimous in their views. They were of the view that for healthy competition, tariff regulator should be there for both the private and government ports. They further stated that functional freedom for taking decisions enjoyed by management of private ports being governed under Companies Act was an advantage which was not available to government ports and they had less flexibility due to Board Members from diverse fields. They stated that company model was better suited for ports and informed that changes had been proposed in the Major Ports Act to treat the ports as a company to enable appointment of well-versed directors on their Board who could take decision in the interest of the company. They further informed that dredging increased their operational costs whereas internationally dredging was the responsibility of federal government but in our country though Government of India provided support, it did not take the responsibility.
(d) The representatives of the Private Ports apprising about their operations and the items handled by them informed that they 176
were not covered under the provisions of the Major Ports Act. They also highlighted their problem concerning Port Health Organisation restriction to handle fewer cargo, issue relating to installation of radar and cost of scanner on private ports. (e) The representative of the Ministry of Shipping informed that based on the feedback received from the ports, the Bill for effecting changes in the Major Ports Act had been introduced in the Parliament and was with the Parliamentary Standing Committee for examination. Regarding a single Tariff Regulatory authority for major and minor ports he informed that Central Government had control over major ports only and minor / private ports were under the jurisdiction of respective State Governments. (f) The representative of the Gujarat Maritime Board stated that State of Gujarat was the pioneer state to establish Maritime Board. He informed that the State appreciated the provisions in the Bill which provided for nomination of one representative from the State Government where the major port is situated in its management board. (g) The Committee observes that the major ports were facing constraints in their functional autonomy vis-a-vis private ports as the private ports could offer competitive pricing to customers whereas the major ports could not match the same due to limitations fixed by the tariff regulator. The Committee hopes that things would change for better performance by all ports in the country with the enactment of a new law. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Shipping should furnish an Implementation Report since the Bill had been introduced in the Parliament. 177
(ii) USQ No. 2126 dated 16.03.2010 regarding expansion of new ports.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Major Port Trusts and representatives of Ministries of Shipping and Environment Forest & Climate Change in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2126 dated 16.03.2010 regarding expansion of new ports on 29.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar and on 01.09.2017 at Hyderabad.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know whether the new policy on expansion of existing ports and initiation of new ports along the coastal line was causing delay, as long as two years, for clearance under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification; whether the Chief Minister of Gujarat had requested the Hon'ble Prime Minister to make necessary modifications in the New Policy so that the development of ports was not affected; and whether Government was considering the required modifications in the CRZ and EIA Notifications under the new policy, the Minister had informed that the information was being collected.
(c) The Committee noted with pain that more than seven years had passed but the Ministry had neither collected the information nor informed the Committee about the reasons for delay in the process. The Committee desired to know about the current status of the matter; details of efforts made to collect the information; whether there was a proposal for modification of CRZ and EIA notifications; by when the Ministry would make available the information to the Committee. The Committee also desired to know from the representatives of the Ports 178
present about their views in this regards; whether they faced long delays in approval of their proposals under the new policy; whether they had any suggestions for modifications in policy to speed up the approvals. (d) The representatives of the Port Trusts at the respective places unanimously informed that the average time for approval of Terms of Reference (TOR) for environment clearance was two years and there was not much delay. They however gave some valuable suggestions for speeding up of the approvals: (1) Within the Port clearance should be fast. (2) As most of the ports were old having outlived their life, they required upgradation with the state of art technologies to international class and were coming up for upgradation, four seasons detailed environmental study must not be insisted upon for existing ports and they should be allowed to go for one season rapid environmental study for existing ports/harbours. (3) As in most of the cases study was already conducted and material already on record, asking the existing ports to hold public hearing again which was a lengthy process requiring giving 45 days' notice with the overall process taking 5-6 months should be done away with as it would save both time and cost of the project since cost of the project increased by 15% for each year of delay. (4) Similarly asking the existing ports to obtain fresh approvals for dredging when it was being done in pre-designated tested dumping grounds in the sea should be done away with as it also raises cost of the project and delays the project. 179
(5) Validity of environment clearance which was given for 5 years should be raised till the life of the project. Representatives of the VO Chidambarnar Port Trust stated that their one project was delayed and tenders got cancelled later on. By the time retendering could be started, the environmental clearance lapsed.
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Shipping stated that one time approval on the basis of a master plan for expansion / upgradation for next 15 years would help in saving time and cost of the ports.
(f) The representative of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change informed that they had impressed upon the Ports to prepare a master plan for their expansion/upgradation for next 15 years and seek one time approval. Regarding the suggestions tendered by the Port Trusts, he stated that they were policy issues and if they submit their proposals, they would be considered by the appropriate authority.
(g) The Committee observes that the suggestions made by the various Port Trusts are very thoughtful as those have been made after analyzing the operational difficulties faced by them. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should examine the submissions made by the Ports and inform the Committee about the stand of the Government thereon. The Committee also directs the Ministry of Shipping to send the information asked in the question and liquidate the assurance. 180
(iii) USQ No. 620 dated 21.11.2016 regarding development of ports under Sagarmala.
(a) The Committee interacted with the managements of some Major Port Trusts and representatives of Ministry of Shipping in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 620 dated 21.11.2016 regarding development of ports under Sagarmala on 29.08.2017 at Bhubaneswar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know the status of proposal received from Government of Odisha for development of Ports under Sagarmala Project; whether feasibility reports and other formalities of those projects had been completed, and details of the projects short listed for development, the Minister had inter-alia informed that the Ministry of Shipping had received a proposal from Government of Odisha for development of Riverine Port on River Mahanadi. Further action would be taken on the receipt of the report of feasibility Study. The Committee desired to know when the proposal was received in the Ministry; whether time bound feasibility studies had been initiated; if so what is the progress; and if not the reasons therefor; by when the work would begin and how much time was needed for its completion. The Committee further desired to know whether the proposed port was being developed by any existing Port Trust or a new entity would take up the work. The Committee also desired to know the views of the Paradip Port Trust on this port project particularly from the point of view whether this project once operationalised, it would, in anyway affect their business or it would function in furtherance of common interest of the industry. 181
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Shipping informed that a proposal had been received from the Government of Odisha for development of Riverine Port on River Mahanadi. Ministry of Shipping was accordingly undertaking feasibility study for Navigational potential of Mahanadi River. Stage-I feasibility study report had been completed and as per the report, 98 Km. stretch from the sea towards river Mahanadi had been found feasible for development of riverine port. Accordingly Inland Waterways Authority of India had awarded the contract Stage-II for preparation of DPR for only 98 Km stretch. The draft DPR had recently been received by IWAI and was under examination. (d) The representative of the Paradip Port Trust informed that Odisha did not need so many ports and instead it should have a Mega port. He further informed that in case of no partners, Paradip Port Trust could take up one or two berths in new port in collaboration with the State Government. (e) The Committee directed the representative of the Ministry to expedite the process of examination of the proposal and approval and inform the Committee and liquidate the assurance. (f) The Ministry furnished an Implementation Report which was treated as satisfactory fulfillment of the assurance. 25. MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT B. Deliberations during Study Visit (i) USQ No. 511 dated 21.07.2016 regarding plan to implement NPDDR. (a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 182
connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 511 dated 21.07.2016 regarding plan to implement NPDDR on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to know details whether Government had prepared any action plan to involve all the States and UTs to implement the NPDDR; the details and the salient features along with the present status thereof, the Minister had inter-alia replied that the Ministry had prepared a draft of the National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction. However, it had not yet been finalized. The States and Union Territories would be involved in the areas of conducting sensitization and preventive education programmes in schools and colleges on regular basis, in facilitating availability of treatment to all drug dependents in criminal justice system and to ensure proper working of de-addiction centers etc. The Committee desired to know from the representatives of the Ministry about the present status of proposed policy and level of participation by States/UTs; by when the policy would finally be implemented; whether any financial assistance would be given to States for its implementation? The Committee also sought to hear the views/ suggestions of State Government in this regard.
(c) The representative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment informed that a National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR) was constituted to advise the Government in framing policies, programmes and legislation measures for persons affected by and/or vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse. It was decided by the NCCDR that a National Policy on Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance 183
Abuse and Rehabilitation of the victims may be drafted. Accordingly, a draft National Policy was formulated. All the States were requested to furnish comments/suggestions on the draft policy. Comment/suggestions were also sought from various concerned Ministries. The draft Cabinet Note on National Policy, by incorporating suggestions received from PMO and approved by the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, was circulated to concerned Ministries/Departments and also to PMO and Cabinet Secretariat for obtaining comments/suggestions. He further informed that a presentation was made by Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment to the Hon'ble Prime Minister on National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction. The National Policy had been referred to the Group of Ministers chaired by the Hon'ble Minister of Home Affairs for consideration. First and Second meetings of the Group of Ministers were held on 15th May and 3rd July, 2017 respectively.
(d) The representative of the Government of Punjab informed that with a goal to eradicate the spiralling problem of drug and alcohol a total of 38 De-addiction/Rehabilitation Centers had been set up in the State by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, which were being run by Societies/NGOs. These Centers were specially designed for addicts and had all the facilities and activities for healing them. To avoid leakage of money, fund was given directly to these Societies. He further stated that the Department of Revenue Intelligence and Zonal Office of Narcotics Bureau were engaged in prevention of smuggling of drugs into border districts of the State.
(e) The Committee notes with pain that drug abuse in our country was continuously increasing. The worst sufferers 184
of drug/alcohol addiction are youth of the country and Punjab has been fighting with this menace for quite some time. The number of drug-related suicides in India is also on increase. The Committee observes that prevention is one of the ways in which drug abuse can be dealt with and prevention programmes involving families, schools and NGOs can play an important role in this regard. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment should take steps to expedite the National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction.
26. MINISTRY OF STEEL
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2125 dated 30.08.2012 regarding installation of new steel processing units.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh, management of SAIL and representatives of Ministry of Steel in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2125 dated 30.08.2012 regarding installation of new steel processing units on 07.07.2017 at Indore.
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question asked to know the status of installation of 10 steel processing units (SPUs) in Bettiah, Mahnar and Gaya in Bihar, Hoshangabad, Ujjain and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh for which in-principle approval was accorded by SAIL Board in 2008 and by when 185
they would start operations, it was inter-alia informed that (i) Mahnar, Bihar: the land was low lying and significant land filling was required, as a result of which the project was financially unviable and was under review; (ii) Hoshangabad, Ujjain, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh were being set up on Joint Venture (JV) basis; (iii) Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir; the project was under finalization; and (iv) Guwahati in Assam; the project was under review.
(c) The Committee further noted that the Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry in February, 2013 inter-alia giving progress update in the matter and requesting therein to drop the assurance was treated as part-fulfillment of assurance since the units were yet to start their operations. The subsequent request of the Ministry to drop the assurance made in August, 2013 was also not agreed to by the Committee as decided in its meeting held on 03.03.2014. In respect of the SPUs in Madhya Pradesh, through the last Status Note received by the Committee on 25th February, 2015 it was informed that the proposed unit in Ujjain was likely to start production in 2015-16; the proposed unit at Hoshangabad, the JV company had been asked to step up work related to implementation of the project; and the proposed unit at Gwalior, work at site was in progress and implementation of project was likely to start by June, 2015. The Committee expressed deep anguish that since then the Ministry had neither sought extension of time from the Committee nor informed it about the developments in the matter. In this backdrop the Committee asked the representatives of SAIL to inform the latest status of the SPUs in Madhya Pradesh. The Committee asked the representatives of the 186
Ministry to supplement regarding the role of the Government in expediting the establishment of SPUs. The Committee asked the representatives of the Government of Madhya Pradesh also to put forth their views.
(d) The representative of the SAIL informed that out of the 10 Steel Processing Units (SPUs) which were accorded in- principle approval by the SAIL Board during 2007-2009, SPUs at Bettiah and Kangra were accorded final approval in July, 2008 and July, 2010 respectively. Further the SPUs at Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh and Hoshangabad, Ujjain and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh were accorded final approval on Joint Venture (JV) basis by SAIL Board in November, 2011.
(e) Regarding the SPU at Ujjain, the Committee was informed that it was a JV with Velagapudi Steels Limited (VSL) as the Partner with 74% stake and while the civil works related to factory shed, mill proper, furnace area etc. had been completed, remaining works were in progress and were likely to be completed by the end of 2017-18.
(f) Regarding the SPU at Hoshangabad the Committee was informed that the JV Partner was M/s Abhinav Steels and Power (P) Ltd. with 74% stake. 40 acres of land had been acquired for the project by SAIL at Tehsil Dolariya, District Hoshangabad and the Joint Venture Company (JVC) had applied for transfer of lease of land. However there had been no further progress and a fresh market study, done in 2015-16, had indicated that it was not viable for SAIL based on which the SAIL Board in its meeting held on 30.06.2017 had decided to close the Unit. The land was acquired on 30 years lease 187
and was with SAIL and would be utilised for expansion plans for other products or for further value addition.
(g) Regarding the SPU at Gwalior, the Committee was informed that it was in Joint Venture with M/s Prime Gold International Limited with 74% stake and had been set up. Commercial production had started in January 2016 and in FY 2016-17 the JVC had produced about 65 tonnes of TMT Bars. On being asked about the reasons to close the SPU at Lakhimpur, the Committee was apprised that the Unit was not found to be viable and the SPU at Jagdishpur could cater to the need of that area.
(h) The Committee was given to understand that the demand of steel in the market was less and the cost of imported steel mainly from China was also very less compared to Indian steel. The Committee was further informed that the exact reason for cheap Chinese steel was not known, however, it was felt that China was discreetly providing subsidy to its steel manufacturing units. Apprising the Committee about the high cost of Indian steel, the Chairman, SAIL informed that it is due to over staffing, high salaries and royalty on raw material. He further informed that 60% production of steel in SAIL was being done from old units which required more manpower and maintenance cost. He also apprised that the steel production was capital intensive with long gestation period coupled with high rates of interest, power and rail freight. He suggested that modernization, efficiency and automation were urgently required to reduce the cost of production of steel in SAIL and SAIL was making all its efforts in that direction. 188
(i) The representative of the Ministry of Steel informed that minimum import price had been levied and anti dumping duty had been imposed on imported steel to support the domestic steel industry. Though the sector had improved but SAIL was in losses, but the Government could not offer direct subsidies and had offered support through policy interventions. Under the DMIC Policy, purchase preference was given if 15% value addition was done in India.
