RAJYA SABHA ———— List of Questions for WRITTEN ANSWERS to be asked at a sitting of the Rajya Sabha to be held on Friday, the December 5, 2003/Agrahayana 14, 1925 (Saka) ———— (Ministries : Agriculture; Chemicals and Fertilizers; Environment and Forests; Food Processing Industries; Human Resource Development; Ocean Development; Railways; Science and Technology; Steel; Youth Affairs and Sports) Total number of questions—143 Price support for saffron crop Rs. 996.12 crores from National Calamity Contingency Fund and 15 lakh 342. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR: tonnes of rice under the Swarna Jayanti Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be Grameen Rozgar Yojana to meet the need pleased to state: of drought affected areas of the (a) whether Government are aware of State; and the fact that for the first time in four years, (b) if so, the response of the Central Kishtwar’s saffron farmers are expecting a Government in this regard? good saffron crop; (b) if so, whether Government have noticed the fact that official neglect has hit Promotion of organic farming the farmers' interests hard and they rarely get the attention and the prices they deserve; 344. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR: and Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: (c) if so, the efforts, Government propose to make the Government-run (a) whether it is a fact that price support mechanism available for the Government have formulated a national benefit of such farmers? project on organic farming with an outlay of Rs. 99.58 crore to improve the soil health; Assistance to from NCCF (b) whether the project envisages the 343. DR. ALLADI P. RAJKUMAR: setting up of National Institute of Organic Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be Farming (NIOF) for the production, pleased to state: promotion, market development and regulation of organic farming in the country; (a) whether the Andhra Pradesh and Assembly has passed a unanimous resolution requesting the Central (c) if so, the details of the proposed Government to immediately release scheme?

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Agriculture research and education Assistance to pest affected centres district Malkangiri, Orissa 345. SHRI SK. KHABIR UDDIN 348. SHRI B.J. PANDA: Will the AHMED: Will the Minister of Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased AGRICULTURE be pleased to refer to to state: answer to Unstarred Question 1343, given (a) whether it is a fact that over 5000 in the Rajya Sabha on the 1st August, 2003 families of farmers in the tribal dominated and state: Malkangiri district of Orissa were in (a) the details of basic infrastructure distress, on account of pest attacks on their provided by the agriculture research and crops which had, in turn, affected their education centres; and livelihood; and (b) the steps taken by Government to (b) whether the Centre has offered upgrade these research centres? assistance to the cash-strapped State to compensate the affected farmers; if so, the details thereof? Insurance cover for yield and price fluctuations 346. SHRI NANA DESHMUKH: Will All day milk stalls of DMS the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: 349. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be (a) whether Government propose to pleased to state: introduce a new insurance cover for yield and price fluctuations for farmers under a (a) whether there are many DMS outlets single policy; running in Delhi by the name of 'All Day Milk Stalls’; (b) if so, the details of the scheme; and (b) if so, whether these outlets have been (c) by when it is likely to be put in opened as franchisee of DMS; operation? (c) if so, the number of outlets that are running in Delhi; and Assistance to SC/ST farmers of (d) the amount of revenue earned by M.P. DMS as franchise deposits?

347. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be Survey of wheat varieties pleased to state: 350. MISS MABEL REBELLO: Will (a) whether Government have decided the Minister of AGRICULTURE be to release the fund from the contingency pleased to state: fund to help the SCs/STs and Backward agriculturists in Madhya Pradesh; (a) whether it is a fact that a survey of wheat varieties suitable for overseas market (b) if so, the details thereof; and as well as for better yield is being conducted; (c) if not, the reasons therefor? (b) if so, the result of such exercise; 77

(c) by when Government propose to Agriculture Technology Information introduce such varieties for commercial Centres in U.P. production; and 353. PROF. M.M. AGARWAL: Will the (d) the details thereof? Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: Boosting sale of DMS milk (a) the details of Agriculture Technology Information Centres set up in Uttar Pradesh, district-wise; 351. SHRI MURLI DEORA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased (b) the details of expenditure incurred to state: by Government for the above purpose during the last three years; and (a) the percentage of milk in polypacks returned to Delhi Milk Scheme during the (c) the steps taken by Government to last three years, year-wise; provide training to farmers about the new technology? (b) the additional expenditure incurred in reprocessing of these polypacks; (c) whether the sale of milk had Incentives to producers of export decreased as a result of increase in prices quality Basmati rice and if so, the action taken to reduce it and †354. SHRI HARISH RAWAT: Will the boosting the sale; and Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to (d) the distribution losses reported state: during the last three years? (a) the names of States which are producing export quality Basmati rice Shortage of milk in Delhi alongwith the details of the total production of such Basmati rice in the country every year; 352. SHRI LALIT SURI: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased (b) whether any scheme has been to state: formulated by Government to provide incentives to the States producing such (a) whether it is a fact that there was an Basmati rice; and acute shortage of milk in Delhi during last August; (c) if so, the details thereof? (b) if so, the reasons therefor, especially in view of higher yield of milk by the milch Agricultural contribution to GDP animals in the area around Delhi during monsoon which was above average this 355. SHRI DINA NATH MISHRA: Will year; and the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to state: to ensure that the capital does not face (a) how much agriculture sector is likely shortage of milk in future, particularly during to contribute to country's total GDP in the the festival season? year 2003-04;

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 78

(b) what would be its share in economic (c) the reasons for the delay in growth in percentage terms during the same establishing these Kendras and the period period; and by which they would be made functional? (c) what future steps Government are initiating to strengthen infrastructure, so Agricultural University in Tripura as to considerably enhance agricultural production during the Tenth Five Year Plan? 359. SHRI MATILAL SARKAR: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: Assistance to agricultural projects of States (a) whether the Central Government are going to set up an Agricultural University 356. SHRI SK. KHABIR UDDIN in Tripura; and AHMED: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state the (b) if so, by when? details of financial assistance provided by the Central Government to the States, West Agricultural performance Bengal in particular, during the last two years for the development and upgradation 360. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR: of agricultural projects? Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:

Agricultural production vis-a-vis (a) whether it is a fact that despite all rainfall natural advantages, India's productivity of foodgrains per hectare is no more than three- 357. SHRI S. AGNIRAJ: Will the fourth of the world average and less than Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased half of that in agriculturally advanced to state: countries; (a) the total level of rainfall in the (b) whether only five States namely country during the monsoon; Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, produce (b) the likely fall in the levels during more grains than their requirement and more this season; and than two-third of the population lives in (c) its impact on agricultural production States that are still food-deficit; during this year? (c) if so, whether Government have made efforts to find the reasons for its poor agricultural performance; and KVKs in Tripura (d) the action Government propose to take in this regard? 358. SHRI MATILAL SARKAR: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be Starvation deaths pleased to state: 361. DR. AKHILESH DAS: Will the (a) the status of setting up of Krishi Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased Vigyan Kendras in each district of Tripura; to state: (b) the places of the State where these (a) whether Government have received Kendras are going to be established; and any reports of starvation deaths from Bihar, 79

Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and other States additional donation of ten million dollars during the current year; to Consultative Group on International (b) if so, the details of such reports from Agricultural Research is under consideration different States; and during the Tenth Five Year Plan; (c) whether it is a fact that State (b) if so, the amount of regular donation Governments usually discount starvation being given annually to the institution; deaths and find alibis saying deaths were not due to hunger but due to lack of medical (c) whether the operation of the said facilities and different ailments like diarrhoea, institute is being carried out from abroad; caused by under nourishment? (d) if so, the place of operation and the details of agricultural activities of the said Drip irrigation technology institute;

362. SHRI SATISH PRADHAN: Will (e) whether the country has got any the Minister of AGRICULTURE be advantage from the research conducted by pleased to state: this institution; and (a) whether Union Government have (f) if so, the benefits accrued to Indian taken any step or propose to take any step farmers from this institution for the for providing new, effective and cheapest development in the agriculture sector? technology for the drip irrigation everywhere in the country to the farmers; (b) if so, the details thereof; Effect of subsidy given by developed countries (c) whether it is a fact that Netafim, an to farmers Israeli firm with pioneering expertise in drip irrigation, has tied up with some Indian †364. SHRI LAJPAT RAI: banks to facilitate loans for drip irrigation SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: projects in the country; and Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE (d) if so, Government’s response thereto? be pleased to refer to answer to Unstarred Question 2374, given in the Rajya Sabha Donation to Consultative Group on on the 13th December, 2002 and state: International Agricultural (a) whether it is a fact that the subsidy Research being given by America and other developed countries to their farmers on a large scale in †363. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: agriculture sector is against the agreement SHRI RAJIV RANJAN with World Trade Organisation; SINGH 'LALAN': SHRI RAM JETHMALANI: (b) if so, whether the subsidy by these SHRI LAJPAT RAI: countries could not be banned through Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be World Trade Organisation; and pleased to state: (c) if so, the future planning of India in (a) whether a proposal of providing an this regard? †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 80

Contract farming up a technology mission to increase the flower-production; and †365. SHRI MOTILAL VORA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to (d) the names and other details of the state: Centrally sponsored schemes meant for increasing the flower-production in the (a) whether it is a fact that Government country, specially in Bihar which faces are considering to enact a law for contract natural calamities like flood every year? farming under pressure from various companies; (b) whether it is also a fact that Details of workshop on Government have not consulted farmers' agriculture organisation in this regard; and 368. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA: Will the (c) if so, the details thereof? Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: Modernisation of handling, storage and transportation (a) whether Government are aware of of foodgrains the observations made in a recent workshop on "The Role of Biotechnology in 366.SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH LIBRA: Agriculture" as to how biotech crops could DR. ABRAR AHMED: improve farming competitiveness and reduce insecticide usage, its advantages in Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE oil-conservation and enhanced be pleased to state: productivity, improved water quality, etc.; (a) whether Government have taken any (b) if so, whether such suggestions are step to modernize the system of handling, being adopted to further improve our storage and transportation of foodgrains agricultural productivity; and within the country; and (b) if so, the details thereof? (c) if so, the details thereof?

Floriculture production Production of fruits and †367. SHRIMATI KUM KUM RAI: vegetables in Uttaranchal Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state: †369. SHRI HARISH RAWAT: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be (a) the details of the total production pleased to state: and the production per hectare in the floriculture sector in the country (a) whether any specific scheme for during the last three years, year-wise and increasing the production of fruits including State-wise; apples grown in the moderate climate has (b) the details of the demand and been formulated for Uttaranchal; and producton of flowers in the country during (b) if so, the types of assistance the Tenth Five Year Plan; proposed to be provided by Government (c) whether Government propose to set to the State, in this regard? †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 81

Use of gas by urea producing to pay as insurance to the dependents of units deceased; and (e) why no responsibility for loss was †370. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: fixed? SHRI LAJPAT RAI:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND Availability of medicines at FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: affordable prices (a) whether Government have formulated any scheme of promoting the 372. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA: Will the use of gas in place of Naptha as a fuel by Minister of CHEMICALS AND urea producing units of the country; FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government are aware of (b) if so, the detailed outlines of the said general misgivings and galore conditions scheme; imposed under which patented medicines/ (c) total number of industrial units of the drugs would be available at affordable country under this scheme which are likely prices to developing countries under the to use gas in place of Naptha; and WTO Agreement reached on 29th August, 2003; (d) expenditure likely to be incurred by (b) if so, whether Indian users or Government for the same? pharmaceutical companies would be in a position to draw the envisaged benefits Amount paid towards insurance without hassles and cumbersome by IDPL procedures to adequately fight rising mass killer diseases like AIDS, TB, Malaria, etc.; 371. SHRI MURLI DEORA: Will the and Minister of CHEMICALS AND (c) if so, how and what are the details FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: thereof? (a) whether Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, Unit, Package for FACT got a group saving linked insurance scheme for 4181 employees from LIC in 1988; 373. SHRI N.R. DASARI: (b) whether the company stopped SHRI V.V. RAGHAVAN: payment of LIC premium realised from the Will the Minister of CHEMICALS salary of employees as a result of which AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: policy lapsed with effect from April, 1992; (a) whether the restructuring package (c) whether it is a fact that 154 for the ailing Fertilizer and Chemicals of employees died from May, 1992 to Travancore (FACT), Cochin, has been February, 2002 while contribution towards approved by Government; and LIC was being deducted from their salaries but not being remitted to LIC; and (b) if so, the details of the said package and steps being taken for its (d) if so, how much amount IDPL had implementation? †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 82

Overdose of Paracetamol Liabilities for overcharging 374. SHRIMATI BIMBA RAIKAR: 377. SHRIMATI KAMLA Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND MANHAR: Will the Minister of FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be (a) whether Government have taken pleased to state: note of the findings of the Federal Drug (a) whether according to the recent Agency of US on the incidence of liver judgement of the Supreme Court, the Drug toxicity associated with overdose of Manufacturers have been asked to pay 50 Paracetamol, officially classified as per cent of their total liabilities for over- prescription drug in India but is being sold charging the bulk drug prices vis-a-vis over the counters; notified price of the Government of India; (b) whether FDA of US has made it (b) if so, the names of the drug mandatory for the drug companies to manufacturers/firms and their liabilities display warning notice on label for involved on the basis of Supreme Court Paracetamol; and judgement; (c) whether India is considering to follow suit by introducing Mandatory (c) the names of parties who have Warning Label for Paracetamol? deposited their liabilities and the names of the defaulters as on 30th November, 2003; and Fertilizer capacity in the country (d) the action Government have taken 375. SHRI NILOTPAL BASU: Will the or propose to take against those companies Minister of CHEMICALS AND who have not deposited their liabilities FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: despite Supreme Court judgement? (a) the fertilizer capacity in the country- feedstockwise (gasbased/napthabased); Annual saving by decrease in cost (b) the fertilizer requirement of the of production country; (c) whether the demand was depressed †378. SHRI LAJPAT RAI: Will the during the last three years due to bad Minister of CHEMICALS AND monsoon; and FERTILIZERS be pleased to state: (d) if so, the amount of fertilizer that (a) whether it is a fact that cost of would have to be imported? production of Urea Producing Units will come down by using gas in place of Naptha Progress in Assam Gas Cracker as fuel; Project (b) if so, to what extent the cost of production is estimated to be decreased; *376. DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA: and Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state issues (c) extent to which the annual savings yet to be resolved and target set to are assessed to be accrued following the complete all clearances towards decrease in cost of production assuming implementation of Assam Gas Cracker the existing production capacity as basis Project showing progress made till date? thereof?

