---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 7:16 PM
Subject: Releases.........pt3
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Plan allocation for the schemes relating to SCs and OBCs
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Eleventh Five Year Plan allocation for the Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment, for schemes relating to Scheduled Castes
and Other Backward Classes, are Rs. 10096.21 crore and Rs. 965.0
crore, respectively. The allocation and expenditure incurred during
the last three years and current year for the SC and OBC Schemes, is
as under:-
(Rs. in crore)
Year Scheduled Castes Other Backward Classes
Allocation Expenditure Allocation Expenditure
2006-07 1250.10 1316.30 86.99 100.37
2007-08 1521.50 1716.20 149.50 174.30
2008-09 1815.50 1807.00 202.50 249.24
2009-10 1900.00 1443.00(as on 19.02.10) 205.00 200.47(as on 03.02. 2010)
The above figures do not depict lag in allocation vis-à-vis expenditure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:20 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
168 residential schools for sc students getting Grant-in-Aid
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Under the Scheme of Grant-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations
working for Scheduled Castes, 168 residential schools are getting
Grant-in-Aid. State-wise number is as under:
State Number of Residential Schools
Andhra Pradesh 32
Assam 02
Bihar 06
Jharkhand 01
Karnataka 28
Maharashtra 20
Manipur 01
Orissa 21
Rajasthan 10
Tamil Nadu 03
Uttar Pradesh 32
Uttarakhand 02
West Bengal 08
NCT of Delhi 02
Total 168
The Government considers extending financial assistance for
residential schools for Scheduled Castes, on receipt of proposals duly
recommended by State Governments' Grant-in-Aid Committee, subject to
their conformity to the norms of the concerned Scheme and availability
of funds.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment, Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:21 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Shipping Lok Sabha
PPPAC for Major Ports
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC)
under the Ministry of Finance is the appraisal agency and does not
short-list any private company for development of Infrastructure at
major ports in the country. It was clarified by the Union Minister
of Shipping, Shri G. K. Vasan in written reply to a question in Lok
Sabha today.
PPP Projects that have been appraised and approved by
PPPAC along with names of the Projects and Ports, which are currently
at various stages of award/implementation are as under:
S. No Name of the Project and Port Estimated cost
(Rs. Crore) Capacity
(MTPA)
1. Construction of Deep Draft Iron Ore Berth at Paradip Port. 591 10
2. Construction of Deep Draft Coal Berth at Paradip Port 479 10
3. Setting up of Mechanised Iron Ore Handling Facilities at Berth No-
14 at New Mangalore 277.11 6.62
4. Development of Berth no- 7 for handling bulk cargo at Mormugao 252 7
5. Development of 13th to 16th multipurpose cargo berth (other than
liquid and container cargo berth) at Kandla. 755.5 8
6. Development of Container Terminal at Ennore. 1407 15
7. Conversion of berth no- 8 as Container Terminal at Tuticorin 312.23 6
8. Multi purpose berth at Paradip Port 387.31 5.0
9.
Mechanised Coal handling facilities at General cum Cargo Berth(GCB)
in the Outer Harbour of Visakhapatnam Port 444.10 10.18
10. Development of Container Terminal at New Mangalore Port 275.82 4.24
11. Creation of Mega Container Terminal at Chennai Port 3125 48
12. Development of standalone container handling facility with a quay
length of 330 m North of NSICT Terminal at JNPT 600 9.6
13. 4th Container Terminal at JNPT 6700 57.6
14. Construction of North Cargo Berth No- II at Tuticorin 332.16 5
sp/as/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Environmental proposal of Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has sent number of proposals to
the Ministry of Environment and Forests for resolving the environment
issues Some proposals were found technically deficient and not
meeting the Ministry's guidelines. These have been referred back to
the State for necessary rectification. No specific time frame has
been set for disposal /clearance of such proposals. The details of
these proposals with their amounts, received during the last five
years, and their current status, are given at annexure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Smt. Maya Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
(Rs. In crores)
Year Scheme/
programmes Estt. Cost Status
National River Conservation Plan
2004-05 Rewa at Beehar River 27.75 Sanctioned for Rs. 19.44 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Chitrakoot at Mandakini River 7.91 Sanctioned for Rs. 6.20 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Shahdol at Sone River 25.51 Could not be considered , due to paucity
of funds.