(j) The Committee hopes that efforts being made by SAIL to reduce the cost of steel would bring results in near future and desires that the Ministry should provide necessary assistance and support for the survival of the steel industry in the country. The Committee directs that updated status of Steel Processing Units should be forwarded to the Committee with comments of the Ministry of Steel on each unit.
27. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
B. Deliberations during Study Visit
(i) USQ No. 2546 dated 21.12.2015 regarding depletion of ground water level.
(a) The Committee interacted with the representatives of Government of Punjab, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in connection with the issues raised in USQ No. 2546 dated 21.12.2015 regarding depletion of ground water level on 04.07.2017 at Amritsar. 189
(b) The Committee noted that in response to question raised to inter-alia know whether the CGWA had framed new rules to check the growing depletion of ground water level and what was the reaction of industry particularly leather and soft drink industry to the new set of rules, the Minister had inter-alia replied that in compliance to the directions of various orders of Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, the CGWA had proposed revision of the guidelines issued in the year 2012, which would bring the existing industries/units under the ambit of ground water guidelines. Some representations with suggestions / comments had been received by CGWA and the same were under examination. The Committee desired to know from the representative of the Ministry and CGWA whether representations received by CGWA had been duly considered and guidelines framed in 2012 had since been revised; what mechanism was used to check the violation of rules by States/ individuals; what measures had been taken by them to stop further depletion of ground water and promote new technologies like micro sprinklers and drip irrigation in the State in place of old techniques of irrigation using bore wells by farmers.
(c) The representative of the Government of Punjab informed that water was a State subject under the Constitution. He further informed that as the ground water level in 105 notified blocks of the State was below national level, guidelines had been finalized to check further depletion thereof and existing users were required to take permission/NOC, but the question was of their enforcement. He also informed that mostly farmers were using surface irrigation by the bore wells and canals. On being asked whether the State could withhold free power to 190
check drawal of ground water in areas where the water level had gone down, he informed that 8 hours free electricity was being given to farmers throughout the State for irrigation purposes irrespective of ground water level of the area. Regarding adoption of new irrigation techniques to stop further depletion of water level, he informed that rain water harvesting structures, small check dams etc were being constructed in the State under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Department of Horticulture was promoting Drip Irrigation system to stop wastage of water.
(d) The representative of the CGWA informed that though the National Green Tribunal in its several orders had issued directions to bring the existing industries/units under the ambit of ground water guidelines, as per the guidelines issued in the year 2012, only new industries and industries seeking expansion were required to get 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) for use of ground water from the authority. Accordingly, CGWA had proposed to revise the guidelines issued in the year 2012. The guidelines had since been revised and obtaining NOC for ground water withdrawal had been made mandatory for all Industries/ Projects using ground water irrespective of its date of coming into existence, category of the area and quantum of ground water withdrawal. Certain conditions viz. recharge of ground water, use of saline ground water by the industries had been made mandatory for granting the NOC.
(e) The representative of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation informed that based on the representations, the guidelines of CGWA had been revised and approved in the 40th Meeting of CGWA held on 191
3rd April, 2017 which were available on the website of CGWA. He submitted a copy of the Implementation Report (IR) to the Committee.
(f) The Committee notes with concern that the country is fast moving towards a crisis of ground water in view of its overuse and contamination. In some States including Punjab, annual ground water consumption is much more than annual ground water recharge. Further, over the years there has been continuous increase in ground water utilization for irrigation and industrial purposes. By making the No Objection Certificate compulsory for groundwater use, the Government has taken a right step. However, there are many more steps to be taken.
(g) The Implementation Report furnished by the Ministry has been treated as satisfactory fulfillment of the assurance. 192 NNEXURE A 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 Dropped on Subject Plants in Bihar Bottlenecks in DevelopingARMIS 0 Railway Project in Kerala 0 electricity from Nuclear Power Spying activities in defenceEstablishments 0 CHAPTER-IV Ministry Atomic EnergyAtomic Proposal for nuclear power 0 Defence EnergyAtomic of projection Target 0 Railways Defence LIST OF DROPPED ASSURANCES DROPPED LIST OF Date 1.12.2014 21.02.2014 Sl. Question 2. SQ 328 31.07.2014 3. UQ 978 02.12.2014 4. UQ 2032 1 No. No. 12 31. UQ 3068 4 5 6 5. UQ 56 24.02.2015
192 193 0.03.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 2.01.2017 2.1.2017 errorist attack on PS 0 Nyaya Panchayat Bill 3 Blast Case to NIA AgricultureLegislation on 0 in Parliamentary of SCs and STs and Assembly Constituencies Bill, 2013 Gurdaspur, Punjab Gurdaspur, Expansion of market through TPP Airport in the NCRSecond 0 Home Affairs Handing over Bengaluru 0 Farmers Welfare Tenancy Law & Justicerepresentationof Readjustment 3 Agriculture & Panchayati Raj Nyaya Panchayat Bill 3 Commerce &Industry Effect of TPP on Indian Exports 0 1.12.2015 23.12.2015 - do - T 6. UQ 235 25.02.2015 12. UQ 1552 1 14. UQ 24 15.11.2007 - do - 7. UQ 2815 13. UQ 684 23.10.2008 11. SQ 93 04.03.2016 8. UQ 1145 09.12.2015 9.1136 UQ 09.12.201510. UQ 984 - do - 08.12.2015Aviation Civil 194 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 NALCO Nagar Increase in Direct intake ofAFHQ Civil Services 50% by 3 Passenger halt station at 3 Green signal to JaitapurNuclear Project 3 Indo-French agreement onnuclear reactors 3 Present position in JaitapurNuclear Plant 3 Delay in Jaitapur Plant 3 ergy Jaitapur Defence Panchayati RajRailway Nyaya Panchayat Bill 3 Department of Nuclear reactors at Jaitapur 3 Atomic Energy Department ofAtomic En Atomic energy projects in 3 04.8.2009 07.05.2010 10.05.2012 18.08.2011 - do - 08.12.2011 - do - 22.08.2013 - do - 17. UQ 977 30.11.2011 18. USQ 484 16. UQ 4748 12 315. UQ 3471 4 5 6 19. UQ 1868 20. UQ 1717 21. UQ 1401 23. UQ 311 24.02.2011 22. UQ902 17.07.2014 - do - 195 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 0.03.2017 30.3.2017 Centre-State relations Making NDC a ConstitutionalBody 3 Pakistani infiltrators caughtfrom Gujarat Border 3 Ceasefire by militant adivasioutfits in Maharashtra 3 Maharashtra New Railway line projects in 3 Railway projects inMaharashtra 3 Pending railway projects inMaharashtra 3 Implementation of therecommendations of Sam Pitroda Panel on Prasar Bharati 3 Home Affairs Punchhi Commission on Railways 18.12.2013 06.03.2013 - do - 21.02.2014 08.03.2013 - do - 21.02.2014 - do - 12.02.2014 - do - 25. UQ387 27.02.201326. UQ 1038 - do - 24. UQ 1454 27.361 SQ 19.02.201428. UQ 3064 - do - 29. UQ 1355 30. UQ 3069 31. UQ 2289 196 0.03.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 cases by CBI Kerala Investigation of loan default 3 Staffers Incentive system for Govt.Staffers 0 Mode Black listing of Companyininvolved VVIP Chopper deal 0 Consumer Affairs,Consumer Effect of price rise on itemsPublicand Food Distribution distributed under PDS in 0 Electronics &Information Technology National Electronics Mission 0 Finance PublicPersonnel, Incentive system for Govt. 0 Grievances & Pensions Health & Family& Health Dialysis Units under PPP 0 Welfare Defence 09.12.2014 18.11.2010 19.03.2013 33. SQ 561 05.05.2000 34. UQ 759 4.3.2010 35. UQ 1017 12 332. UQ 1794 4 5 6 36. UQ385 15.03.201237. UQ 2427 - do - 38. UQ 961 06.03.2013 197 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 2.06.2017 Cancellation of VVIPHelicopter deal Augusta sheet filed in Charge helicopter deal Westland 0 0 Augusta WestlandInquiry into Helicopter Scam 0 Irregularities in coal supply toPower Companies 0 the Finance Bill, 2014 and Chennai Rail corridor between Delhi 0 Schemes after National Icons Niti AayogNiti Discussion on the Interim 0 Railways AffairsMinority Welfare Naming of Minority 0 08.05.2013 - do - 05.12.2014 04.08.2015 ntary raisedby ShriSingh,N.K. M.P. Budget (General) 2014-2015, Account) Bill, 2014, the the Appropriation on (Vote Appropriation Bill, 2014 and 39. UQ 4531 40. UQ669 11.12.201341. UQ665 - do - 11.12.201342. SQ 273 - do - 10.12.201443. Suppleme- Coal 21.02.2014 44. UQ 1532 45. UQ 1756 198 2.06.2017 1.08.2017 1.08.2017 1.08.2017 1.08.2017 1.08.2017 2.06.2017 1.08.2017 Office in Patiala Environmental offenders inthe North Eastern region 0 National EnvironmentalProtection Authority Loopholes in environmentalclearance process 0 0 materials centre R&D Illegal import of bannedArbitrary shifting of DVC 0 0 Blast in Hyderabad Environment protection laws 0 External AffairsExternal Establishment of Passport 0 Home Affairs involved in Bomb Terrorists Forests and 0 Climate Change Shipping Power Environment, 10.03.2016 04.08.2009 30.4.2013 27.07.2009 12 346. UQ 1455 4 5 6 47. SQ 39 20.07.2016 49. UQ545 15.05.201250. UQ324 - do - 23.11.200951. UQ788 - do - 29.11.201152. UQ 3500 - do - 53. UQ 3857 48. 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GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Information desired by/promised to the Committee during Study Visits
During Study Visits, while holding deliberations with Central Ministries, CPSUs and State Departments, at times, when the information is not available with these agencies, they promise to send the information to the Committee on a later date. However, it has been observed that many a times, such information is not sent for perusal of the Committee. The promises made to the Committee on Study Visits carry the same weight as the assurances given to Parliament and therefore it is incumbent upon the Ministries and others agencies which have made promises to send information within a reasonable time or the time given by the Committee.
The Committee, therefore, recommends that instructions should be issued to Central Ministries, CPSUs etc. to mandatorily send the information promised to Committee on Government Assurances during the deliberations on a Study Visit for perusal of the Committee within a reasonable time or the time given by the Committee.
2. Furnishing information under Parliamentary Question and RTI
The Committee observed that while giving reply to a Parliamentary Question, many a times, the Ministry gives the answer that "the information is not centrally maintained in the Ministry" besides giving assurance. When the Committee interacted with the field organizations, in such cases, it observed that the information was very much available with those field organizations but the Ministry had not made any attempt to collect that information from those field organizations. The Committee here would like to point out that
203 204
there is a basic difference between giving reply to an RTI application and replying to Parliamentary Questions. While replying to RTI query, the Ministry can very well say that the information is not maintained centrally. However, while replying to Parliamentary Question and fulfilling an assurance, they should collect the information from their field organizations and furnish the information to Parliament/Committee.
The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministries should take note of this while replying to Parliamentary Questions/fulfilling assurances.
3. Dropping of the assurance on same ground
It is the inherent power of the Committee on Government Assurance to drop any assurance after ascertaining difficulties being faced by the Ministry in fulfilling the same. However, at times, it has been observed that the Ministries are sending the request for dropping the assurance on the same ground even though the Committee has not dropped the assurance on that ground.
The Committee, therefore, directs that once the request of the Ministry for dropping an assurance on a particular ground has not been acceded to by the Committee, the Ministry should desist from sending request for dropping again on the same ground. In such cases, the Ministry either should take steps to fulfill the assurance or send the request for dropping if some new development has taken place.
4. Tracking of fulfilled assurances till they are laid
The Committee has also observed that sometimes even though the Ministry after fulfilling the assurance, had sent the Implementation Report to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for laying the same 205
on the Table of the House but due to some reasons, the assurance is not laid in the House and remains pending.
The Committee, therefore, advise the Ministries that they should keep track of the assurance and pursue it with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs till the time the Implementation Report is laid on the Table of the House.
5. Reconciliation of pending assurances
The Committee feels that it would be advisable in the interest of the smooth disposal of solemn promises made to the Parliament if the Ministries, once in a year, reconcile the list of their pending assurances with the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The Committee, therefore, recommends accordingly.
6. Inter-Ministerial consultation leading to delay in fulfilment of assurances
The Committee observes that nowadays most of the issues including many policy decisions and introduction of legislative proposal which are part of the assurance are circulated to various central Ministries for obtaining their views. At times, it has been observed that the fulfilment of assurances is delayed due to lack of urgency on the part of stakeholders Ministries to submit their views to the originating Ministry on time. The Committee understands that as of now there is no time limit prescribed in the system for stakeholder Ministries to send their views to the originating Ministry on the issue. The Committee in its Sixty-eighth report had strongly recommended that the Cabinet Secretariat should issue some guidelines for expediting views relating to assurances circulated to stakeholder Ministries.
The Committee once again reiterates that guidelines along with a time limit within which stakeholder Ministries should 206
submit their views to the originating Ministry on any issue which is part of assurance, be issued without further delay.
7. Ministries to give specific information in the Implementation Report
The Committee is constrained to observe that many a times the Ministries while forwarding the Implementation Reports in a hurry instead of giving specific information pertaining to the assurance furnish extraneous information totally negating the thrust of the assurance. The Committee does not approve this way of liquidating the assurance.