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 83

Animal disease disposal of hazards waste generated by the capital? 379. DR. ALLADI P. RAJKUMAR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: Environmental clearance for (a) whether the cases of dreaded animal Hydro Electric Power Projects disease foot and mouth have been reported 382. SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN: from periphery of reserve forest of Corbett Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT National Park; AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (b) if so, the number of cases reported, (a) whether Hydro Electric Power so far; Projects submitted by the competent (c) the effective steps taken to avert authority of Kerala State for environmental spreading of disease; and clearance are under consideration; (d) the details in this regard? (b) if so, the details and the status of such projects as on today;

Climate Technology Bazaar and (c) whether the competent authority has Conferences taken any decision on environmental clearance of Pooyamkutty project; 380. SHRI NANA DESHMUKH: Will (d) if so, the details thereof; the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (e) whether the Tropical Botanical Garden Research Institute (TBGRI) has (a) whether Climate Technology Bazaar submitted the Environmental impact and Conferences under the Ministry were assessment report of the Pooyamkutty recently held in the capital; project; and (b) if so, what decisions were taken to (f) whether environmental clearance will control pollution and adverse impacts of be granted based on the above report; if climate change; and not, the reasons therefor? (c) the steps being taken to get them implemented? Action against poachers from Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand Disposal of hazards waste in the capital 383. SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO: Will the Minister of 381. SHRI RUMANDLA RAAMA- ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be CHANDRAYYA: Will the Minister of pleased to state: ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that poachers from Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand (a) whether it is a fact that the capital were straying into Indian Ocean at generates one lakh tonnes of hazards waste Andaman and Nicobar Islands and taking per annum; away crocodiles and other species; and (b) how they are being dumped; and (b) if so, the action taken to check such (c) the permanent solution devised for subversive activities? 84

Setting up of Utkal Alumina Phasing out of use of CFCs Project in Orissa 386. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT 384. SHRI RAMACHANDRA AND FORESTS be pleased to state: KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be (a) whether it is a fact that India is pleased to state: committed to phasing out of use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which release (a) whether it is a fact that the area ozone depleting Greenhouse gases proposed for setting up of the Utkal (GHGs); Alumina Project in Kashipur Block of (b) whether it is also a fact that India Rayagada district in Orissa, has wildlife will receive US $52 million in aid to of the nature of Bears, and other completely phase out the production and mammals; consumption of toxic chemical Carbon (b) if so, the details thereof; Tetrachloride; and (c) if so, the details of funding? (c) whether any expert opinion from the leading wildlife conservation Special courts for environment organisations has been obtained on the likely related cases in M.P. impact of this project on the wildlife, both flora and fauna; and 387. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND (d) if not, the reasons therefor? FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government have any proposal to open special courts in Madhya Proposals under Forests Act 1980 Pradesh for speedy disposal of environment from State Government of related cases; Uttaranchal (b) if so, the details in this regard; and 385. SHRI HARISH RAWAT: Will the (c) if not, the reasons therefor? Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: Air and sound pollution in Delhi due to Metro Rail construction (a) total number of proposals for granting approval under Forests Act, 388. SHRI SK. KHABIR UDDIN 1980 received from the State AHMED: Will the Minister of Government of Uttaranchal during the ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be last two years; pleased to state: (a) the average air and sound pollution (b) whether all the said proposals have in Delhi now and before the construction been granted approval; and work of Delhi Metro Rail started; (c) if not, reasons for not granting (b) whether any notice has been served approval and by when all these schemes to the metro authority to contain the air would be approved? and sound pollution created by them; and

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 85

(c) if not, the reasons therefor? prescribed limits or play music too loudly after fixed timings; and NGOs involvement in bird (c) if so, the details thereof, and how conservation in Orissa many offenders have been challaned during the last three months? 389. SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be Setting up of a National Ecology pleased to state the organisations in the Body non-governmental sector actively involved in bird conservation in the wild/natural 392. SHRI P. PRABHAKAR REDDY: habitats in the State of Orissa during the Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT last 5 years alongwith details? AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government have taken a Recommendations of symposium decision to set up a National Ecological on conservation of Wild Tigers in Body with six regional authorities to assist Orissa the National Body; 390. SHRI RAMACHANDRA (b) if so, the details thereof and the KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of functions and duties proposed to be ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be assigned to them; and pleased to state: (c) by when, these bodies are likely to (a) the major recommendations of the be set up and start functioning? symposium on Conservation of Wild Tigers in Orissa, which was held at Bhubaneswar this year; and Forest cover in Assam (b) which of the recommendations have been accepted and implemented by 393. DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA: Government? Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: Purchase of equipment to measure (a) the total forest cover maintained in noise pollution levels in Delhi Assam during each of last 10 years; 391. SHRI ABANI ROY: (b) the action taken to prevent future SHRIMATI KAMLA depletion of natural habitat of wild lives; MANHAR: (c) the list of schemes and programmes Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT being implemented through NGOs; and AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (d) the location-wise list of NGOs and (a) whether it is a fact that Government eco clubs in Assam granted assistance for have purchased equipment to measure noise Environment Education and under UNDP- pollution levels in the NCT of Delhi; GEF/CCF small grant programme (b) whether it is also a fact that hi-tech indicating criteria of selection and grants cops have been trained to crack down the released during the last three years to each noise pollution offenders who violates the organization? 86