Maheshwar/Mandleswar at Narmada 23.71
Sehore at Parvati/Seewan river 9.63
Ganjbasoda at Betwa river 23.48
Rajgarh at Newaj river 15.90
Mandsaur at Sheona river 17.34
2005-06 Hoshangabad at Narmada river 19.04 Sanctioned for Rs. 12.99
crores on 70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
National Lake Conservation Plan
2004-05 Beni Sagar,Panna 1.36 Neither in State priority of lakes
conveyed vide letter dated 4.11.2004 nor in the list of identified 62
lakes. Status conveyed to the State Government.
2006-07 Rani Talab in Rewa 4.94 Sanctioned for Rs. 3.31 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Sagar Lake in Sagar 24.82 Sanctioned for Rs. 21.33 crores on 70:30
cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Purena Talab, Damoh 0.63 Lake conservation Authority has been
requested to furnish inputs in respect of issues like no action plan
for control of waste water ingress, storm water management, lake water
balance etc. response awaited.
2007-08 Shivpuri Lake 64.94 Sanctioned for Rs. 51.99 crores on 70:30
cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Govindgarh Lake, Rewa 51.30 Vide letter dated 27th Feb, 2008,
revisions are suggested in the DPR with more inputs in r/o lake water
quality, action plan for control of waste water inflow, storm water
management, lake water balance etc. Reply awaited.
Amrit Sagar, Ratlam 14.85 Proposal deficient in respect of details
of sewerage planning for Ratlam town, O & M Plan, justification for
STP treatment technology, lake water balance etc. Clarifications have
been sought from LCA. Reply not received.
Goulaowa Tal, Jabalpur 1.97 Not meeting the NLCP guidelines (water
spread area <10 ha, lake water quality conforming to the DBU
standards, lake water not being used for drinking or for other goods
and services) and is not admissible.
National Wetland Programme
2005-06 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.14 Sanctioned for Rs.0.11 crore.
2006-07 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.45 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.19 crore
2007-08
Skhyasagar Wetland 0.385 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.30 crore
Ratapani Wetland 0.84 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.11 crore
Ghatigaon Wetland 0.81 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.08 crore
2008-09
Skhyasagar Wetland 0.30 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.21 crore
Ratapani Wetland 0.32 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.18 crore
2009-10 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.30 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.11 crore
kp/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Factsheet
Environmental assessment in industrial clusters
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Critically Polluted Industrial clusters / areas (CEPI Scores >70)
State No. of clusters Industrial clusters / areas CEPI
Andhra Pradesh 2 Vishakha patnam
Patancheru-Bollaram 70.82
70.07
Chhatisgarh 1 Korba 83.00
Delhi 1 Nazafgarh drain basin 79.54
Gujarat 6 Ankaleshwar
Vapi
Ahmedabad
Vatva
Bhavnagar
Junagarh 88.50
88.09
75.28
74.77
70.99
70.82
Haryana 2 Faridabad
Panipat 77.07
71.91
Jharkhand 1 Dhanbad 78.63
Karnataka 2 Mangalore
Bhadravati 73.68
72.33
Kerala 1 Cochin 75.08
Madhya Pradesh 1 Indore 71.26
Maharashtra 5 Chandrapur
Dombivalli
Aurangabad
Navi Mumbai
Tarapur 83.88
78.41
77.44
73.77
72.01
Orissa 3 Angul Talchar
Ib valley
Jharsuguda 82.09
74.00
73.34
Punjab 2 Ludhiana
Mandi Gobind Garh 81.66
75.08
Rajasthan 3 Bhiwadi
Jodhpur
Pali 82.91
75.19
73.73
Tamil Nadu 4 Vellore
Cuddalore
Manali
Coimbatore 81.79
77.45
76.32
72.38
Uttar Pradesh 6 Ghaziabad
Singrauli
Noida
Kanpur
Agra
Varanasi-Mirzapur 87.37
81.73
78.90
78.09
76.48
73.79
West Bengal 3 Haldia
Howrah
Asansole 75.43
74.84
70.20
kp/dk/kol/16:23 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Amendment to PWD Act 1995
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The amendment to the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 is under
consideration of the Government. After wider consultations with
various Stakeholders, draft amendments have been formulated. The draft
amendments have been circulated to State Governments, and concerned
Central Ministries and also posted on the website of the Ministry
seeking views/ comments of various stakeholders. After due
consultation, amendments would be finalized and further action taken.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:23 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Evaluation of schemes being implemented by Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment gets independent
evaluation done of schemes and projects implemented by the Ministry
under the following schemes, namely, (i) Central Sector scheme of
supporting projects of All India or interstate nature for Scheduled
Caste Development, and (ii) Scheme of Grant-in-aid for Research and
publications covering the subject areas of social defence, disability
and OBC. During 2009-10, a sum of Rs. 1.6 crore was allocated under
these schemes.