The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministries while fulfilling the assurance should give specific information promised in the reply instead of circumventing the same as it does not help anyone.
8. Delay in obtaining information pertaining to assurances from other States.
The Committee in its Sixty-eighth report had recommended that in view of the inordinate delays in receiving information from the State Governments on various issues, there is a need for evolving a mechanism in consultation with State Governments so that the information or comments from the State Governments can be received in a time bound manner.
The Committee once again recommends that the mechanism for obtaining information or comments from the States in a time bound manner should be evolved in consultation with States. 207
9. Inter-Ministerial transfer of assurances
The Committee in its Sixty-eighth report has observed that inter- Ministerial transfer of assurances takes a lot of time and has recommended that in case of any doubt or delay in transfer, the help of Cabinet Secretariat may be taken by the Ministry which gives assurance. The Committee has observed that in some of the cases the transfer of assurances could not be effected for years together.
The Committee, therefore, reiterates that fulfillment of any assurance should not be delayed due to transfer of assurance from one Ministry to other Ministry and the Cabinet Secretariat should invariably be approached for an early decision in the matter. 208
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES
III THIRD MEETING
The Committee met at 1.00 P.M. in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Monday, the 2nd January, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
3. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
4. Shri Dilipbhai Pandya
5. Smt. Viplove Thakur
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
2. Shri R. P. Tiwari, Joint Director
2. At the outset the Chairman wished the Members a Happy New Year and welcomed them to the sitting of the Committee. Thereafter, the Committee took up Memorandum Nos. 1 to 25 for consideration.
208 209
Memo Question No./Date/ Ministry/ Decision No. Subject Deptt.
123 4 1. USQ No. 665 dated Health & The Committee did not 17.08.2007 regarding Family accede to the request of Electro-Homoeopathy Welfare the Ministry for dropping Doctors of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 2. (i) USQ No. 3738 Culture The Committee did not dated 29.04.2008 accede to the request of regarding establishment the Ministry for dropping of more National of the assurance and Schools of Drama; and directed that the Ministry (ii) USQ No. 343 be asked to furnish a dated 07.08.2013 Status Note. regarding setting up regional centre of NSDs. 3. USQ 1635 dated Health & The Committee did not 14.03.2008 regarding Family accede to the request of Fraud in NACO Welfare the Ministry for dropping Programme of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving the details of the inquiry being conducted by the State Government of Chhattisgarh. 210
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4. USQ No. 3500 dated Shipping The Committee expressing 04.08.2009 regarding its concern over the illegal import of banned import of banned material materials through containers did not accede to the request of the Ministry for dropping of the assurance and directed to include the assurance in the agenda of the Committee with major and other ports in its proposed visit to Bhuj on 18th January, 2017.
5. (i) USQ No. 2605 Defence The Committee did not dated 18.08.2010 accede to the request of regarding Kelkar the Ministry for dropping Committee Report; of the assurances and and directed that the Ministry (ii) USQ No. 345 dated be asked to furnish a 22.02.2006 regarding Status Note. Kelkar Committee recommendations.
6. USQ No. 335 dated Civil The Committee did not 24.11.2011 regarding Aviation accede to the request of mismanagement in the Ministry for dropping purchase of airbus. of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 211
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7. USQ No. 326 dated Railways The Committee did not 27.04.2012 regarding accede to the request of status of projects the Ministry for dropping announced in Railway of the assurance and budgets directed that the issue may be taken up with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Committee also directed that the matter may also be included in the oral evidence of the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
8. USQ No. 2749 dated Power The Committee did not 30.04.2012 regarding accede to the request of Eviction of Tenants the Ministry for dropping by BBMB of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
9. USQ No. 268 dated Railways The Committee did not 23.11.2012 regarding accede to the request of setting up of Thermal the Ministry for dropping Power Plants of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 212
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10. USQ No. 2743 dated Road The Committee did not 21.03.2013 regarding Transport accede to the request of complaints of and the Ministry for dropping substandard roads Highways of the assurance and under National directed that the Ministry Highways be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of the progress made in the investigations in the matter.
11. (i) USQ No.1510 dated Road The Committee did not 22.08.2013 regarding Transport accede to the request of construction of Delhi- and the Ministry for dropping Jaipur expressway; Highways of the assurances and (ii) USQ No.584 dated directed that the Ministry 14.07.2014 regarding be asked to furnish a Delhi-Jaipur expressway Status Note. project; (iii) USQ No. 606 dated 14.07.2014 regarding Delhi-Jaipur expressway; (iv) USQ No. 1647 dated 8-12-2014 Delhi- Jaipur expressway; (v) USQ No. 1963 dated 14.03.2013 regarding fund sharing for expressway from Delhi to Ludhiana; and 213
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(vi) USQ No. 1856 dated 14.03.2016 regarding New Delhi- Katra expressway
12. USQ No. 3068 dated Railways The Committee acceded 21.02.2014 regarding to the request of the railway project in Ministry for dropping of Kerala the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
13. SQ No. 328 dated Atomic The Committee acceded 31.07.2014 regarding Energy to the request of the proposal for nuclear Ministry for dropping of power plants in Bihar the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
14. USQ No. 978 dated Defence The Committee acceded 02.12.2014 regarding to the request of the Bottlenecks in Ministry for dropping of Developing ARMIS the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
15. USQ No. 2946 dated Urban The Committee did not 18.12.2014 regarding Development accede to the request of extension of metro line the Ministry for dropping to Noida Sector 62 of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 214
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16. USQ No. 2032 dated Atomic The Committee acceded 11.12.2014 regarding Energy to the request of the target of production of Ministry for dropping of electricity from Nuclear the assurance and the Power assurance was dropped.
17. USQ No. 2845 dated Environment, The Committee did not 18.12.2014 regarding Forest and accede to the request of death of one-horned Climate the Ministry for dropping rhinos in Kaziranga Change of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
18. USQ No. 56 dated Defence The Committee acceded 24.02.2015 regarding to the request of the spying activities in Ministry for dropping of defence establishments the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
19. (i) USQ No. 235 dated Home The Committee acceded 25.02.2015 regarding Affairs to the request of the handing over Bengaluru Ministry for dropping of Blast Case to NIA; the assurances and the and assurances were dropped. (ii) USQ No. 2815 dated 23.12.2015 regarding terrorist attack on PS Gurdaspur, Punjab 215
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20. USQ No. 2791 dated Home The Committee did not 23.12.2015 regarding Affairs accede to the request of Non-utilization of funds the Ministry for dropping for Delhi Police of the assurance and Modernization directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
21. (i) USQ No. 1145 Commerce The Committee acceded dated 09.12.2015 and Industry to the request of the regarding effect of Ministry for dropping of TPP on Indian Exports; the assurances and the and assurances were dropped. (ii) USQ No. 1136 dated 09.12.2015 regarding expansion of market through TPP
22. USQ No. 984 dated Civil The Committee acceded 08.12.2015 regarding Aviation to the request of the second Airport in the Ministry for dropping of NCR the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
23. SQ No. 93 dated Agriculture The Committee acceded 04.03.2016 regarding & Farmers to the request of the legislation on Welfare Ministry for dropping of Agriculture Tenancy the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 216
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24. USQ No. 1174 dated Finance The Committee did not 08.03.2016 regarding accede to the request of vacancy of MD and the Ministry for dropping CEOs in PSBs of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
25. USQ No. 271 dated Health & The Committee did not 26.04.2016 regarding Family accede to the request of strike by nursing Welfare the Ministry for dropping unions of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving the timeline for resolution of the grievances. The Committee also decided to take up the issue in the oral evidence of the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
3. The meeting then adjourned at 2.00 P.M. 217
IV
FOURTH MEETING
The Committee met at 1.00 P.M. in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Thursday, the 30th March, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
3. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
4. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
5. Shri Dilipbhai Pandya
6. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
7. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Mukul Pande, Additional Secretary
2. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
3. Shri R. P. Tiwari, Joint Director
4. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Assistant Director
2. The Committee considered Memoranda Nos. 26 to 45 of 2017 on pending assurances and took decisions thereon as indicated below against each memorandum:–
217 218
Memo Question No. & Ministry / Decision No. Date Deptt.
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26. USQ No. 1552 dated Law & The Committee acceded 11.12.2015 regarding Justice to the request of the readjustment of Ministry for dropping of representation of the assurance and the SCs and STs in assurance was dropped. Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Bill, 2013.
27. (i) USQ No. 684 dated Panchayati -do- 23.10.2008 regarding Raj Nyaya Panchayat Bill; (ii) USQ No. 24 dated 15.11.2007 regarding Nyaya Panchayat Bill; and (iii) USQ No. 3471 dated 04.08.2009 regarding Nyaya Panchayat Bill.
28. SQ No. 307 dated Road The Committee did not 29.07.2009 regarding Transport accede to the request of feasibility study of and the Ministry for dropping Surat-Mumbai National Highways of the assurance and Express Highway directed that the Ministry Project be asked to furnish a Status Note. 219
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29. (i) SQ No. 444 dated Railways The Committee did not 10.12.2010 regarding acceded to the request bungling in railway of the Ministry for procurement; and dropping of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note (ii) USQ No. 1821 dated 11.03.2011 regarding inquiry into corruption charges. 30. USQ No 4748 dated Railways The Committee acceded 07.05.2010 regarding to the request of the passenger halt station Ministry for dropping of at NALCO Nagar. the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 31. USQ No. 977 dated Defence -do- 30.11.2011 regarding increase in Direct intake of 50% by AFHQ Civil Services. 32. (i) USQ No. 484 dated Atomic The Committee acceded 10.05.2012 regarding Energy to the request of the Nuclear reactors at Department for dropping Jaitapur; of the assurances and (ii) USQ No.1868 dated the assurances were 18.08.2011 regarding dropped. green signal to Jaitapur nuclear project; 220
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(iii) USQ No. 1717 dated 08.12.2011 regarding Indo-French agreement on Nuclear reactors; (iv) USQ No. 1401 dated 22.08.2013 regarding delay in Jaitapur plant; (v) USQ No. 902 dated 17.07.2014 regarding present position in Jaitapur Nuclear Plant; and (vi) USQ No. 311 dated 24.02.2011 regarding atomic energy project in Jaitapur.
33. USQ No. 1454 dated Home The Committee acceded 18.12.2013 regarding Affairs to the request of the Punchhi Commission Ministry for dropping of on Centre-State the assurance and the relations. assurance was dropped.
34. USQ No.387 dated Home -do- 27.02.2013 regarding Affairs making NDC a Constitutional Body. 221
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35. USQ No. 1038 dated Home -do- 06.03.2013 regarding Affairs Pakistani infiltrators caught from Gujarat border. 36. SQ No. 361 dated Home -do- 19.02.2014 regarding Affairs ceasefire by militant adivasi outfits in Assam. 37. (i) USQ No. 3064 Railways The Committee acceded dated 21.02.2014 to the request of the regarding new railway Ministry for dropping of line projects in the assurances and the Maharashtra; assurances were dropped. (ii) USQ No. 1355 dated 08.03.2013 regarding railway projects in Maharashtra; and (iii) USQ No. 3069 dated 21.02.2014 regarding pending railway projects in Maharashtra. 38. (i) USQ No. 3011 Communi- The Committee did not dated 21.02.2014 cation accede to the request of regarding broadband the Ministry for dropping connectivity of PRIs; of the assurance and 222
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(ii) USQ No. 2313 directed that the Ministry dated 18.12.2015 be asked to furnish a regarding build-own Status Note giving the operate transfer model roadmap for broadband for Bharat Net; and connectivity. (iii) USQ No. 1454 dated 05.12.2014 regarding increase in internet speed and connectivity to small rural areas.
39. USQ No. 2289 dated Information The Committee acceded 02.12.2014 regarding & to the request of the implementation of the Broadcasting Ministry for dropping of recommendations of the assurance and the Sam Pitroda Panel on assurance was dropped. Prasar Bharati
40. USQ No. 1913 dated Commerce & The Committee did not 10.12.2014 regarding Industry accede to the request of transfer of salt pan the Ministry for dropping lands of Mumbai. of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to pursue the matter with the State Government and obtain the comment from State Government and furnish a Status Note. 223
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41. USQ No. 1794 dated Finance The Committee acceded 09.12.2014 regarding to the request of the investigation of loan Ministry for dropping of default cases by CBI. the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
42. USQ No. 1139 dated Environment, The Committee did not 30.07.2015 regarding Forests and accede to the request of funds for Asiatic Lion Climate the Ministry for dropping Conservation Project. Change of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note in pursuance of the directions given by the Committee during its Study visit to Gujarat in January, 2017. 43. USQ No. 1276 dated Minority The Committee did not 08.03.2016 regarding Affairs accede to the request of recommendations of the Ministry for dropping Kundu Committee of the assurance and Report on status of directed that the Ministry Muslims. be asked to furnish a Status Note.
44. USQ No. 1270 dated Information The Committee did not 28.07.2016 regarding & accede to the request of implementation of Broadcasting the Ministry for dropping recommendations of of the assurance and Sam Pitroda Panel. directed that the Ministry 224
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be asked to obtain the reply from Prasar Bharati and to furnish a Status Note.
45. SQ No. 168 dated Health & The Committee did not 10.05.2016 regarding Family accede to the request of strict enforcement of Welfare the Ministry for dropping prohibiting sale of of the assurance and tobacco near schools. directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
3. * * * * *
4. The meeting then adjourned at 1.55 P.M. 225
V
FIFTH MEETING
The Committee met at 11.30 A.M. in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Friday, the 2nd June, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
3. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
4. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
5. Shri Dilipbhai Pandya
6. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
7. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
1. Shri R. P.Tiwari, Additional Director
2. The Committee considered Memoranda Nos. 46 to 70 of 2017 on pending assurances and took decisions thereon as indicated below against each memorandum:
225 226
Memo Question No. & Ministry/ Decision No. Date Deptt.