Violation of Delhi Tree (d) the steps taken for the rehabilitation Preservation Act, 1995 of the people living in the forest areas displaced as result of the developmental 394. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA: Will the projects in the forest areas? Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that Delhi's Full-time Director in IIFM Department of Forests and Wildlife has 396. SHRI MANOJ BHATTA- sanctioned permission for felling or CHARYA: Will the Minister of pruning of 45,219 trees over the past five ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be years and the saplings supposed to be pleased to state: planted in lieu of each tree cut have either died without a trace or are yet to grow (a) whether the Indian Institute of into full fledged greenery; Forest Management is without a full-time Director for a very long time and if so, the (b) if so, who is responsible for reasons therefor; violation of provision of Delhi Tree Preservation Act, 1995, stipulating 10 (b) by when the post is likely to be saplings to be planted in lieu of each tree filled in on a regular basis; and cut or pruned; and (c) whether the full-time Director (c) whether any responsibility has been would be selected from the Indian Forest fixed for this lapse? Service so as to ensure functional and professional efficiency and if not, the reasons therefor? Destruction of forest areas for developmental projects Census of tigers 397. SHRI RAMACHANDRA 395. SHRI MANOJ BHATTA- KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of CHARYA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: pleased to state: (a) the census figures for tigers in the (a) whether it is a fact that large forest wild, in the States of Orissa, Madhya areas had been destroyed during the last Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, twenty years for various developmental , , Tamil Nadu, projects like dams, mining operations and Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal setting up of industries; Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and (b) if so, the details thereof State-wise Nagaland forest, division-wise, since 1970 and project-wise; as per the various censuses conducted (c) whether loss of forest areas as a therein alongwith details of breakup of males, females, cubs, etc., for each of the result of the developmental projects has censuses, for each of the forest divisions been compensated by matching schemes of afforestation and development of of each State; and National Parks/sanctuaries during the same (b) the steps being taken for tiger period and if so, the details thereof; and conservation in the State of Gujarat? 87

Deer and Nurture parks in Andhra (b) if so, the details thereof; and Pradesh (c) the steps being taken by 398. SHRI C. RAMACHADRAIAH: Government to check the smuggling of Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT these animals? AND FORESTS be pleased to state: Proposals for construction works (a) whether it is a fact that a number of received from Government of private parties have shown interest in Uttaranchal establishing deer parks and nurture parks in Andhra Pradesh; †401. SHRI HARISH RAWAT: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND (b) if so, the details of the parks and FORESTS be pleased to state: their locations; (a) the details of proposals of (c) how many of them have been construction works received for approval accorded sanction by the Central Zoo from the State Government of Uttaranchal Authority; and under Forests Act during the last three (d) if not, the reasons therefor? years; (b) whether all these proposals have Environmental clearance for new been approved; and large construction project (c) if not, details of rejected proposals? 399. PROF. M. SANKARALINGAM: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT Improving the forest cover of the AND FORESTS be pleased to state: country (a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry 402. PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ: Will is all set to issue a notification which would the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND require every new large construction project FORESTS be pleased to state: to set environmental clearance; and (a) whether Government are taking any (b) if so, the details thereof? measure to improve the forest cover of the country; and Meeting of National Board of (b) whether the Ministry had taken any Wildlife innovative methods to make forests richer and productive? †400. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT Financial Assistance to U.P. for AND FORESTS be pleased to state: increasing production of Non- (a) whether it is a fact that in the meeting Timber Forest Produce of the newly constituted National Board of Wildlife held in Delhi recently, the 403. SHRI LALIT SURI: Will the concern on the smuggling of wild animals Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND has been expressed and a number of FORESTS be pleased to state: suggestions were given to check the same (a) the quantum of financial assistance as there is a great danger of extinction of provided to the State of Uttar Pradesh for valuable wild animals from the country; increasing production of Non-Timber †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 88

Forest produce including Medicinal Plants (b) if so, the details thereof; during the last three years as also for the (c) the number of units extended current financial year; financial assistance in Andhra Pradesh and (b) the actual amount utilized by the other Southern States during the last four State Government for the purpose during years, year-wise and State-wise; and the last three years; and (d) the results achieved therefrom? (c) whether financial assistance provided had been fully utilized, if not, the reasons therefor? Financial Assistance for promotion of computer education Permission for production of B.T. 406. PROF. M.M. AGARWAL: Will cotton on commercial level in the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE Andhra Pradesh and DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Maharahstra (a) the amount of financial assistance †404. SHRI KAPIL SIBAL: provided to various States for development SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH and promotion of Computer education 'LALAN': during the Ninth Plan; and Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT (b) the amount of financial assistance AND FORESTS be pleased to state: proposed to be allocated for the same during the Tenth Plan, State-wise? (a) whether it is a fact that Government have given permission to Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to produce B.T. Cotton Remarks made at 42nd Foundation on commercial level; Day of NCERT (b) if so, whether it is also a fact that Government have received report about the 407. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA: Will the success of experiments carried out so far Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE regarding the production of B.T. cotton in DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: these states; and (a) whether Government are aware of (c) if so, the names of departments to the remarks made at the 42nd Foundation which the said report belongs to and what Day of the NCERT in the context of four has been mentioned in the report? NCERT text books dealing with Ancient, Medieval and Contemporary India that IHC Assistance to FPIs in Southern experts revelled in identifying examples of States alleged parochialism, prejudice and much more and these experts only ended up 405. DR. DASARI NARAYANA destroying their own standing in academic; RAO: Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased (b) if so, whether these observations, to state: before being made public, were also brought to the notice of concerned experts of IHC; (a) whether Government extends and financial assistance under the Plan Scheme for setting up Food Processing Industrial (c) if so, what were their reaction/ Units; comments relating to these observations? †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 89

National Commission for Children these handicapped children to education; and 408. PROF. M. SANKARALINGAM: Will the Minister of HUMAN (d) if so, the time-frame within which RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be the scheme would be finalised and put into pleased to state: practice? (a) whether there is a proposal to set up National Commission for Children and Professional colleges running medical National Charter for Children; and and engineering courses (b) if so, the details thereof? 411. SHRI MATILAL SARKAR: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE NGOs in the country DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: 409. SHRI Sk. KHABIR UDDIN (a) the number of Government AHMED: Will the Minister of HUMAN professional Colleges running medical and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be engineering courses; pleased to state: (b) the number of private registered (a) the details on the number of Non- colleges running professional courses; Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country under his Ministry, State-wise; (c) what procedure is maintained to and regulate admission processes in the private medical or engineering colleges; and (b) the total financial assistance provided to them during the past three (d) how many new colleges will be set years, State-wise and year-wise? up during the current financial year and how many of them have been set up uptil now in this year (names of the colleges and Comprehensive Education Scheme the States required)? for disabled children 410.MISS MABEL REBELLO: Setting up of new IITs SHRI B.J. PANDA: Will the Minister of HUMAN 412. MISS MABEL REBELLO: Will RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE pleased to State: DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that Government (a) whether it is a fact that Government propose to frame a Comprehensive propose to set up 5 new IITs in the country; Education Scheme for the benefit of millions (b) if so, the location of the IITs and the of disabled children in the country; time frame within which these would be (b) if so, the brief details of the project; set up; and (c) whether it is also a fact that only 1.8 (c) the details of special courses (not per cent of children with disabilities go to available in the existing IITs) that would be the schools and there is no scheme to attract run in these new IITs? 90