Appropriate corrective measures are taken periodically on the basis of
the outcome of the evaluation studies sponsored by the Ministry under
these schemes. The recommendations of the studies under various
schemes, include regular and timely release of funds/scholarships,
adequate facilities in hostels, need for regular inspection and
monitoring and creation of awareness of schemes etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:24 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Development of Food Processing Sector
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) with the intention to
make concerted efforts for development and growth of food processing
sector has requested the States to set up dedicated departments for
food processing in their respective States. This will facilitate the
States to create enabling environment for strengthening rural
infrastructure, raise level of processing and generate farm level
employment keeping in view their distinct agro climatic scenario of
the respective States.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) complements and supplements domestic
investment. FDI brings in, apart from capital, state-of-art technology
and best managerial practices, thereby providing better access to the
domestic industry to foreign technology and integration into the
global market.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries supports the adoption of
global state-of-the-art technological and managerial practices for the
development of the food processing sector in the country. However, the
adoption of such practices is a matter to be decided by the individual
entrepreneurs for their enterprises.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:24 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Separate Policy for Food Processing Industries
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The formulation of food processing policy is the subject matter of the
State Governments. The Ministry has urged all the State Governments/
Union Territories to frame suitable food processing policies catering
to their specific needs. During the recently held 1st Conference of
State Ministers of Food Processing Industries, the State Governments
had expressed support for having policies for development of food
processing sector.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Food Products and Energy Drinks
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Food items like energy drinks fall in the category of proprietary food
(non-standardised) defined in Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules,
1955 and have to comply with the requirement laid down in the
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955.
Setting standard for new food items, like energy drinks, and review of
existing standards under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955
is an ongoing process as a part of the mandate of the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Trade of intoxicants prepared from food items
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food Processing Industries
informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries does not maintain database on the production of
intoxicants like liquor, beer etc. that are brewed from maize and
barley. As regards sugar, no intoxicant is brewed from sugar. The data
in this regard is not maintained centrally by the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Construction of Border Roads
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Out of 61 roads being constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO),
43 will be completed on scheduled by 2012. Another nine will be
completed by 2013. The remaining nine are likely to be completed by
2018. The reasons for delay are adverse climatic conditions, hard
rocks being encountered during construction, delay in obtaining forest
and wild life clearances, shortage of manpower and inadequate
availability of air effort.
Manpower shortage is reported to be one of the reasons for delay in
construction of border roads. The present strength of BRO is 35,987
against authorized strength of 42,636. However steps have been taken
to be meet the shortage by recruiting manpower. To expedite the
recruitment process, mobile recruitment teams have been constituted at
Rishikesh, Pathankot, Jodhpur and Tezpur besides the GREF Centre,
Pune. For Group 'A' Civil Engineering Cadre officers, a case was also
taken up with UPSC for direct recruitment on interview basis.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:26 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Assistance to Families of Gallantry Award Recipients
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
There are various welfare schemes to ensure financial support to the
recipients of Gallantry Awards at the Central Level out of Raksha
Mantri Discretionary Fund (RMDF). The Gallantry Awardees also get a
monthly monetary allowance from the Central Government attached with
these Awards. In addition, the States have their own welfare schemes
for such personnel, which are provided through the respective Rajya
Sainik Boards / Zila Sainik Boards out of the State Flag Day funds.
Benefits like one-time cash grant, land/cash in lieu of land, annuity
etc. are also extended by the State Governments/ Union Territories.
All Ex-Servicemen pensioners including gallantry award winners and
their families / dependents are covered by Ex-Servicemen Contributory
Health Scheme (ECHS). No complaint regarding neglect of widows of
Paramveer Chakra Awardees has been received.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM
Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri Vilas Muttemwar in Lok Sabha
today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:26 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Purchase of Helicopters
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Contracts have been signed for the procurement of Advanced Light
Helicopter from M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Medium Lift
Helicopters from M/s Rosoboronexport, Russia, and Helicopters for VVIP
transportation from M/s Augusta Westland, UK. In addition, cases for
procurement of additional Medium Lift Helicopters, Attack Helicopters,
Light Utility Helicopters, Heavy Lift Helicopters and Recce and
Surveillance Helicopters from various vendors are being processed. All
these procurements are based on operational requirements framed by the
Indian Air Force. The expenditure on the procurements will be known
only after the commercial proposals are opened.