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46. SQ No. 561 dated Consumer The Committee acceded 05.05.2000 regarding Affairs, to the request of the effect of price rise on Food and Ministry for dropping of items distributed under Public the assurance and the PDS in Kerala Distribution assurance was dropped. 47. USQ No. 1810 dated Civil The Committee did not 21.07.2009 regarding Aviation accede to the request of Naming of International the Ministry for dropping Airport at Amritsar of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to take up the issue with the Government of Punjab and furnish a Status Note. 48. USQ No.759 dated Electronics The Committee acceded 04-03-2010 regarding & to the request of the National Electronic Information Ministry for dropping of Mission. Technology the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 49. (i) USQ No. 1017 Personnel, -do- dated 18.11.2010; and Public (ii) USQ No. 385 Grievances dated 15.03.2012 & Pensions regarding incentive system for Govt. staffers. 227
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50. USQ No. 2551 dated Road The Committee did not 25.08.2011 regarding Transport & accede to the request of Speed link route Highways the Ministry for dropping between Delhi Jaipur of the assurance and and Delhi Chandigarh directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 51. USQ No. 2630 dated Railways -do- 27.04.2012 regarding status of Kanchrapara- Halisahar Railway Complex. 52. USQ No. 1055 dated Road -do- 21.08.2012 regarding Transport & Vadodara Mumbai Highways expressway. 53. USQ No. 2212 dated Communi- -do- 31.08.2012 and USQ cations No. 2226 dated 31.08.2012 regarding Broadband connectivity for villages. 54. USQ No. 2427 dated Health & The Committee acceded 19.03.2013 regarding Family to the request of the Dialysis units under Welfare Ministry for dropping of PPP mode the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 228
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55. (i) USQ No. 961 dated Defence -do- 06.03.2013 regarding black listing of company involved in VVIP Chopper deal;
(ii) USQ. No. 4531 dated 08.05.2013 regarding cancellation of VVIP Helicopter deal;
(iii) USQ. No. 669 dated 11.12.2013 regarding charge sheet filed in Augusta Westland Helicopter deal; and
(iv) USQ. No. 665 dated 11.12.2013 regarding Inquiry into Augusta Westland Helicopter Scam
56. SQ No. 273 dated Coal -do- 10.02.2014 regarding irregularities in coal supply to power companies 229
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57. USQ No. 3071 dated Railways The Committee did not 21.02.2014 regarding accede to the request of pending railway the Ministry for dropping projects in Madhya of the assurance and Pradesh directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
58. Supplementary raised Niti Aayog The Committee acceded by Shri N.K. Singh, to the request of the M.P. on 21.02.2014 Ministry for dropping of during discussion on the assurance and the the Interim Budget assurance was dropped. (General) 2014-15, the Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2014, the Appropriation Bill, 2014 and the Finance Bill, 2014
59. USQ No. 1358 dated Social Justice The Committee did not 04.12.2014 regarding and accede to the request of sub-plan for scheduled Empowerment the Ministry for dropping cases of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a specific reply whether Government intend to bring the legislation on the issue or not. 230
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60. USQ 1490 dated Law and The Committee did not 05.12.2014 regarding Justice accede to the request of vacancies reserved the Ministry for dropping for SCs/STs of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status note mentioning latest position in the matter.
61. USQ No. 1532 dated Railways The Committee acceded 05.12.2014 regarding to the request of the Rail corridor between Ministry for dropping of Delhi and Chennai. the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
62. SQ No. 41 dated Home The Committee did not 26.11.2014 regarding Affairs accede to the request of Intelligent Traffic the Ministry for dropping System in Delhi of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
63. SQ No. 516 dated Home -do- 13.08.2014 regarding Affairs Traffic Jams in Najafgarh, Delhi.
64. USQ No. 1594 dated Textiles -do- 11.12.2015 regarding land scam in NTC 231
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65. (i) USQ No. 1862 Minority The Committee did not dated 12.05.2015 Affairs accede to the request of regarding Equal the Ministry for dropping Opportunities of the assurance and Commission; directed that the Ministry (ii) SQ No. 132 dated be asked to furnish a 13.07.2009 regarding Progress Report. establishment of Equal Opportunity Commission; (iii) USQ No. 1156 dated 08.03.2010 regarding National Commission for Minorities and Equal Opportunity Commission; and (iv) USQ No. 1517 dated 22.07.2014 regarding Equal Opportunity Commission.
66. (i) USQ No. 2277 Home The Committee did not dated 18.03.2015 Affairs accede to the request of regarding police the Ministry for dropping stations and jetties of the assurance and under Coastal Security directed that the Ministry Scheme; and be asked to furnish a 232
123 4 Status Note on fitting of (ii) USQ. No. 1061 dated 27.07.2016 transponders in small regarding tracking fishing vessels below 20 devices in small boats. meters in length.
67. USQ No. 1756 dated Minority The Committee acceded 04.08.2015 regarding Affairs to the request of the naming of Minority Ministry for dropping of Welfare Schemes after the assurance and the National Icons assurance was dropped.
68. USQ No. 1455 dated External -do- 10.03.2016 regarding Affairs Establishment of Passport Office in Patiala
69. Supplementary put by Civil The Committee did not Sh. Naresh Agarwal, Aviation accede to the request of M.P. on SQ. No. 106 the Ministry for dropping dated 08.03.2016 of the assurance and regarding new airports directed that the Ministry in Uttarakhand. be asked to furnish the Progress Report in respect of proposed airports at Kushinagar and Jewar in Uttar Pradesh. 233
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70. SQ No. 39 dated Home The Committee acceded 20.07.2016 regarding Affairs to the request of the terrorists involved in Ministry for dropping of Bomb Blast in the assurance and the Hyderabad assurance was dropped
3.*****
4. The meeting then adjourned at 12.30 P.M. 234
VI
SIXTH MEETING
The Committee met at 1.00 P.M. in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Friday, the 1st August, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Husain Dalwai
3. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
4. Shri Dilipbhai Pandya
5. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
6. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
2. Shri R. P. Tiwari, Additional Director
3. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Under Secretary
2. The Committee considered Memoranda Nos. 71 to 90 of 2017 on pending assurances and took decisions thereon as indicated below against each memorandum:
234 235
Memo Question No./ Ministry Decision No. Date/Subject
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71. (i) USQ No. 2448 Environment The Committee acceded dated 27.07.2009 Forest and to the request of the regarding Environment Climate Ministry for dropping of protection laws; Change the assurances and the (ii) SQ No. 545 assurances were dropped. dated 15.02.2012 regarding Environmental offenders in the North Eastern region; (iii) USQ No. 324 dated 23.11.2009 regarding National Environment Protection Authority; and (iv) USQ No. 788 dated 29.11.2011 regarding Loopholes in environmental clearance process.
72. USQ No. 3500 dated Shipping The Committee acceded 04.08.2009 regarding to the request of the illegal import of banned Ministry for dropping of materials the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 236
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73. USQ No. 417 dated Communi- The Committee did not 29.07.2010 regarding cations accede to the request of wireless broadband the Ministry for dropping connectivity in HP of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
74. (i) USQ No. 2605 Defence The Committee did not dated 18.08.2010 accede to the request of regarding Kelkar the Ministry for dropping Committee Report; and of the assurances and (ii) USQ No. 345 dated directed that the Ministry 22.2.2006 regarding be asked to furnish a Kelkar Committee Status Note. Recommendations.
75. USQ No. 277 dated Railways The Committee did not 23.11.2012 regarding accede to the request of converting single line the Ministry for dropping railway track into of the assurances and double line directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
76. USQ No. 3857 dated Power The Committee acceded 30.04.2013 regarding to the request of the arbitrary shifting of Ministry for dropping of DVC R&D Centre the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 237
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77. USQ No. 4520 dated Defence The Committee acceded 08.05.2013 regarding to the request of the setting up of launch pad Ministry for dropping of for rocket launchers in the assurance and the Machilipatnam, Andhra assurance was dropped. Pradesh
78. USQ No. 940 dated Culture The Committee did not 14.08.2013 regarding accede to the request of establishment of a the Ministry for dropping National Centre for of the assurance and Performing Arts in directed that the Ministry Delhi be asked to furnish a Status Note.
79. USQ No. 3714 dated Heavy The Committee did not 13.08.2014 regarding Industries accede to the request of performance of private and Public the Ministry for dropping sector vis-a-vis public Enterprises of the assurance and sector in cement sector directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
80. USQ No. 1194 dated Labour and The Committee did not 03.12.2014 regarding Employment accede to the request of bonded labour the Ministry for dropping of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note. 238
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81. USQ No 264 dated Health and The Committee did not 25.11.2014 regarding Family accede to the request of Cancer hospital in Welfare the Ministry for dropping Odisha of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
82. USQ No. 104 dated Finance The Committee did not 24.02.2015 regarding accede to the request of investigations in chit the Ministry for dropping fund scams in West of the assurance and Bengal and Odisha directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
83. SQ No. 125 dated Social The Committee acceded 07.05.2015 regarding Justice and to the request of the Health Card for old age Empower- Ministry for dropping of people (Supplementary ment the assurance and the by Shri Avinash Rai assurance was dropped. Khanna, M.P.)
84. USQ No. 913 dated Road The Committee acceded 07.12.2015 regarding Transport to the request of the reactivation of stalled and Ministry for dropping of highway projects Highways the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
85. SQ No. 250 dated Finance The Committee acceded 22.12.2015 regarding to the request of the 239
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proposal for construction Ministry for dropping of of rural roads in the assurance and the Karnataka assurance was dropped.
86. USQ No. 104 dated Road The Committee did not 28.04.2016 regarding Transport accede to the request of four laning of National and the Ministry for dropping Highway-91 Highways of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
87. USQ No. 888 dated -do- The Committee did not 02.05.2016 regarding accede to the request of construction of elevated the Ministry for dropping road on Ratu Road of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
88. SQ No. 92 dated Civil The Committee did not 03.05.2016 regarding Aviation accede to the request of emergency landings by the Ministry for dropping passenger aircrafts of the assurance and (Supplementary by directed that the Ministry Smt. Ambika Soni, be asked to furnish a M.P.) Status Note.
89. USQ No. 2137 dated Home The Committee did not 16.03.2016 regarding Affairs accede to the request of cases of sedition the Ministry for dropping 240
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registered for anti-India of the assurance and slogans directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
90. SQ No. 90 dated -do- The Committee acceded 23.11.2016 regarding to the request of the encounter of banned Ministry for dropping of SFMI under trials the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
3. * * * * *
4. The meeting then adjourned at 2.00 P.M. 241
VII
SEVENTH MEETING
The Committee met at 12.00 Noon in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Thursday, the 14th September, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Husain Dalwai
3. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
4. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
5. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Mukul Pande, Additional Secretary
2. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
3. Shri R. P.Tiwari, Joint Director
4. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Assistant Director
2. The Committee considered Memoranda Nos. 90 to 114 of 2017 on pending assurances and took decisions thereon as indicated below against each memorandum:
241 242
Memo Question No./ Ministry Decision No. date/Subject
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91. USQ No. 2331 dated Tribal The Committee did not 15.04.2002 regarding Affairs accede to the request of Tribal Status to Pahari the Ministry for dropping in J&K of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note after obtaining details of report of Expert Committee of Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
92. USQ. No. 1132 dated Consumer The Committee did not 07.03.2011 regarding Affairs, accede to the request of black marketing of Food and the Ministry for dropping foodgrains Public of the assurance and distribution directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note after obtaining details of report on investigations done from Government of Uttar Pradesh.
93. USQ. No. 1676 dated Textiles The Committee acceded 10.03.2011 regarding to the request of the National Fibre Policy Ministry for dropping of for uniform tax the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 243
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94. SQ No. 33 dated Defence The Committee did not 14.03.2012 regarding accede to the request of grounding of HPT-32 the Ministry for dropping Trainer Aircrafts of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
95. USQ No. 2749 dated Power The Committee did not 30.04.2012 regarding accede to the request of eviction of tenants by the Ministry for dropping BBMB of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note in light of the discussions held during its meeting at Amritsar in June, 2017 after obtaining status from Government of Punjab giving details of alternative space given to the persons being evicted and the guidelines for regularisation.
96. (i) USQ No. 3834 Social The Committee acceded dated 10.05.2012 Justice and to the request of the regarding Grant-in-aids Empower- Ministry for dropping of for senior citizens in ment the assurances and the Karnataka; and assurances were dropped. 244
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(ii) USQ No. 2434 dated 26.04.2012 regarding proposal for day care centres in Karnataka
97. USQ No. 2315 dated Railways The Committee did not 31.08.2012 regarding accede to the request of Sabari railway project the Ministry for dropping of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note details regarding acquisition of balance land as assured by the Minister.
98. USQ No. 698 dated Information The Committee did not 04.03.2013 regarding and accede to the request of re-issuance of revised Broadcasting. the Ministry for dropping TV Licences of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note clearly stating whether the recommendations would be extended to "Policy Guidelines for Downlinking of TV Channels in India" or not. 245
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99. USQ No. 1571 dated Environment, The Committee did not 12.03.2013 regarding Forests and accede to the request of construction of dam on Climate the Ministry for dropping Godavari river in Change of the assurance and Andhra Pradesh directed that the Ministry be asked to take up the issue with the Cabinet Secretariat / PMO to resolve the issue and furnish a Status Note.