Franchises courses by foreign Vidyalayas in August, 2003; universities (b) if so, the salient features thereof and 413. SHRI R.P. GOENKA : Will the the reasons therefor; and Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE (c) whether it has since been kept in DEVELOPMENT be pleased to refer to abeyance; and if so, the reasons therefor? reply to Unstarred Question 640 given in the Rajya Sabha on 25th July, 2003 and state: (a) the details of fresh guidelines laid National Policy of Education down, especially those relating to activities 416. SHRI KARNENDU BHATTA- of the existing franchises offering courses CHARJEE : Will the Minister of HUMAN on behalf of the foreign universities; RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be (b) whether it is a fact that neither the pleased to state: AICTE nor the State universities are aware (a) whether the National Policy of of the number of franchises operating in Education, 1986 recommended that at least the various States; and 500 colleges should be made autonomous (c) if so, steps being taken to create a by the end of the Eighth Plan period; data base and also to monitor their activities? (b) if so, whether the targeted number of colleges have been granted autonomy; and Ban on capitation fee (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, 414. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY the reasons therefor? SIRIGIREDDY: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Grant to Government of Assam (a) whether it is a fact that recently the towards salary of teachers Supreme Court has banned the private professional colleges from charging 417. SHRI DRUPAD BORGOHAIN: capitation fee; DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA: (b) if so, the details of the judgment; Will the Minister of HUMAN (c) whether it is also a fact that the RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be Supreme Court appointed two committees, pleased to state: each headed by a retired High Court Judge, to look into the fee structure and supervise (a) the amount of grant released to the admission procedures; and Government of Assam towards salary of teachers appointed under OBB scheme (d) if so, the details thereof? during the last three years, year-wise;

Education code for Kendriya (b) the utilization status of the above, Vidyalayas year-wise; 415. SHRI GAYA SINGH: Will the (c) the outstanding balance, if any, due Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE to Government of Assam under the scheme; DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: and (a) whether Article 81(e) has been (d) the status as to the continuity of insterted in education code for Kendriya service of OBB teachers under SSA? 91

Children with mental problems in Scholarships and bank loans to schools and colleges students for Higher Education 418. MISS MABEL REBELLO: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE 420. SHRI DWIJENDRA NATH DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: SHARMAH: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (a) the percentage of children with be pleased to state: mental health problems in various schools and colleges in the country; (a) the details of arrangements made by Government to provide scholarships (b) what is the number of identified and bank loans for getting the higher handicapped children in various schools; education from the institutions affiliated (c) whether our human resource with the Ministry during the current personnel in schools are well equipped financial year; to deal with these handicapped children; and (b) the number of students in the State of Assam provided with the scholarships (d) whether Government have any and bank loans for higher education during plans to identify such handicapped the years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003; and children in our schools and provide them specialized atmosphere so that they can (c) the number of SCs and STs students blossom out well and contribute to nation benefited in Assam? building?

Ragging incidents in colleges Global gender parity index

419. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI: 421. SHRIMATI BIMBA RAIKAR : SHRI AMAR SINGH: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be (a) whether India has studied the pleased to state: recently released Education for All global monitoring report on gender parity in (a) whether it is a fact that ragging education; incidents of new students in colleges in the Capital and other adjoining States are taking (b) whether in the global gender-parity place every year despite the fact that ragging index, Bangladesh and Pakistan have fared has been banned by Government; better with India relegated to low rankings alongwith countries like Mozambique, (b) if so, what is the number of incidents Chad and Burkina Faso; and reported during the current year in the Capital; and (c) whether the Dakar declaration has (c) what action Government have taken set the deadline for attaining gender parity against the management of such colleges in education for all countries by 2005 and and also against the students found guilty whether the deadline has been extended by of ragging? another decade? 92

Implementation of education-for- National Open Schools all programme 424. PROF. M. M. AGARWAL: Will 422. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE Will the Minister of HUMAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be (a) the number of National Open School pleased to state: opened in the country during the Ninth (a) whether Central Government has Five Year Plan; written to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, (b) the details thereof State-wise/ Jharkhand and Orissa that they were too School-wise; and slow in implementing largely education- for-all programme funded by Central (c) the number of National Open Government; Schools proposed to be opened in the different parts of the country during the (b) whether a new programme has been years 2002-2003 and 2003-04 indicating prepared for girls’ elementary level the amount allocated for the same? education to be implemented in 21 States; Establishment of Central or (c) the details of private participation Open University in running secondary schools in rural areas; 425. PROF. M. M. AGARWAL: Will the (d) whether Central Government has Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE set up a target for this year to enroll all DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: children between the age of 6 and 14; (a) whether Government have a (e) if so, the details of the scheme; proposal to establish any new Central and University or Open University in the (f) to what extent State Government country during the Tenth Five Year Plan; have been involved in implementing and (b) if so, the details thereof location- completing this project? wise; and (c) the necessary steps taken by Fake educational institutions in Government in this respect? Delhi Right to elementary education as Fundamental Right †423. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE 426. SHRI P. PRABHAKAR REDDY: DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether Government are aware that some fake educational institutions are (a) whether the right to elementary running in Delhi; education has been enshrined as one of the Fundamental Rights under the Indian (b) if so, the total number thereof; and Constitution; (c) the action Government are going to (b) if so, whether Government have take against these fake educational enacted any enabling legislation to make institutions? the right enforceable; †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 93

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, improve quality of science education and the reasons therefor; and promote scientific temper in the country; (d) by when the necessary legislation is (b) if so, the salient features of the likely to be presented for Parliamentary scheme; and approval? (c) what is the present status of the implementation of the scheme in the Parliament for children by UNESCO Southern States, State-wise? †427. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH: SHRI NANA DESHMUKH: Promotion of Bal Sahitya Will the Minister of HUMAN 429. DR. AKHILESH DAS: Will the RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE pleased to state: DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the (a) whether any scheme or strategy has Parliament for children named "Education been evolved by Government to promote for All" has been organised in Delhi recently children literature (Bal Sahitya); and under the literacy drive being launched by (b) whether Government have the UNESCO; introduced any award for promoting Bal (b) if so, the details of the main points Sahitya, if so, the details in this regard? discussed in the said Parliament; (c) whether Government have realized Non-payment of salary of Employees of NGOs and civil society organizations could Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Jangla play a significant role in child education; †430. SHRI ANIL SHARMA: Will the (d) whether it is a fact that the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE programmes launched by NGOs in the field DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: of literacy have been praised; and (a) whether it is a fact that the employees (c) if so, the names of the organisations of the Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, which have done commendable service in Jangla, Himachal Pradesh have not been paid this field and details of the success achieved salary for the last 20 months; by them? (b) if so, the reasons therefor and by when they will be paid their salary; Improvement of Science Education (c) whether Government would in Schools consider to transfer the employees to other 428. DR. DASARI NARAYANA college for the smooth functioning of the RAO: Will the Minister of HUMAN college; RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be (d) whether Government propose to pleased to state: appoint a regular and competent principal (a) whether a Central scheme called the in the college; and Improvement of Science Education in (e) whether Government propose to Schools is under implementation to dissolve the existing Managing Committee