All capital acquisitions are processed as per the Defence Procurement
Procedure. The Defence Procurement Procedure – 2008 envisages a
timeframe of 20-34 months for finalization of such major capital
procurements.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi in Lok Sabha today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Status of LCA Project
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
A contract for the procurement of 20 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration was signed with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 31, 2006. The total
contract cost is Rs. 2701.70 crore. Delay in LCA production is
primarily due to refinements carried out in the development phase. A
total of Rs. 1712.11 crore has been paid to HAL till December 31, 2009
for the LCA Programme. There was a delay in the development of LCA due
to certain technical complexities and denial of critical technologies.
Rs. 3301.78 crore was sanctioned for the development of LCA, which
includes manufacture of eight numbers of Limited Series Production
aircraft. Additional Rs. 2475.78 crore has been approved by the
Government for LCA Phase-II programme.
A high level review is being conducted by the Chief of Air Staff once
in every quarter and by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff once in every
month. LCA is likely to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by
March 2011.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Sivasami C and others in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Release of Spectrum
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Defence Ministry has received a proposal from the Department of
Telecommunications for the release of Spectrum currently held by the
Defence Forces. An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Defence and
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MoC&IT) on May
22, 2009 for release of spectrum.
In view of the provision in MoU to provide an exclusive Optical Fibre
Cable network, release of spectrum is not expected to impact future
defence communication expansion.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Ananth Kumar in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Violation of Airspace
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
There have been 32 incidents of violation of Indian airspace by
foreign aircraft during last three years, from January, 2007 till
January, 2010. Such violation of airspace is taken up with the
concerned country diplomatic channel as per established procedure.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Construction of all-weather roads on borders
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Upgradation and development of 73 Sino – Indian border roads is under
progress. In addition development of road infrastructure in Northern &
Eastern sector is carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Government has prioritized and is expediting roads and infrastructure
development along borders of Northern and Eastern sector for strategic
requirements as well as speedy development of this area. It is planned
to complete about 18000 kms of road length by 2022.
There are total 93 Forest clearance cases on 61 roads with Border
Roads Organisation (out of 73 roads). Government has obtained Forest
clearance for 48 cases and in addition Ministry of Environment &
Forest (MoEF) has accorded Approval –in-Principle for 21 cases. MoEF
and State Forest Departments are being regularly pursued for
finalization of balance 24 cases. All these roads are targeted for
completion by 2013.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) adheres to all the guidelines of
the Ministry of Environment & Forest, e.g adequate amount is paid for
compensatory afforestation, alternative alignment is taken to avoid
dense forest/wildlife, muck is not dumped in river etc.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri M Raja Mohan Reddy and others in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Procurement of Aircraft for Navy
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Naval aviation is planned for growth in the Maritime Capabilities
Perspective Plan. To facilitate an orderly growth, a master plan for
naval aviation assets has been drawn.
A contract was signed on January 20, 2004 with M/s RAC MiG, Russia for
supply of MiG-29K/KUB aircraft. Some of these aircraft have been
delivered in December 2009. Further, a contract for procurement of
maritime reconnaissance aircraft was signed with M/s Boeing, USA on
1.1.2009.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi and Shri S Semmalai in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Provisions for Dependents of Kargil Martyrs
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had allotted 500 outlets for
Petrol Pump dealerships and LPG agency distributorships to widows and
dependents of Kargil martyrs, out of which 452 were actually allotted
to eligible willing applicants. In addition Rs. 10 lakh each was paid
to the next of kin of the martyrs of Kargil operation as ex-gratia
lump sum compensation. Operation Kargil was specifically notified as
an international war by the Government.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM
Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri GM Siddeshwara in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Safety issues of GM foods
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Some of the State Governments, NGOs and some sections of the
scientific and farming communities have expressed apprehensions on the
safety of Bt brinjal and have called for extreme caution as Bt brinjal
is the first genetically modified food crop to be introduced in the
country.
The Prime Minister in a meeting held on 24.02.2010, agreed that
biotechnology was an important option for higher agricultural
productivity and ensuring food security. At the same time, it must be
ensured that biotechnology had no adverse effects on human and animal
health, and bio-diversity. He further opined that the Genetic
Engineering Approval Committee will address the concerns for resolving
all scientific issues relating to Bt brinjal.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee in consultation with
eminent scientists would draw up fresh protocols for specific tests to
establish the safety of Bt. Brinjal before commercialization of Bt
brinjal is allowed.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. Ramdas Agarwal in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Contamination by GM materials
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has not received any report
regarding Soya being contaminated by GM materials. The development of
GM Soya in the country is at its nascent stage and no field testing
has been carried out so far. The Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee has also not approved the import of GM Soya for food, feed
or processing. Further, both the crops belong to different species and
highly incompatible due to genetic differences and therefore Soya
being contaminated with GM material from GM cotton is not possible.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri M.P. Achuthan and D. Raja in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Replacement of Kyoto Protocol
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
At Copenhagen, no agreement was reached on signing a new treaty for
replacing Kyoto Protocol after 2012. The Parties have decided to reach
an agreed outcome in two tracks i.e. Long Term Cooperative Action and
Kyoto Protocol at the Sixteenth Conference of Parties scheduled in
Mexico in December 2010.