100. (i) USQ No. 1745 Defence The Committee acceded dated 13.03.2013 to the request of the regarding cases related Ministry for dropping of to Defence Services the assurance and the investigated by CBI; assurance was dropped. and
(ii) SQ No. 184 dated 18.12.2013 regarding corruption in Defence Deal
101. USQ No. 4093 dated Communi- The Committee did not 03.05.2013 regarding cation and accede to the request of village Public Telephone Information the Ministry for dropping facilities to Gram Technology. of the assurance and Panchayats directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note indicating the 246
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position regarding providing telephone facilities to remaining Gram Panchayats as assured by the Minister. 102. USQ No. 813 dated Home The Committee acceded 16.07.2014 regarding Affairs to the request of the smuggling of drugs Ministry for dropping of along Indo-Pak Border the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 103. USQ No. 1964 dated Railways The Committee did not 25.07.2014 regarding accede to the request of doubling of railway line the Ministry for dropping of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note indicating the progress made in the project. 104. USQ No. 1490 dated Law and The Committee did not 05.12.2014 regarding Justice accede to the request of vacancies reserved for the Ministry for dropping SCs/STs of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note indicating the position of the vacancies indicated in the answer and action taken for filling them. 247
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105. Supplementary raised Road The Committee acceded by Members during Transport to the request of the discussion on the Motor and Ministry for dropping of Vehicles (Amendment) Highways the assurance and the Bill, 2015 assurance was dropped.
106. USQ No. 2040 dated -do- The Committee acceded 16.03.2015 regarding to the request of the Metrino Project Ministry for dropping of the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
107. USQ No. 2746 dated Environment, The Committee acceded 13.08.2015 regarding Forest and to the request of the new set of regulations Climate Ministry for dropping of of hunting of wildlife change the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
108. USQ No. 1807 dated -do- The Committee acceded 14.03.2016 regarding to the request of the development of Ministry for dropping of degraded forests under the assurance and the PPP mode assurance was dropped.
109. USQ No. 1270 dated Information The Committee did not 28.07.2016 regarding and accede to the request of implementation of Broadcasting the Ministry for dropping recommendation of of the assurance and Sam Pitroda Panel directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving 248
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detailed account of recommendations of Sam Pitroda Panel i.e. total recommendations, how many implemented, how many pending and reason for pendency etc.
110. USQ No. 1884 dated Home The Committee did not 3.8.2016 regarding Affairs accede to the request of persons missing from the Ministry for dropping North Kerala suspected of the assurance and of jointing IS directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of investigations.
111. USQ No. 2410 dated Road The Committee did not 08.08.2016 regarding Transport accede to the request of progress of Bengaluru and the Ministry for dropping Chennai Expressway Highways of the assurance and Project directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
112. USQ No. 1466 dated Defence The Committee did not 29.11.2016 regarding accede to the request of Embraer Deal the Ministry for dropping of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to obtain the 249
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Status from the CBI and furnish a Status Note.
113 USQ. No. 3103 dated Home The Committee did not 14.12.2016 regarding Affairs accede to the request of probe into Essar Tapes the Ministry for dropping Scam of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
114 USQ. No. 651 dated Commerce The Committee did not 08.02.2017 regarding and Industry accede to the request of Revenue Insurance the Ministry for dropping Scheme for Plantation of the assurance and Crops directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of progress made in the matter after the visit of the Committee in May, 2017.
4. The meeting then adjourned at 12.55 P.M. 250
VIII
EIGHTH MEETING
The Committee met at 12.00 Noon in Room No. 126-B, Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Friday, the 13th October, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
3. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
4. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
5. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
6. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Mukul Pande, Additional Secretary
2. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
3. Shri R. P. Tiwari, Additional Director
4. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Under Secretary
2. The Committee considered Memoranda Nos. 115 to 134 of 2017 on pending assurances and took decisions thereon as indicated below against each memorandum:
250 251
Memo Question No./ Ministry Decision No. date/Subject
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115. (i) USQ No. 3738 Culture The Committee acceded dated 29.04.2008 to the request of the regarding establishment Ministry for dropping of of more National the assurances and the Schools of Drama; & assurances were dropped. (ii) USQ No. 343 dated 07.08.2013 regarding setting up regional centre of NSDs
116. USQ No. 1810 dated Civil The Committee acceded 21.07.2009 regarding Aviation to the request of the naming of International Ministry for dropping of Airport at Amritsar the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
117. (i) USQ No. 3365 dated Women and The Committee acceded 26.4.2010 regarding Child to the request of the changes in National Development Ministry for dropping of Commission for Women the assurances and the Act; assurances were dropped. (ii) USQ No. 4141 dated 03.05.2010 regarding powers of NCW; and (iii) USQ No. 1968 dated 15.03.2010 252
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regarding strengthening of Women related laws. 118. USQ No. 2424 dated Railways The Committee acceded 16.04.2010 regarding to the request of the infrastructure projects Ministry for dropping of the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 119. USQ No. 2568 dated Shipping The Committee acceded 17.08.2010 regarding to the request of the classification of major Ministry for dropping of ports the assurance and the assurance was dropped. 120. SQ No. 221 dated Railways The Committee acceded 11.03.2011 regarding to the request of the delay in implementing Ministry for dropping of rail project the assurance and the (Supplementaries raised assurance was dropped. by Shri S. Thangavelu, MP and Shri Vijay Jawaharlal Darda MP) 121. USQ No 2246 dated Information The Committee did not 18.03.2013 regarding and accede to the request of TRAI recommendations Broadcasting the Ministry for dropping on Television of the assurance and Broadcasting directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of progress made in the matter. 253
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122. USQ No. 4191 dated Coal The Committee acceded 06.05.2013 pertaining to to the request of the Ministry of Coal Ministry for dropping of regarding Fuel supply the assurance and the agreementwith CIL. assurance was dropped.
123. USQ No. 2738 dated Information The Committee did not 19.02.2014 regarding and accede to the request of monopolistic practices Broadcasting the Ministry for dropping by MSOs of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of progress made in the matter. 124. (i) USQ No. 3011 Communi- The Committee did not dated 21.02.2014 cations accede to the request of regarding broadband the Ministry for dropping connectivity of PRIs; of the assurance and (ii) USQ No. 2313 directed that the Ministry dated 18.12.2015 be asked to furnish a regarding build-own- Status Note giving details operate-transfer model of progress made in the for Bharat Net; and matter. (iii) USQ No. 1454 dated 05.12.2014 regarding increase in internet speed and connectivity to small rural areas. 254
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125. USQ No. 3086 dated Railways The Committee acceded 21.02.2014 regarding to the request of the Bogibeel bridge project Ministry for dropping of the assurance and the assurance was dropped.
126. USQ No. 1385 dated Civil The Committee did not 22.07.2014 regarding Aviation accede to the request of development of airports the Ministry for dropping at Chhattisgarh of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note.
127. (i) USQ No. 2902 Micro, Small The Committee did not dated 05.08.2014 and Medium accede to the request of regarding New Policy Enterprises the Ministry for dropping for MSME sector; and of the assurance and (ii) USQ No. 1368 directed that the Ministry dated 10.12.2015 be asked to furnish a regarding introduction Status Note. of New MSME policy
128. USQ No. 2303 dated Home The Committee acceded 18.03.2015 regarding Affairs to the request of the extension of the sixth Ministry for dropping of schedule provision to the assurance and the ADCs of Manipur assurance was dropped.
129. SQ No. 23 dated Finance The Committee did not 01.12.2015 regarding accede to the request of 255
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Irregularities in Forex the Ministry for dropping Transactions of the assurance and directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of the progress made in the case.
130. USQ No. 1276 dated Minority The Committee did not 08.03.2016 regarding Affairs accede to the request of recommendations of the Ministry for dropping Kundu Committee of the assurance and Report on status of directed that the Ministry Muslims be asked to furnish a Status Note clearly indicating whether the Government has accepted Kundu Committee recommendations or not. 131. SQ No. 49 dated External The Committee acceded 28.04.2016 regarding Affairs to the request of the Indo-Pak peace talks Ministry for dropping of (Supplementaries raised the assurance and the by Shri Sharad Yadav, assurance was dropped. MP) 132. USQ No. 972 dated AYUSH The Committee did not 03.05.2016 regarding accede to the request of export of medicinal the Ministry for dropping plants. of the assurance and 256
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directed that the Ministry be asked to furnish a Status Note giving details of development in the Court cases and efforts made to vacate the stay.
133. SQ No. 168 dated Health and The Committee did not 10.05.2016 regarding Family accede to the request of strict enforcement of Welfare the Ministry for dropping prohibiting sale of of the assurance and tobacco near school directed that the Ministry (Supplementary raised be asked to furnish a by Shri P. L. Punia, Status Note giving details MP) of discussions held with the stakeholders.
134. USQ No. 1031 dated Commerce The Committee acceded 27.07.2016 regarding and Industry to the request of the impact of RCEP Ministry for dropping of Agreement on life the assurance and the saving drugs assurance was dropped.
2. The Committee thereafter decided to hear the Secretaries in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 3rd November, 2017.
3. The meeting then adjourned at 12.55 P.M. 257
IX
NINTH MEETING
The Committee met at 11.30 A.M. in Room No. 63, Parliament House, New Delhi on Friday, the 3rd November, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS 2. Shri A.U. Singh Deo 3. Dr. R. Lakshmanan 4. Shri Madhusudan Mistry 5. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director 2. Shri R. P. Tiwari, Additional Director 3. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Under Secretary Representatives of the Department of Health and Family Welfare (M/o H&FW) 1. Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary 2. Shri Manoj Jhalani, Addl. Secretary & MD (NHM) 3. Dr. R. K. Vats, Addl. Secretary & DG (CGHS) 4. Ms. Gayatri Mishra, Joint Secretary
257 258
5. Shri Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary 6. Shri Sunil Sharma, Joint Secretary 7. Shri Sudhir Kumar, Joint Secretary
8. Shri Navdeep Rinwa, Joint Secretary
9. Shri Alok Saxena, Joint Secretary
10. Shri Arun Kumar Jha, Economic Adviser
11. Dr. DC. Joshi, Director (CGHS)
12. Shri Amal Pushp, Director At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Secretary and other officers of the Department of Health and Family Welfare and briefly explained to them the mandate of the Committee on Government Assurances and the purpose of calling the meeting. He made his observations about the 55 pending assurances of the Department and particularly pointed out those assurances which were pending for a long time and which were pending on similar subjects. He especially made references to 11 assurances on establishment of AIIMS in various States, 6 assurances on Health Protection Scheme for economically weaker persons, 4 assurances on Health Insurance Scheme for Central Government employees and assurances on Indian Medical Services, sale of medicine online, ban on spiting in public place, sale and use of tobacco, as the fulfillment of these assurances was not progressing. He asked the representative of the Department to apprise the Committee about the status of each assurance and also inform about the reasons for delay in fulfillment of the assurances.
2. Thereafter, the Secretary, Department of H&FW, after giving overall scenario of the pending assurances, began her submission on the four pending assurances pertaining to Health Insurance Scheme for CGHS 259 beneficiaries and briefly apprised the Committee about progress made, so far, towards finalization of the scheme. She attributed the delay caused in the matter to inter-ministerial consultation before drafting the final proposal. She informed that the draft proposal was then pending with the Department of Expenditure since 9th February, 2017 for consideration and approval. The Committee, not being satisfied with the submission, directed the Secretary to take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance to which she assured that she would make every effort for early EFC meeting.
3. On the assurance on CGHS dispensary at Shimla, the representative informed the Committee that it was about empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS in Shimla. He briefly apprised about the empanelment procedure for hospitals under CGHS, and stated that empanelment of private hospitals was a continuous process and the last empanelment of private hospitals was done in 2014. The basic criteria/pre-condition for empanelment of hospitals/laboratories were that they should be NABH/ NABL accredited respectively. It was further informed that National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)/ National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) were independent bodies under the Quality Council of India (QCI) which is under administrative control of Department of Commerce. He stated that accreditation meant that the certified hospitals/laboratories were complying with set quality standards; however these conditions had to be relaxed for North East, Shimla and Trivandrum due to unavailability of NABH accredited hospitals. The Committee was informed that the empanelment of hospitals in Shimla would be finalised by March, 2018. On being asked about the criteria for fixing the rates for diagnosis and treatment, the representative informed that in 2014 they had gone through a tendering process and selected the L-1 rates. The Chairman pointed out that this meant L-1 rates given by a small laboratory/hospital would 260 be equally applicable to all the big laboratories/hospitals of the country which were not in a condition to afford such lower rates and somewhere quality was being compromised and suggested to fix a minimum rate for every procedure/ treatment before inviting tenders and then go for L-1 rates to ensure quality treatment to the CGHS beneficiaries throughout the country. The representative appreciated the idea and assured that they would consider that suggestion.
4. Regarding the two assurances on creation of separate cadre of Indian Medical Services on the lines of IAS, IPS and IFS as per the All India Services Act, 1951, the Committee was informed that 'Health' being a State subject, views of States and Union Territories were sought, but consensus could not be reached. Comments were received from only four States and out of these States, Goa and Andaman and Nicobar islands had agreed to the proposals; Government of Kerala had declined; Government of Andhra Pradesh was not very specific in its response and others had not responded. The Committee keeping in view the limitations of the Ministry in respect of issue being State subject decided to drop the assurances.
5. In respect of 11 clubbed assurances on establishment of AIIMS like institutes in States, it was informed that in case of 6 institutes there were contractual issues which had been resolved. Construction of hospital and Medical college complex and procurement of equipments were in full swing and would be completed by March 2018, except in Patna. The Patna complex would be completed by September, 2018. Appointment of faculty members was in progress at all the places. Services part would also be started everywhere by March 2018. Talking about AIIMS, Bhopal, the representative informed that more than 90 per cent of construction work had been completed and works related to roads and landscaping were in progress. Out of 305 sanctioned posts of faculty, about 40 per cent had joined and rest would be in place in next 2-3 months. The 261
Committee granted 6 months extension to the Ministry and decided to review the progress thereafter.