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 94 of the college and to constitute a new one Setting up of University in enegal under the direct control of the Ministry? 433. SHRI RUMANDLA RAAMACHANDRAYYA: Will the Action plan to protect the rights Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE of children DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: 431. PROF. M. SANKARALINGAM: (a) whether the Senegal Government has Will the Minister of HUMAN sought India's help to set up a University RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be there; and; pleased to state: (b) if so, the action taken thereon? (a) has there been an action plan recently to protect the rights of children; Inclusion of magic in syllabus (b) if so, the details thereof; and †434. SHRI MOTILAL VORA: Will (c) how would it help to protect the the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE children's rights? DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that Government are seriously considering to include magic Rank to private engineering and in syllabus; management colleges (b) if so, the justification for the same; and 432. SHRI R. P. GOENKA: SHRI K. RAMA (c) whether such a step of Government MOHANA RAO: will not give rise to superstition among SHRI RAVULA CHANDRA people? SEKAR REDDY: Will the Minister of HUMAN Environment as a subject in school RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be and college curriculum pleased to state: 435.SHRI RUMANDLA RAAMA- (a) whether Government propose to CHANDRAYYA: rank all licenced private engineering and SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA management colleges;; RAO: DR. ALLADI P. RAJKUMAR: (b) if so, the criteria for proposed SHRI RAVULA CHANDRA gradation; SEKAR REDDY: (c) the number of such approved Will the Minister of HUMAN institutions in the country; and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (d) machinery established, if any, to regularly monitor the performance of (a) whether Supreme Court directed these institutions to decide on the the introduction of "environment" as a continuance of their entitlement to a subject in school and college curriculum particular grade and also to suitably some time in 1991; publicise their ranking? (b) if so, the details thereof; 95

(c) whether certain States have not Committee recommended that 70 per cent introduced 'Environment" in curriculum of the Plan funding should be utilised for despite November, 1991 Court judgement; infrastructure development? and (d) the action taken to ensure Mid-Day Meal Scheme implementation of the Court's orders in every educational institution? 438. DR. AKHILESH DAS: Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Allocation of funds to propagate reason and science (a) whether with the introduction of Mid-Day Meal Scheme, in schools in different States, there has been marked 436. SHRI K. CHANDRAN PILLAI: increase in number of school going children; Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (b) if so, the increase and percentage of increase in school enrolments registered in (a) whether the Ministry allocate funds different States; to propagate "reason and science" and wage a war against superstition" and "magic"; (c) whether in certain States cash incentives have been given to poor children (b) if so, the details of the funds for universalisation of primary education; allocated for the purpose annually for the and last three years; and (d) if so, the details in this regard, and (c) the results so far achieved in this the cost involved and the success achieved field during this period alongwith details therein? thereof? Vocational programme at the Indiresan Committee report undergraduate Level

437. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY 439. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA: Will SIRIGIREDDY: Will the Minister of the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that P.V. Indiresan (a) the salient points of the UGC Committee on the changing of the funding proposal to “recast the vocationalisation pattern for the IITs has submitted its report; programme at the undergraduate level under a modified scheme of career orientation (b) if so, what are the major programme” under which colleges and recommendations of the Committee; universities will be allowed to run (c) whether the academicians are also certificate/diploma/advanced diploma representatives and suggesting for changing programmes parallel to conventional the funding pattern to the IITs in the courses; country; (b) whether any model courses have (d) if so, the details thereof; and been structured to be the guiding factor for (e) whether it is also a fact that Indiresan colleges/universities to frame their courses; and 96

(c) if so, the details thereof? (a) whether Government would sanction full rack point in Reeva and Neemuch and half rack point at Niwari; Agro-based vocational training courses at higher secondary level (b) if so, by when the same will be sanctioned; and 440. SHRIMATI BIMBA RAIKAR: (c) specific date for sanctioning the Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE above rack points? DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether Government are planning to introduce agro-based vocational training Supply of sub-standard/ courses at the higher secondary school level; underweight foodstuff to railway passengers (b) whether students can acquire certificates of skill in different agro- 443. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTER- vocations like crop husbandry, animal JEE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be husbandry, horticulture and dairying, pleased to state: regardless of their formal high school (a) whether any surprise checks are education; and conducted on the supply of foodstuffs (c) whether the Ministry has decided supplied to the passengers by private to phase out the existing 6700 vocational catering vendors on railway platforms; schools which have not met the desired (b) whether it is a fact that sub-standard/ standards? underweight foodstuff is supplied to the Anganwari Kendras passengers; (c) whether these activities of the †441. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR: Will vendors are overlooked/done in connivance the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE with the Inspectors; DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (d) whether Government have laid down (a) the number of 'Anganwari Kendras' mandatory provisions for the vendors; and opened under ICDS in the country, State-wise and the number of cases pending with the (e) if so, the details thereof? Ministry for approval in regard to the demands made for opening 'Anganwari Kendras'; System developed by IIT Kanpur (b) the number of development blocks in for Railways Himachal Pradesh that have been included under ICDS, but no posts of programme 444. SHRI R. P. GOENKA: Will the officers have been created as yet; and Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (c) the reasons for not creating the said posts so far? (a) whether it is a fact that recently an instrumentation system has been Sanction for rack points developed, with reported successful field trials, at the IIT, Kanpur, to detect 442. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI: Will in advance, changes that take place in the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to the shape of railway wagons when state:

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 97 sudden brakes are applied to ward off thereof and if so, who was responsible accidents and minimise the number of for the loss? derailments; (b) if so, the details thereof and its present status; and Rail tunnel through Pir Panjal (c) time frame fixed, if any, for large scale use of the new system on the Indian 447. SHRI P. PRABHAKAR REDDY: Railways? Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

Neutral Control Wing of Indian (a) whether the has Railways been able to achieve an engineering breakthrough in the construction of rail 445. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTER- tunnel through Pir Panjal to link Kashmir JEE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be Valley with the rest of the country and bring pleased to state: Srinagar on the rail map of the country; (a) the functioning of Neutral Control Wing of Indian Railways; and (b) if so, the details thereof; and (b) whether the recommendations of (c) by when, the work on the project is Neutral Control Wing has relevance to likely to begin and be completed? Railway safety?

Development of East Coast Railway in Import of components for locos Orissa 446. SHRI MURLI DEORA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to 448. SHRI B.J. PANDA: Will the state: Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether under transfer of (a) whether it is fact that construction technology, a target for manufacture work of East Coast Railway in Orissa is assembly of 50 GM-type high horse-power moving at a snails pace; locos was fixed during the period 1999-2002; (b) whether on account of lack of interest on the part of officials at the Centre, billions (b) if so, the number of locos that were of rupees allocated to the Zone for manufactured during the above period and construction of projects are lying unutilized reasons for not achieving the target; and while no new projects are being (c) whether components for implemented the old ones are yet to be manufacture of these locos were imported completed; and from abroad and if so, the reasons for not (c) if so, reasons therefor and action plan receiving them in time; and of Government to speed up developmental (d) whether stores worth Rs. 95 activity and fill up all the senior posts in the crores remained blocked as a result Zone to make it a get-going?