6. On the assurance pertaining to cancer hospital in Odisha, the Committee was informed that under tertiary care for Cancer Centre Scheme, the proposal to upgrade Bhawani Patna District Hospital received from Government of Odisha in November, 2014 had a lot of deficiencies and same were communicated to them. However, after a long gap, the revised proposal received in August 2017 had also several deficiencies, such as lack of infrastructure, lack of required functional departments, and appointment of human resources like medical physicist, radio therapist etc. and other sanctioned posts. These discrepancies were communicated to the Principal Secretary (Health), Odisha with a request to furnish revised proposal after making requisite necessary arrangements. The Secretary requested to drop the assurance; however the Chairman did not agree and directed that issue may be taken up with the State Government.
7. Regarding assurance on enforcement of prohibiting sale of tobacco near schools, it was informed that while issue of ban on advertising and ban on sale near schools, etc., had already been taken care of, the pending issue was for a total ban which was being examined. The Committee was apprised that the issue was very complex with far reaching ramifications including livelihood issues and the Ministry did not favour bringing legislation for a complete ban and requested to drop the assurance. The Committee did not take an instant decision and asked the representatives of the Ministry to send detailed comments on the issue for its consideration.
8. Regarding assurance on National Health Protection Scheme for economically weaker persons, it was informed that the scheme was basically supplementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) 262 where a coverage of upto one lakh rupees would be provided to disadvantaged category to provide free in-patient care in case of hospitalization in Government hospitals as well as empanelled private hospitals through the State Governments. Elaborating the benefits of new scheme over RSBY, the representative informed that under RSBY the coverage was of ` 30,000/- only for limited number of categories or families, however, under the proposed scheme the coverage would be up to one lakh rupees and categories to be covered were almost double than that of RSBY. The Secretary informed that presently 24 States had their own schemes for healthcare due to that little time was taken to finalize the scheme suitable for all the States. The scheme was still under consideration and the Cabinet approval was awaited.
9. The Committee also deliberated upon other pending assurances of the Department and asked the Secretary to expedite their fulfillment. The representatives of the Ministry responded to the queries raised by the Members and assured the Committee that they would take requisite steps for the fulfillment of the assurances within the prescribed time frame and abide by the instructions given to them.
10. The Committee asked the representatives to pursue with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to lay the assurances on the Table of the House, which had been fulfilled. The Chairman asked the Secretary and other officials of the Ministry to be careful while dealing with the assurances given in the House and thanked them for their cooperation in carrying out the Committee's business.
11. A verbatim record of the proceedings was kept.
12. The meeting then adjourned at 1.15 P.M. 263
X
TENTH MEETING
The Committee met at 1.00 P.M. in Room No. 126-B (Committee Chairman’s Room), Third Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi on Thursday, the 27th December, 2017.
PRESENT
1. Shri Satish Chandra Misra — Chairman
MEMBERS
2. Shri Husain Dalwai
3. Shri A. U. Singh Deo
4. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
5. Shri Lal Sinh Vadodia
6. Shri Madhusudan Mistry
7. Shrimati Viplove Thakur
8. Shri Surendra Singh Nagar
SECRETARIAT
1. Shri Mukul Pande, Additional Secretary
2. Shri Surendra Tripathi, Director
3. Shri Sammer Kapoor, Under Secretary
263 264
2. The Committee considered draft 71st Report and adopted the same. The Committee authorized its Chairman and in his absence Shri A.U. Singh Deo and Shri Dilipbhai Pandya, Members to present the report to the House on the 29th December, 2017.
3. The Committee thereafter discussed its future programme and decided to undertake a study visit to Sunderbans and Kolkata from 16th to 20th January, 2018 in connnection with examination of issues involved in some pending assurances. The Committee authorized its Chairman to seek permission of Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha for its propsoed study visit.
4. The meeting then adjourned at 1.30 P.M. 265
APPENDIX-I
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
1. No. of meetings held 8
2. No. of assurances culled out 424
3. No. of assurances fulfilled 677
4. No. of requests for dropping considered 134
5. No. of assurances dropped 82
6. No. of assurances pending 1823
7. Evidence held 1
8. Study Visits 4
9. IRs treated part-fulfilled 9
265 266
APPENDIX-II
STATEMENT OF OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Page Observations/Recommendations No.
7-8 The Committee feels that for an agrarian country with over 60% of its people depending directly or indirectly upon agriculture, the issue of ceaseless cases of farmers' suicide is an ignominious fact and it is disheartening that persons feeding the nation ended their lives in this manner. The Committee understands that there is no systematic institutional and organizational planning in cultivation, irrigation, harvesting etc. and the agriculture sector remains largely unorganized. The Committee, however appreciates the efforts being made by the State Government of Telangana for farmers and observes that since the farmers in the country face significant monsoon-related challenges, the Central and State Governments should ensure advising the farmers through their own ingenious way on crop sowing patterns, alternate crop selection in low rainfall scenario, different irrigation techniques, water and soil moisture conservation etc. so that farmers can reap maximum benefit of their efforts and inputs. The Committee recommends that the data pertaining to farmers' suicide for 2016 should be furnished at the earliest so that the assurance could be liquidated.
12 The Committee observes that GSFC is the pioneer company making available indigenous melamine and has
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Page Observations/Recommendations No. already invested a lot of money in the area. Any set back to the company would benefit foreign players besides raising the price of the product. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers may take a balanced view and settle the matter amicably so that the assurance could be liquidated.
16 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should take up the issue with the Government of Maharashtra and apprise the Committee.
18 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should furnish the Implementation Report and liquidate the assurance in the Winter Session of 2017.
24 The Committee observes that though Coal mining was integral to India's economic progress, development was hollow without respect for human rights and the tribal people had equal rights on the natural resources and economic development and therefore deserved to be equally compensated. The Committee recommends that tribals should be properly counseled while being given cash compensation to ensure its safe utilization for their welfare as they were innocent people unaware of its value. The Committee further recommends that options may be explored for taking mines on lease for a limited period of their commercial exploitation for coal reserves instead of acquiring it so that the tribals retain the ownership of their land as the Committee feels that while the compensation 268
Page Observations/Recommendations No. suffices only for one generation, the land took care of the family for many generations.
24 The Committee also recommends that the Ministry of Coal should collect and furnish the information on Human Rights violation of Tribal people in coal mines within two months and liquidate the assurance.
27 The Committee observes that though Odisha coal production accounted for 25% of total coal production of the country, it is strange that it is not getting coal for itself and recommends that the Ministry of Coal should involve CIL and discuss the matter for arriving at an early consensus and thereafter furnish a reply to the Committee.
33 The Committee expresses its concern over the plight of plantation crops growers viz. rubber, coffee and tea. The Committee feels that they are highly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature and volatility in global prices and have been reeling under the impact of the sharp price fluctuations since past few years. As the previous schemes launched by the Government has failed to insulate the plantation growers of the various vagaries, it is all the more important that all out efforts are made to make the scheme a success. The Committee observes that so far only Tea Board has started negotiations with the insurers regarding the scheme and the other Boards are yet to select insurers. Further the Committee gets an impression that the insurers are not very enthusiastic about the scheme. The Committee recommends that desired information and 269
Page Observations/Recommendations No. data may be made available to insurers without any delay so that they could come forward to support the scheme. The Committee directs the representative of the Ministry of Commerce to keep it abreast of the developments in the implementation of the scheme.
36 The Committee however expresses its concern over poor connectivity and call drop problem in Leh and recommends that immediate remedial steps must be taken for their improvement.
37 The Committee notes that Leh has a scattered population and some villages are uninhabited for some part of the year. Similar is the condition of remaining parts of J&K and other Himalayan States. Therefore providing mobile service to all villages in these areas would certainly be a challenge particularly during inclement weather. The Committee hopes that the Ministry of Communications would take this task in the right earnest and mobile connectivity to all the uncovered villages in J&K and other Himalayan States would be provided over a period of five years as assured by the Minister. The Committee directs that the Ministry should explore the possibility of providing USOF subsidy for satellite phone services as in the absence of mobile telephones it is filling up the gap in these areas.
41 The Committee notes that National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in India for preparing theatre artistes, but due to limited capacity of its Delhi Centre and in the absence of regional centres, some 270
Page Observations/Recommendations No. genuine desirous aspirants are left out. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Culture may pursue the matter with the Government of J&K to expedite identification and allotment of required land in the State and also explore the possibility of granting status of Institute of National Importance to NSD. The Committee further recommends that matter of providing suitable land may be pursued with other concerned States also.
43 The Committee though is satisfied with the steps taken by the Ministry to compensate the families of wounded / slain soldiers, recommends that prompt action should be taken by Government in such cases for respectfully and timely compensating aggrieved families of soldiers who rendered great service to the nation and sacrificed their lives to save the mother country.
46 While appreciating the Defence PSUs for contributing a lot in attaining self-sufficiency in defence production and the steps taken by them to attain self-reliance in Defence Procurement, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Defence should compile the details of imports of defence equipment during the last two years, country- wise, as assured and furnish an Implementation Report.
52 The Committee expresses its happiness over continuously increasing population of Asiatic lions in the region and lauds the efforts of the State Government in bringing the Asiatic Lions from 'critically endangered category' to 'endangered category'. Though the assurance has been 271
Page Observations/Recommendations No. satisfactorily fulfilled, the Committee desires that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should explore the possibility of a "Project Asiatic Lion" on the lines of "Project Tiger". The Committee also desires that the Ministry should expedite the clearance of Ambardi Safari Park which would help the State Government to mop up more funds for conservation of Asiatic Lions.
37 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change may expeditiously examine the proposals after receiving them from the State Government and keep the Committee updated about the progress in the matter.
60 The Committee observed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change should keep it updated on the case of OMDC mine in Thakurani area presently under litigation in High Courts.
62-63 The Committee is appalled to hear that information sent by the State Government was not received by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Committee finds it difficult to comprehend that in this era of Information Communication Technology, any information cannot be lost unless there is casualness on the part of the sender or the receiver. Further the Committee also feels that this situation also reflects upon poor co-ordination between Centre and State in respect of a Parliamentary matter. The Committee therefore reiterates that the assurance given in Parliament should be dealt with utmost seriousness. 272
Page Observations/Recommendations No.
65 The Committee is constrained to observe that the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change has taken undue long time of 8 years in compiling the information. The Committee feels that the Ministry needs to develop the channels of information highways so that collection of information is efficient and fast. The Committee hopes that the Ministry would endeavour to tread in that direction.
66 The Committee observes that the Ministry of Finance has hurriedly furnished the Implementation Report giving a generalised statement that appointment of Non-Executive Chairman in PSBs is an ongoing process. The Committee directs that the Ministry should complete the process of making appointments as assured by the Minister and then carefully submit an Implementation Report which is complete in all respects.
68 The Committee deplores the practice adopted, of late, by the Department of Financial Services of sending incomplete Implementation Reports in a hurry to liquidate the assurances, completely ignoring the vital information / thrust as asked for in the question and feels that it defeats the purpose / mechanism of ensuring accountability of the executive of Parliament. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should apply due diligence in preparing Implementation Reports to the assurances given by the Minister and ensure that they are complete in all respect before sending them to the Parliament. 273
Page Observations/Recommendations No. 71 The Committee feels that despite various schemes and drives of the Government, institutionalised financing still eluded a large segment of our society and people are still forced to approach private money lenders for their needs for various reasons. Economic development of all sections of the society especially that of the poor is dependent on finance and thus access to finance to them is of prime importance since financial exclusion can lead to social exclusion. The Committee recommends that the Department of Financial Services should formulate schemes so as to ensure that the increased financial lending reaches the targeted beneficiaries.
74 The Committee understands that development of long-term debt markets is critical in the mobilization of the huge magnitude of funding required to finance potential business expansion and infrastructure development. Thus in the present times, when India is endeavouring to sustain its high growth rate, it is imperative that financing constraints in any form be removed and alternative financing channels be developed in a systematic manner for supplementing traditional Bank credit. The Committee recommends that the necessary approvals be expedited to ensure early setting up of the Credit Enhancement Fund and the Committee should be kept abreast of the progress.
78-77 The Committee observes that at a time when the Government is urging everyone to go digital in transactions, such incidents of cyber attacks on ATM systems of Banks 274
Page Observations/Recommendations No. shook the confidence of the people and discourages them from adopting digital means of transaction. The Committee recalling its earlier meeting on the assurance regarding policy to reduce cash usage with some Public Sector Banks recommends that the PSBs should ensure that stringent measures are put in place to check frauds and misuse to retain the faith of common man in the Country's Banking system.
81-82 The Committee is aware that bottom trawling was banned in many countries including Sri Lanka and at times Tamil Nadu fishermen using trawlers for fishing enter Lankan waters to maximize their catch and ran into trouble including facing arrest and seizure of boats. As bottom trawling method of fishing damages the sea bed and marine resources, to overcome this problem, many countries have opted for tuna long liners in place of bottom trawling. The Committee feels that there is an urgent need for the same in our country also to enhance deep sea fishing. The Committee recommends that the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries may ensure timely availability of funds to the State Government so as to ensure smooth replacement of the trawlers with tuna long liners. The Committee also directs the Ministry of Finance to furnish an Implementation Report since action in the matter is complete, which is awaited.
84-85 The Committee observes that it is strange that the Ministry chose to furnish an incomplete Implementation Report 275
Page Observations/Recommendations No. without giving requisite details asked in the question particularly when Banks from whom information was to be collected had the requisite information available with them as revealed while making their presentations before the Committee. The Committee feels that the Ministry should have exercised due care in forwarding the information to the Committee. The Committee directs the Department of Financial Services to obtain the information from all the PSBs and furnish a revised Implementation Report.
88 The Committee finds it strange as to why the Department of Financial Services evaded answering the question stating that the data was not maintained centrally whereas the Banks present in the meetings had the requisite data available with them which was presented before the Committee. The Committee feels that the Department should have collected the information from Banks and liquidated the assurance.
90 The Committee directs the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that the time-line given for final notification should be adhered to and the Committee should be apprised about the same.
92-93 The Committee observes that it is the responsibility of the Government to provide quality healthcare to the citizens especially those living in the remote corners of the length and breadth of the country so that they are not forced to run to the AIIMS in the national capital which unnecessarily strains the resources both of the institute as well as that 276
Page Observations/Recommendations No. of the patients. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should finalise the sites at the earliest to ensure delivery of specialized healthcare in the States.
95-96 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may pursue the matter with the State Government and also to consider the request of Government of Odisha for relaxations of certain conditions so that the establishment of the tertiary cancer care center could be expedited and keep the Committee informed.
97 The Committee however felt that the matter was delayed and directed the Secretary to take it up with the Ministry of Finance.
103 Appreciating the constraints expressed by the representative of Ministry of Home Affairs and BSF in fencing the harsh terrain and also noting the recommendations of Madhukar Gupta Committee on protection of border in Kutch area, the Committee acceded to the Ministry's request and dropped the assurances.
105 The Committee observes that Status Report in the matter is yet to be received from Ministry of Home Affairs. The Committee directs the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the report and liquidate the assurance.
107- The Committee observes that though tribal people have 108 rich cultural heritage and art and craft skills, they lag behind in higher education and the Indira Gandhi National Tribal 277
Page Observations/Recommendations No. University, Amarkantak was established with a noble cause to provide higher education and research facilities to the tribal population and the complaints of alleged irregularities has brought disrepute to it. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should get the matter investigated expeditiously through its Vigilance Department and furnish a Status Report to the Committee. 110 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should expedite the examination of the matter by inter-Ministerial Committee and furnish a Status Report on the final decision taken, for perusal of the Committee. 114- The Committee observes that the beedi industry is 115 primarily a home based labour intensive industry providing employment to large number of people in several States. Though several welfare schemes have been formulated under the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act and other laws to extend health care, housing, educational, social security benefits etc., to beedi workers and their family members but the infrastructure appears to be insufficient to ensure proper health care for beedi workers. The proposed move of Ministry of Labour and Employment to bring all Hospitals and Dispensaries functioning for beedi workers under ESIC to provide ESI facilities to beedi workers is certainly a welcome step. The Committee therefore recommends that the Ministry should expeditiously obtain the approval of the Cabinet and complete the process for the welfare of beedi workers. 278
Page Observations/Recommendations No. 118 The Committee understands that Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) is conceived as a special initiative of the follow up action on the Sachar Committee recommendations. The programme aims at improving the socio-economic conditions of minorities by providing basic amenities to them for improving their quality of life and reducing imbalances in the identified minority concentration areas. The Committee, while appreciating the implementation of MsDP in the State of Telangana, notes that the programme is a joint effort of the Centre and the States and its success hinges on its execution by the States and any laxity in the implementation of the Scheme would defeat its basic purpose. The Committee accordingly recommends that the State Government should furnish the QPR in prescribed format to the Ministry of Minority Affairs within one month so that the assurance could be liquidated.
121 The Committee expresses its concern over the slow pace of progress of the solar city projects and feels that efforts need to be speeded up. The Committee recommends to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to keep the Committee abreast about the progress.
125 The Committee notes that the world is moving fast towards reducing dependency on limited fossils fuel for which sustainable energy resources are being promoted and incentivised. As our country has abundant solar energy, installation of solar pumps would not only save scarce resources of country but also prevent environment 279
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pollution. The Committee observes that due to some reasons the project did not get desired response from the people of Telangana. Since the scheme has been closed and the State Government has also submitted Utilisation Certificates, the Committee directs that the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy should submit an Implementation Report and liquidate the assurance.
127- The Committee feels that innovations are needed to reduce 128 dependency on the limited natural resources especially the hydrocarbons. For promoting innovation and creating infrastructure, innovators and entrepreneurs need to be encouraged to establish innovative technology and business process re-engineering with significant business potential and social relevance with focus on environment protection. The Committee appreciates the prompt action taken for creation of the Start-up fund. The Committee knows that the Indian intellectual capacity is contributing immensely to the global oil and gas economy and the Indian energy market too should benefit from that capacity.
131 The Committee welcomed the initiative of the government in promoting indigenisation in Oil and Gas Sector and appreciated the efforts made to help out Start-ups in the process. The Committee however desired that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas may frame broad guidelines regarding promoting start-ups by the Oil PSUs to remove the ambiguities. 280
Page Observations/Recommendations No. 135- The Committee observes that despite having such a vast 136 potential of hydro electricity in the country, its optimum exploitation appears to be facing some kind of neglect. The Committee is of the view that to avoid unnecessary cost overrun caused due to delay in approval of projects by different authorities, Single Window Clearance system should be adopted by the Government to expedite the appraisal. The Committee recommends that to attract and retain private developers in this field, the Government should review the policy of setting up of hydro power projects. The Committee also recommends that the associated benefits of a hydro power project should also be taken into account while calculating the tariff and some incentives should be given to promoters for establishing hydro power projects like in solar and wind energy projects.
140 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Power should update the Committee on the issue.
142 The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Power towards prompt fulfillment of the assurance but recommends that the Power PSUs should not limit their CSR spending to only 2% of their net profit as prescribed under the Act while helping the needy sections of the society.
146 The Committee was satisfied with the progress made by Government in providing rail connectivity to the Himalayan Region and hoped that there would not be any paucity of funds in completion of this highest rail track of the world. 281
Page Observations/Recommendations No. The Committee observes that once this railway line is completed, Leh would be directly connected to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of India by railway enabling smooth and easy transportation of men and material to Leh, which is a strategic military base.
148- The Committee observes that construction of ROB / RUB 149 is essential for the safety of citizens crossing the railway lines and recommends that the Ministry of Railways should enhance co-ordination with the State Government and sort out the issues and inform the Committee about the action taken.
150 The Committee noting that the survey had been completed and the matter was being examined in the Railway Board which would take three months, directs the representative of the Ministry to expedite the process and inform it about the decision taken within the given timeline.
152 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should update it after the presentation of the final report of the Committee of Senior Officers.
156 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should furnish an updated status of both the projects once the communication is received from the State Government.
159 The Committee expresses its displeasure over time taken by the Ministry of Railways in finalization of bridge layout plan for one reason or the other and felt that any further delay in the execution of the project might cause untoward 282
Page Observations/Recommendations No. incidents which could be fatal for lives of commuters. The Committee directs the Ministry to furnish the design to the State Government for their approval and furnish a Status Note for perusal of the Committee. In view of the inability of the State Government to bear the cost of the bridge, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Railways should consider absorbing major cost of the bridge.
162 The Committee understands that the project once completed would ease the traffic congestion on NH-1 to a large extent and would particularly be beneficial for the pilgrims visiting Golden Temple and Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should keep it informed about different stages of the project.
165- The Committee is of the view that cases of fraudulent and 166 corrupt practices particularly in projects funded by international agencies do not go well with the Government's resolve and tarnish the country's image. Therefore speedy and thorough investigation, coupled with exemplary punishment is required in the matter. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should furnish an Action Taken Report immediately after receiving necessary inputs from NHAI and State Government of Telangana.
169 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should examine the suggestion for giving retrospective effect to the Motor Vehicle Rules 283
Page Observations/Recommendations No. so that old buses should also be modified in tune with new provisions leading to better safety on roads. The Committee further directs the Ministry to expedite the process of liquidation of assurance as the necessary information has been received from the State Government.
171 The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Rural Development should pursue the matter with the State Government and obtain detailed breakup of cases of corruption and inform the Committee.
173- The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of 174 Science and Technology towards installation of Largest National Telescope and hopes that the project would be completed within stipulated time schedule and would be put to the service of nation. The Committee recommends that a meeting with all the stakeholders including representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, DC Leh and local population should be convened as soon as possible to clear all the apprehensions about Seven Meter Telescope Project.
176 The Committee observes that the major ports were facing constraints in their functional autonomy vis-a-vis private ports as the private ports could offer competitive pricing to customers whereas the major ports could not match the same due to limitations fixed by the tariff regulator. The Committee hopes that things would change for better performance by all ports in the country with the enactment 284
Page Observations/Recommendations No. of a new law. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Shipping should furnish an Implementation Report since the Bill had been introduced in the Parliament.
179 The Committee observes that the suggestions made by the various Port Trusts are very thoughtful as those have been made after analyzing the operational difficulties faced by them. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should examine the submissions made by the Ports and inform the Committee about the stand of the Government thereon. The Committee also directs the Ministry of Shipping to send the information asked in the question and liquidate the assurance.
183- The Committee notes with pain that drug abuse in our 184 country was continuously increasing. The worst sufferers of drug / alcohol addiction are youth of the country and Punjab has been fighting with this menace for quite some time. The number of drug-related suicides in India is also on increase. The Committee observes that prevention is one of the ways in which drug abuse can be dealt with and prevention programmes involving families, schools and NGOs can play an important role in this regard. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment should take steps to expedite the National Policy for Drug Demand Reduction.
188 The Committee hopes that efforts being made by SAIL to reduce the cost of steel would bring results in near future 285
Page Observations/Recommendations No. and desires that the Ministry should provide necessary assistance and support for the survival of the Steel Industry in the country. The Committee directs that updated status of Steel Processing Units should be forwarded to the Committee with the comments of the Ministry on each unit. 191 The Committee notes with concern that the country is fast moving towards a crisis of groundwater in view of its overuse and contamination. In some States including Punjab, annual groundwater consumption is much more than annual groundwater recharge. Further, over the years there has been continuous increase in groundwater utilization for irrigation and industrial purposes. By making the No Objection Certificate compulsory for groundwater use, the Government has taken a right step. However, there are many more steps to be taken. 203 The Committee, therefore, recommends that instructions should be issued to Central Ministries, CPSUs etc. to mandatorily send the information promised to Committee on Government Assurances during the deliberations on a Study Visit for perusal of the Committee within a reasonable time or the time given by the Committee. 204 The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministries should take note of this while replying to Parliamentary Questions / fulfilling assurances. 204 The Committee, therefore, directs that once the request of the Ministry for dropping an assurance on a particular 286
Page Observations/Recommendations No. ground has not been acceded to by the Committee, the Ministry should desist from sending request for dropping again on the same ground. In such cases, the Ministry either should take steps to fulfill the assurance or send the request for dropping if some new development has taken place. 205 The Committee, therefore, advise the Ministries that they should keep track of the assurance and pursue it with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs till the time the Implementation Report is laid on the Table of the House. 205- The Committee once again reiterates that guidelines along 206 with a time limit within which stakeholder Ministries should submit their views to the originating Ministry on any issue which is part of assurance, be issued without further delay. 206 The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministries while fulfilling the assurance should give specific information promised in the reply instead of circumventing the same as it does not help anyone. 206 The Committee once again recommends that the mechanism for obtaining information or comments from the States in a time bound manner should be evolved in consultation with States. 207 The Committee, therefore, reiterates that fulfillment of any assurance should not be delayed due to transfer of assurance from one Ministry to other Ministry and the Cabinet Secretariat should invariably be approached for an early decision in the matter. 287 APPENDIX-III Assurance arising from USQ No. 1988 dated 15.03.2016 regarding RBI report on financial inclusion. Assurance arising from USQ No. 196 dated 19.07.2016 regarding developing long-term debt market for financing infrastructure projects. January, 2017) January, th Assembly & Night Stay at Rajkot Assembly & Night Stay 1.11.2016 — 03.11.2017 1.11.2016 (From 14th to 20 (From (i) RAJKOT, SASANGIR AND BHUJ SASANGIR RAJKOT, (i) Meeting with managements of Dena Bank, Bank of Baroda, State of India, Bank Central of India, Union Bank of Maharashtra & representatives RBI, NABARD and Ministry of Finance. Meeting with managements of Life Insurance Corporation of India, and representatives of Ministry Finance. 10.00 A.M. 11.00 A.M. LIST OF VISITS UNDERTAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE BETWEEN BY VISITS UNDERTAKEN OF LIST (Saturday) 15.01.2017 14.01.2017 (Sunday)