97 98

Double-stack container trains have been found by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to have a 449. SHRI B.J. PANDA: Will the ready record in the implementation of projects Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: leading to huge cost and time overrun; (a) whether it is a fact that railways plan to run double-stack container trains; (b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and (b) if so, the routes where these trains would be introduced; (c) the steps proposed to be taken to ensure the timely completion of the (c) whether this project would be projects? undertaken with external help, if so, details thereof; and Allocation for rail projects in U.P. (d) what is the percentage of savings in haulage and waiting time under this project? 452. PROF. M.M. AGARWAL: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: Use of old unused tracks (a) the details of rail project proposals 450. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA: received from the Uttar Pradesh during the Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased last three years; to state: (b) the steps taken on each proposal; (a) whether Railways engages in using and unused tracks and narrow gauge tracks which can be brought to use either by using them (c) the details of amount allocated and for gauge conversion projects or if they are spent on these projects during this period? old and rested, they can be sent for polishing for reuse; Amount to be spent in Karnataka on (b) if so, the length of tracks that were improving safety etc. used in such a manner; 453. SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY: (c) if not, whether Government have Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased plans to introduce the use of old unused to state the amount proposed to be spent tracks in this manner which will eventually in Karnataka during 2003-2004 on save the Railways crores of rupees; and improving safety, relaying tracks, (d) if so, by when? developing railway platforms and introducing new signal system? Tardy implementation of projects in Railways Electric train project in

451.SHRI KARNENDU BHATTA- 454. SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY: CHARJEE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased SHRI MANOJ BHATTA- to state: CHARYA: (a) whether Government have consulted Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be the Karnataka Government on the pending pleased to state: Bangalore Electric train project; (a) whether it is a fact that the Railways (b) if not, the reasons therefor; 99

(c) what is the estimated cost of the (a) what are the rail projects in Andhra above project; and Pradesh to be taken up with the Asian (d) what is the present status of the Development Bank loan; proposed project? (b) by when the work of the projects would be taken up; and Platform tickets from machine (c) the target for completion of the projects? 455. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: Contractor’s men in pantry cars (a) whether Government are going to 458. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTER- set up a platform ticket machine "drop coin JEE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be get the platform ticket" at Bilaspur Railway pleased to state: Zone; (a) whether the Ministry treat the (b) if so, by when this machine is likely contractor’s men in Railway 'pantry cars' to be installed; as passengers on duty; and (c) the number of people who would be (b) if so, what is the number of such benefited by this facility; contractor’s and its men in Indian Railways? (d) whether these machines would be Recommendations of Passenger provided to other Railway Stations; and Amenities Committee (e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise? 459. SHRI TARINI KANTA ROY: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased Parallel railway network to state: †456. SHRIMATI SAVITA SHARDA: (a) what are the major recommendations Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased of the last Passenger Amenities Committee; to state: (b) whether Railways have accepted any (a) whether Government are making of the proposals made by the Committee; and efforts to obtain huge amount from World (c) if so, the details thereof? Bank in order to construct a parallel railway network with that of roads; Light weight coaches (b) if so, the details thereof; and 460. SHRI KARNENDU BHATTA- (c) the outcome of the action taken by CHARJEE: Will the Minister of Government in this regard? RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Railways have entered Rail projects in A.P. with ADB into a contract with the foreign company loan for the manufacture of light weight coaches for Rajdhani, Shatabdi and some selected 457. DR. ALLADI P. RAJKUMAR: super-fast trains of the Indian Railways; Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (b) if so, the details thereof; and †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 100

(c) by when the new coaches should be Gauge conversion of Rangia ready for being introduced in the above Murkongehalek mentioned trains? 463. DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased Laying of rail line from Punthamba to to refer to answer to Starred Question 514 Shirdi given in the Rajya Sabha on the 25th April, 2003 and state: 461. SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH: Will (a) whether the Ministry has prioritized the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to the gauge conversion of Rangia- state: Murkongehalek portion of NF Railways in the list of priority projects for Tenth (a) the details of distance covered, in Plan; laying of rail line from Punthamba to Shirdi (b) if so, the status thereof; and in Maharashtra; (c) if not, whether Ministry will send the (b) the details of budget sanctioned for project to Planning Commission for this project and the amount of budget clearance after due prioritization pending any released so far, and details of amount spent positive reply from Defence Ministry on the so far; and subject?

(c) whether under this project by laying Project to improve functioning in rail line from Punthamba to Shirdi, instead Railways of laying rail line from Copergaon to Shirdi, will the devotees could travel from 464. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY: Hyderabad to Shirdi by rail line, without Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased break any where? to state: (a) whether railways have decided to take number of measures to improve the Efficiency after creation of new zones function of railways in view of the large number of accidents occurred during 2003; 462. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTERJEE: Will the Minister of (b) if so, whether Railways have cleared RAILWAYS be pleased to state: an ambitious Rs. 31,000 crore project to reduce possibility of train accidents and (a) what are the improvements in the employ the latest technology to strengthen safety and efficiency of operation of weak rail bridges; railways after creation of the five new zones; (c) to what extent this plan is aiming at totally eliminating collisions which (b) whether there has been any constitute seven per cent of total accidents improvements in the railway earnings after but accounts for thirty eight per cent of total the new zones coming into effect in April fatalities; 2003, and (d) the total amount to be spent on (c) if so, the details thereof? prevention of derailments; and 101

(e) by when these projects are likely to Allocation for construction and be completed? conversion works in Himachal Pradesh

Sky Bus Metro by KRCL †467. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to 465. SHRI R.P. GOENKA: Will the state: Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that former Chief (a) whether it is a fact that recently the Minister and members of Parliament of State-owned Corporation Himachal Pradesh have requested last year as well as this year to extend Kalka-Parvanu Limited has unveiled the "Sky Bus Metro" B.G., Chandigarh-Jagadhari-Paunta Sahib- mode of transportation and given their Dehradun, Baijnath to Bhanupalli via proposals to a number of cities and metros Mandi-Bilaspur B.G., convert the in the country; metergauge lines into B.G. line of Pathankot Jogendra Nagar, Kangra valley and to (b) if so, the details of the proposals allocate more funds as well as expedite offered and the interest shown by different construction work of Bhanupalli-Bilaspur- States, with their present status; and Rampur, Ghanauli-Pinjore via Nalagarh-Baddi (c) results of studies undertaken, if any, and Kumarhatti-Dehradun rail lines; and to evaluate the safety of this technology and (b) if so, whether the budget allocation also the comparative economics of the "Sky has been enhanced and work has been Bus Metro" and the “elevated metro” modes expedited and if not, the reasons therefor? of transportation? Accidents due to cracks in wheels

Railway projects in Maharashtra 468. PROF. M. SANKARALINGAM: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased 466. SHRI MURLI DEORA: Will the to state: Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that eleven recent (a) the number and names of on going accidents have been caused due to cracks in the wheels supplied by Durgapur Steel railway projects in Maharashtra and the Plant; number of projects sanctioned this year; (b) if so, the action taken by the (b) the present position of these projects Railways against the Durgapur Steel Plant; and the likely date of completion; and (c) whether enquiry has been ordered (c) the number of projects held up due by the Railways to find out the causes for to paucity of funds and the steps taken to recent accidents; and provide requisite funds? (d) if so, the details thereof?

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 102

Collision of Rohtak bound passenger Taking pictures at Railway Platform train 471. SHRI SATISH PRADHAN: Will 469. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: state: (a) whether Government are considering to allow to take pictures at a railway (a) whether it is a fact that the collision platform in the country as Civil Aviation of Tilak Bridge-Rohtak passenger train with Ministry is considering to liberalise to take a shunting engine at Shakur Basti yard on photo/pictures at airports; the 23rd August, 2003, was due to staff failure as per the enquiry conducted by the (b) if so, by when it will be Northern Railway Commissioner of Railway implemented; and Safety; (c) if not, the reasons therefor? (b) if so, the nature of staff failures, the circumstances leading to such failures and Contract to foreign companies for why mechanical devices could not warn track maintenance about the impending failure; and 472. SHRI K. CHANDRAN PILLAI: (c) the action taken against the errant Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased staff and to prevent such staff failures in to state: future? (a) whether contracts have been given Berths in Udyan Express to any foreign company for maintaining 470. SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY: railway tracks; Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased (b) if so, details of the sectors for which to state: the contract has been given; and (a) the number of IInd class three tier (c) the reason for awarding the contract berths provided to Gulbarga in Udyan to foreign companies? Express running between Bangalore- Mumbai; Connecting of cities and districts (b) whether Government are aware that by train there is great demand for additional coaches 473. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA: to Gulbarga from Bangalore and at Gulbarga Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased in Mumbai-Bangalore Udyan Express; and to state: (c) whether Government would provide (a) whether Government have plan to more berths to Gulbarga in the Udyan introduce more trains to connect its cities Express? and districts in the near future; and 103

(b) if so, the number of trains that would (c) if so, when and the details thereof? be introduced and by when? Denial of access to US markets by Accidents in Karnataka steel exporters 474. SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY: 476. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased SIRIGIREDDY: Will the Minister of to state: STEEL be pleased to state: (a) number of railway accidents occurred (a) whether it is a fact that, apart from in the country from January 2002 to the Anti-dumping actions, Washington has end of October, 2003; started employing ISO quality standards (b) number of persons died, injured in as yet another device to deny market access these accidents; for iron and steel products from India; (c) how many persons died and injured (b) whether this move does not amount in the Bangalore-Mysore push-pull train to a non-tariff barrier and thereby violating that derailed in October, 2003; the principle of free-trade; (d) what are the causes for the above (c) if so, how Government are thinking accidents; of dealing with the situation; (e) the steps proposed to be taken to (d) whether any negotiations have been avert railway accidents; and made with the US Administration; and (f) is there any proposal to introduce (e) if so, the details thereof? insurance cover to passengers? Export of steel

Complaint against US measures in 477. SHRI P. PRABHAKAR REDDY: WTO Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state: †475.SHRI RAM JETHMALANI: SHRI LAJPAT RAI: (a) whether, of late, China has adopted a rigid posture with regard to export of Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased steel and steel products from India to the to refer to answer to Unstarred Question Chinese market; 3264, given in the Rajya Sabha on the 20th (b) if so, the details thereof and December, 2002 and state: Government's reaction thereto; (a) whether it is a fact that the countries (c) whether a high-level delegation led of the world like Japan, Brazil, South Korea, by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, visited Switzerland etc. have lodged a complaint China recently; and against the USA's decision to increase taxation to restrict the import of steel there; (d) if so, whether the matter was discussed with the Chinese authorities to (b) if so, whether India has also taken the satisfaction of both the countries? any such step; and

†Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 104

National Policy on Steel Districts without sports/indoor stadia 478. SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO: Will the Minister of STEEL be †480. SHRI HARISH RAWAT: Will pleased to refer to answer to unstarred the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND Question 3858, given in the Rajya Sabha SPORTS be pleased to state: on the 25th April, 2003 and state: (a) whether the National Policy on steel (a) the State-wise names of such has been finalised; districts of the country where the facility of sports stadium and indoor stadium has (b) if not, whether a Committee was set not been provided; up to formulate National Policy on steel; (c) whether the recommendations of the (b) whether Government are extending Committee has been obtained; if so, the help to State Governments in construction details thereof; of stadia and indoor stadia in all such districts; and (d) how Government are going to ensure protection to domestic industry from unfair (c) if so, the details of assistance being competition monitoring the capacity and given in this regard to Uttaranchal and by investment, arrangement of finance, land when stadia and indoor stadia would be acquisition etc.; and constructed in all the districts of that (e) what plans are there to reduce the State? cost of steel? International cricket matches in Increasing prices of steel J and K †479.SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH 'LALAN': †481. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI: Will SHRI RAM JETHMALANI: the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state: (a) whether Government are considering (a) whether it is a fact that the prices of to host international cricket matches in steel has been on the increase for the last Jammu and Kashmir; and eighteen months in the country; (b) if so, the places in J. and K. where (b) if so, the details of such increase these matches would be organised after July, 2002 to October, 2003; alongwith full details thereof? (c) the reasons for such increase; (d) whether the same is due to increase Opening of Army Boys Sports in production cost of Steel; and Companies (e) if so, to what extent the production 482. SHRI LALIT SURI: Will the cost of Steel has increased? Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND †Original notice of the question received in Hindi. 105

SPORTS be pleased to state: India has developed a state of the art dope (a) the places where eight Army Boys testing laboratory in New Delhi; Sports Companies are located at present (b) if so, the details thereof; and and the number of boys undergoing training (c) whether it has been granted in each such company; permanent accreditation by the (b) whether there is any proposal to International Olympic Committee? open more such companies in the near future; Special area games for water (c) if so, whether places, where such sports in Hyderabad companies are proposed to be located, have been identified; and 484. DR. DASARI NARAYANA (d) if so, the details in this regard, RAO: Will the Minister of YOUTH indicating the time by when such companies AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to would start functioning? state: Accreditation to Dope testing (a) whether Government propose to laboratory by IOC open a Special Area Games Centre for Water Sports in Hyderabad; 483. SHRI B.J. PANDA: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND (b) if so, the details thereof; and SPORTS be pleased to state: (c) what role the Andhra Pradesh (a) whether the Sports Authority of Government would play in this regard?

NEW DELHI; YOGENDRA NARAIN The 29th November, 2003 Secretary-General. Agrahayana 8, 1925 (Saka) INDEX (Ministry-wise)

Agriculture : 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, Chemicals and Fertilizers : 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, Environment and Forests : 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, Food Processing Industries : 405, Human Resource Development : 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, Ocean Development : — Railways : 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, Science and Technology : — Steel : 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, Youth Affairs and Sports : 480, 481, 482, 483, 484.

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MGIPMRND—3576RS—29.11.2003.