287 288 Assurances arising from dated (i) USQ No. 1139 Asiatic Lion conservation Meeting with managements of Oil & Assurance arising from USQ India Limited; Indian Oil CorporationLimited; Hindustan Petroleum regarding start up fund for Corporation Limited; Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited; Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited; hydrocarbon sector. Engineers India Limited; GAIL Limited and representatives of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. by Road (approx 170 kms / 3½ hours) to Sasangir (i) Travel at Sasangir (ii) Night Stay On-site visit to Gir National Park assess the progress in assurance pertaining to Asiatic Lion conservation Project. pertaining to Meeting with representatives of Government of Gujarat, and Ministry of Environment, Forest and ClimateChange. 30.07.2015 regarding funds for 12.00 Noon Natural Gas Corporation Limited; Oil No 1246 dated 04.05.2016 8.00 A.M. 10.00 A.M. 16.01.2017 (Monday) 289 project; and (ii) USQ No. 1261 dated 07.05.2015 regarding Forest area acquired in Gujarat for Central Projects. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2172 dated 30.07.2014 regarding fencing along Indo-Pak border; and (ii) USQ No. 3775 dated 13.08.2014 regarding fencing along India-Pakistan border. (i) Travel to Rajkot by Road (approx 170 kms / 3½ hours) to Rajkot by Road (approx (i) Travel at Rajkot (ii) Night Stay to Bhuj by Road (approx 250 kms / 5 hours) (i) Travel at Bhuj (ii) Night Stay Meeting with representatives of Government of Gujarat and Affairs. Ministry of Home Meeting with representatives ofGovernment of Gujarat, managementof GSFC and representatives No 971 dated 13.12.2013 Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. Assurance arising from USQ from GSFC. dues of recovery regarding 10.00 A.M. 11.00 A.M. 17.01.2017 (Monday) 18.01.2017 (Tuesday) 290 (ii) USQ No 3500 dated 21.02.2015 regarding illegal import of banned materials. st and regarding improving operational Meeting with managements of Kandla Assurances arising from (i) SQ Tru Mumbai Port Trust, representatives of Ministry Shipping. efficiency of major ports; and at Bhuj Night Stay On-site visit to Rann of Kutch assess the progress border fencing involved in the assurance pertaining to fencing along India-Pakistan border. Dispersal. 12.00 Noon Jawaharlal Nehru PortTrust, Port 21.12.2015 dated 230 No 19.01.2017 (Wednesday) 20.01.2017 (Thursday) 291 largest telescope in Ladakh; Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 570 dated Srinagar; and (iii) USQ No. 569 regarding dated 21.11.2016 Pending Hydro Power Projects. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 1728 dated May, 2017) May, th To 13 th (From 5 (From (ii) LEH, OOTY AND COIMBATORE LEH, OOTY (ii) Assembly & Night Stay at Leh. Assembly & Night Stay One day for acclimatization. Meeting with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Power ProjectsChenab Valley (CPVV), JKSPDC, Central Electricity of Authority and Ministries of Science Affairs, and Home and Technology, installation regarding 28.04.2016 (ii)Power. USQ 27.04.2016 regarding lathicharge No. 401 dated Meeting with the representatives of Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Autonomous Hill DevelopmentLadakh 11.03.2016 regarding connecting on students in NIT campus 10.00 A.M. 11.00 A.M. 05.05.2017 (Friday) 06.05.2017 (Saturday) 07.05.2017 (Sunday) 292 Himachal Pradesh with Leh; and (ii) USQ No. 902 dated 26.07.2016 regarding non- fulfillment of compensation for Kargil Martyrs Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 3738 dated 29.04.2008 regarding establishment of more National Schools of Drama; and (ii) USQ No 171 dated 24.04.2015 regarding villages not covered under mobile telephone services. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No.727 dated regarding cyber 22.11.2016 system of ATM attack on public and private banks No.1516 dated (ii) USQ regarding RBI 29.11.2016 Council, Ministries of Railways and Defence. Meeting with the representatives of Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ministries of Culture Communication. Meeting with the managements of State Bank of India, J&K Bank, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Punjab & Sind Bank and representative of RBI and Ministry of Finance. 11.00 A.M. 10.00 A.M. 08.05.2017 (Monday) 293 guidelines on safety of bank customers. eaching New Delhi at 8.20 AM / 9.55 AM AM / 9.55 eaching New Delhi at 8.20 (i) Departure from Leh by Go Air G8-216/204 at 6.55 AM / 8.35 AM AM / 8.35 Air G8-216/204 at 6.55 from(i) Departure Leh by Go (ii) Departure from New Delhi by Indigo 6E-3752 at 1.20 PM reaching Coimbatore at 4.20 PM (iii) Departure for Udhagamandalam by road (approximately 90 kms/ 3 hours) (iv) Night stay at Udhagamandalam Meeting with the representatives of Nadu andState Government of Tamil Assurances arising from USQ Board, Rubbermanagements of Tea No. 651 dated 08.02.2017 Board, Coffee Spices insurance revenue regarding Assurance Company Ltd., New India crops. plantation for scheme National Insurance Company Ltd., Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. United India Insurance Company Ltd., Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. and representatives of Ministries of Commerce and Industry and Finance. 10.00 A.M. 09.05.2017 (Tuesday) r 10.05.2017 (Wednesday) 294 1.08.2015 regarding increase Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 3135 dated 07.08.2014 regarding CAS or and TV; TAC DAS license to (ii) USQ No. 2474 dated Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 1220 dated 08.03.2016 regarding establishing AIIMS in Nadu Tamil (ii) USQ No. 1894 dated 15.12.2015 regarding finalization Nadu Tamil AIIMS in of site for and (iii) USQ No. 2176 dated Night stay at Udhagamandalam (i) On site visit to Plantation crops have interaction with plantation owners associations and workers (ii) Departure for Coimbatore by road (approximately 90 Kms/3 hours) (iii) Night stay at Coimbatore Meeting with the representatives of Nadu, Tamil Government of Nadu Arasu management of Tamil Cable TV Corporation Ltd and representatives of Ministries Information and Broadcasting, Finance 1 and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. in allocation for deep sea fishing. Meeting with the representatives of Nadu and State Government of Tamil Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Labour Employment. 11.00 A.M. 10.00 A.M. 11.05.2017 (Thursday) 12.05.2017 (Friday) 295 16.03.2016 regarding bringing of hospitals for beedi workers in Nadu under ESIC. Tamil Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 727 dated regarding cyber 22.11.2016 system of ATM attack on public and private banks (ii) USQ No. 1516 dated regarding RBI 29.11.2016 guidelines on safety of bank customers. Meeting with the managements of Canara Bank, Corporation Bank and Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Andhra Bank and representative of RBI and Ministry of Finance. Dispersal. 12.00 Noon Indian Overseas Bank, 13.05.2017 (Saturday) 296 Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2593 dated 17.12.2012 regarding development of solar cities; (ii) USQ No. 2749 dated No. 2546 dated 21.12.2015 regarding depletion of ground water level. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 3461 dated 31.03.2017 regarding reconstruction of old railway Amritsar; and (ii) USQ bridge in July, 2017) July, th July to 8 rd (From 3 (From (iii) AMRITSAR AND INDORE (iii) AMRITSAR Assembly & Night Stay at Amritsar at Assembly & Night Stay Meeting with the representatives of Government of Punjab, Bhakhra Beas Management Board, Central Ground Authority and Ministries of Water Power, New & Renewable Energy, Resources, Riverand Water Rejuvenation.Ganga and Development tenants by BBMB; and (iii) USQ 30.04.2012 regarding eviction of Meeting with the representatives of Government of Punjab and Ministries of Railways and Social Justice & Empowerment. 11.00 A.M. 10.00 A.M. 03.07.2017 (Monday) 04.07.2017 (Tuesday) 297 (i) USQ No. 2812 dated Amritsar 27.03.2017 regarding Delhi Expressway; and (ii) USQ No. 1963 dated 14.03.2013 regarding fund sharing for expressway from Delhi to Ludhiana. No. 511 dated 21.07.2016 No. 511 regarding plan to implement NPDDR. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 1810 dated Amritsar international airport at (and Chandigarh); and (ii) Point raised on 23.03.2017 regarding Airport renaming of Chandigarh as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. Assurances arising from overnment of Punjab and management of NHAI and representatives of Ministry Road and Highways. Transport Meeting with the representatives of Aviation.Civil of Amritsar at Night Stay 21.07.2009 regarding naming of Meeting with the representatives of 12.00 Noon Government of Punjab and Ministry 10.00 A.M. G 05.07.2017 (Wednesday) 298 Assurances arising from USQ No. 928 dated 07.12.2015 regarding enquiry into irregularities under MNREGA; (ii) USQ No. 2038 dated regarding clearance to 29.11.2010 diversion of forest land under Sardar Sarovar projects; and 1.35 AM Meeting with the managements ofPunjab National Bank, Oriental Bankof Commerce and Punjab & Sind Assurance arising from USQ No. 2982 dated 28.03.2017 Bank and representatives of RBI Ministry of Finance. assets by PSBs. non-core of sale regarding Amritsar at Night Stay New Delhi at at 10.30AM reaching AI-113 Amritsar by (i) Leave at Indore AI-636 at 3.10 PM reaching (ii) Leave New Delhi by 4.35 PM (iii) Night stay at Indore Meeting with the representatives of Ministries of Rural Development, Environment Forest and Climate Change, and Human Resource Development. 11.00 A.M. 10.00 AM Government of Madhya Pradesh and 06.07.2017 (Thursday) 1 07.07.2017 (Friday) 299 target for investment (iii) USQ No. 1650 dated 16.03.2017 regarding appointments in Indira Gandhi University, National Tribal Amarkantak. Assurance arising from SQ dated 06.05.2015 No. 111 Assurance arising from USQ No. 2125 dated 30.08.2012 regarding installation of new Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 1436 dated 05.12.2014 regarding rake and regarding Meeting with the managements of IOCL, ONGC, HPCL, BPCL, GAIL India Limited, Oil Limited representatives of Ministry ofMinistry of representatives Petroleum and Natural Gas. Meeting with the representatives of in oil and gas sector. management of SAIL and representatives of Ministry Steel. at Indore Night Stay units. processing steel Meeting with the representatives of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ministries of Chemicals & Fertilisers Railways.and points for fertilisers in Madhya 11.00 A.M. 12.00 Noon Government of Madhya Pradesh, 10.00 A.M. 08.07.2017 (Saturday) 300 Pradesh; (ii) USQ No. 3071 dated 21.02.2014 regarding Railway projects in Madhya Pradesh; and (iii) USQ No. 2747 dated regarding survey of 16.12.2011 Damoh-Jabalpur Railway Line. No. 2982 dated 28.03.2017 regarding sale of non-core Meeting with managements of Bank Assurance Bank, Central Bank of India, Dena arising from USQ Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, &representatives of RBI & Ministry of Finance. assets by PSBs. Dispersal. 11.00 AM of India, Bank Baroda, Union 301 .2012 regarding Forest Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2659 dated clearance to Rengali Canal Project in Odisha; (ii) USQ No. 502 dated 27.11.2012 regarding pending projects for environmental clearance; (iii) USQ No. 1860 dated 07.12.2009 regarding forest diversion proposals; and (iv) USQ No. 264 dated 25.11.2014 regarding Cancer hospital in Odisha. September, 2017) September, st tay at Bhubaneswar August - 1 th (From 27 (From (iv) BHUBANESWAR AND HYDERABAD AND (iv) BHUBANESWAR Meeting with Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, managements of Orissa Minerals DevelopmentCompany Limited (OMDC), Steel Authority of India Limited, and 18.12 representatives of Ministries Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Steel and Health & Family Welfare. 10.00 A.M. 27.08.2017(Sunday) 28.08.2017 (Monday) S Night & Assembly 302 1.2009 regarding no objection coal mines; and (ii) USQ certificate for power projects. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2085 dated Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2000 dated (ii) USQ No. 1089 dated of Ministries Power and Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Meeting with the management ofMinistry of Petroleum & Natural Assurance arising from USQ Gas. at Bhubaneswar and Night Stay oil for investment regarding Meeting with representatives of Government of Odisha, managements of Odisha Thermal Power Corporation 05.12.2016Limited (OTPCL), Coal India regarding Human(CIL), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited rights violation of tribal people in gas exploration in Odisha. Meeting with representatives of Government of Odisha, managements of Power Grid Corporation IndiaLtd., Power Finance Corporation Ltd.,expenditure regarding 20.03.2017 Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd., by power companies on CSR; and NTPC, NHPC, and representatives 30.1 12.00 Noon ONGC and representatives of03.12.2014 dated 1216 No. 10.00 A.M. 11.00 A.M. 29.08.2017 (Tuesday) 303 2175 dated 21.03.2017 new ports; and (ii) USQ regarding irregularities in sanctioning loans by PSBs. No. 620 dated 21.11.2016 regarding development of ports under Sagarmala. Assurance arising from USQ No. 2309 dated 08.08.2016 regarding allocation of coal block to Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. in Odisha. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 2126 dated 16.03.2010 regarding expansion Bank, United Bank of India, Indian Bank, and representatives of RBI and Ministry of Finance. AI 776 reaching at 10:55 hrs. by (i) Depart Bhubaneswar from Hyderabad at 12.25 hrs. at Hyderabad (ii) Night Stay Climate Change. Meeting with managements of State (MCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and representatives of Ministry of Coal. Meeting with management of Paradip and Kolkata Port Trust, Port Trust, representatives of Ministries Shipping and Environment, Forest & of 12.00 NoonAllahabad Bank, UCO Bank of India, No 11.00 A.M. 30.08.2017 (Wednesday) 304 rding Unspent Rail Coach factory in Multi-Sectoral Development Plan funds; (ii) USQ No. 59 regarding dated 30.11.2015 Allocation of Solar Pumps to and (iii) USQ No. Telangana; dated 10.03.2017 1129 regarding Farmers suicide in Telangana. Assurances arising from dated (i) USQ No. 1711 and (ii) USQ No. Telangana; 3478 dated 31.03.2017 regarding execution of Bhadrachalam - Kovvur Manuguru - Ramagundam Railway line. Assurances arising from (i) USQ No. 1277 dated Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and New & Affairs Minority Renewable Energy. Meeting with representatives of and Government of Telangana representatives of Ministry Railways. 11.03.2016 regarding Setting up of Meeting with Chief Secretary, and Government of Telangana representatives of Ministries 08.03.2016 rega 11.00 A.M. 10.00 A.M. 31.08.2017 (Thursday) 305 surances arising from (i) USQ No.2887 dated 20.02.2014 regarding NH agencies; and (ii) SQ No. 83 dated 14.07.2014 regarding accidents due to faulty design of Volvo buses. patnam Port Trust, Chennai Trust, Port patnam (i) USQ No. 2126 dated. Meeting with managements ofBharat Earth Movers Limited, Assurance arising from USQ Dynamics Limited, Mishra Dhatuin sufficiency Self regarding Nigam Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and representatives defence Ministryof of Defence. procurement. at Hyderabad Night Stay Meeting with management of NHAI As and representatives of Government and Ministry of Road of Telangana Highways.and Transport ofmanagements with Meeting projects funded by international Kamarajar Port Limited,Trust, Port andTrust Chidambarnar Port V.O. expansion Assurance arising from regarding 16.03.2010 Ministries of Shipping and Environment Forest & Climate of new ports. Change. 12.00 NoonLimited, Aeronautics Hindustan No 2907 dated 28.03.2017 10.00 A.M. 11.00 A.M. Vishakha 01.09.2017 (Friday) 306 Assurance arising from USQ No. 2175 dated 21.03.2017 regarding irregularities in sanctioning loans by PSBs. Meeting with managements of Corporation Bank, Syndicate Bank, Indian Overseas Bank Vijaya and representatives of RBI Ministry of Finance. Dispersal. 12.00 Noon Andhra Bank, Canara