No agreement on goals for global emission cuts in short term or long
term or on a base year for 2020 goals compared with 1990 or 2005 took
place during the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) and the Fifth
Conference of Parties meeting as Parties to Kyoto Protocol (CMP 5) at
Copenhagen. The 'Copenhagen Accord' that resulted from a discussion by
a select group of countries includes reference to long term goal for
global emission cut and quantified economy wide emission targets for
2020 for developed countries. However, the Accord was not adopted and
was only taken 'note' of by Parties.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Dr. Ram Prakesh in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Big rivers in country highly polluted
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The pollution load on rivers has increased over the years due to rapid
urbanisation and industrialization. Water quality monitoring carried
out by reputed institutions such as, IIT, Kanpur, BHEL, Patna
University, etc. indicates that, water quality of the river Ganga
conforms to the prescribed standards in terms of key indicators,
namely, Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at
most of the locations, except in the stretch between Kannauj and
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. However, the levels of fecal coliforms are
reported to be exceeding the maximum permissible limit at a number of
monitoring stations along the river Ganga.
The water quality in the stretch of the river Yamuna from Tajewala to
Palla in Haryana is found to be within the prescribed limits. However,
the stretch of the river in the vicinity of Delhi (downstream of
Wazirabad barrage to upstream of Okhla barrage) and in parts of Uttar
Pradesh does not meet the standards in terms of Bio-chemical Oxygen
Demand. The water quality of Yamuna has not shown the desired
improvement owing to large gap between the demand and availability of
sewage treatment capacity and lack of fresh water in the river.
The Central Government has constituted the National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NGRBA) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 20th
February, 2009 as an empowered planning, financing, monitoring and
coordinating authority for conservation of the Ganga River. States
have been requested to explore the possibilities of setting up Special
Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and other innovative modes for financing and
implementation of schemes for conservation of rivers and operation and
maintenance of assets.
Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the
Central and State Governments. Under National River Conservation Plan
(NRCP), States contribute 30% share of the capital costs. In the first
meeting of the NGRBA held on 5th October, 2009, it was decided to
ensure that by the year 2020 no untreated municipal sewage and
industrial effluents flow into Ganga. Investments required to create
the necessary treatment and sewerage infrastructure over next 10 years
would be suitably shared between Centre and the States.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri Mahendra Mohan in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Sustainable Costal Zone Protection Regulation
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government has initiated steps to implement the recommendations
made by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee in its report "Final
Frontier" dated 16.7.2009 for strengthening of the Coastal Regulation
Zone Notification, 1991. The steps include drafting of a Sustainable
Coastal Zone Protection Notification with an objective to protect the
livelihood of local communities and promoting sustainable development
in the coast.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. K.E. Ismail and M.P. Achuthan in Rajya Sabha
today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Controversy on melting of Himalayan Glaciers
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC in its Report of Working Group II
on Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability published in 2007 has provided
information that glaciers in Himalaya are receding faster than in any
other part of the world. If the present rate continues, the likelihood
of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high
if the earth keeps warming. In this context, IPCC has stated that
clear and well established standards of evidence required by the IPCC
procedures, were not applied properly in drafting the paragraph on the
subject in question.
Government encourages discussions based on scientific findings on such
issues. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has published a
discussion paper titled "Himalayan Glaciers: A state –of-Art Review of
Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change, which notes that
glaciers have retreated throughout history as part of a natural cyclic
phenomenon.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. Shantaram Laxman Naik in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Welfare Schemes for Beedi Workers
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The concept of Labour Welfare Fund was evolved in order to extend
measures of social assistance to the workers in the unorganized
sector. The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 has been enacted by
the Parliament to set up welfare schemes to be administered by the
Ministry of Labour & Employment to provide, health care, education,
housing and recreational facilities to the workers engaged in beedi
industry.
Basic Health Care is extended to these workers through 7 hospitals and
204 dispensaries all over the country. One new hospital is coming up
at Jhalda in West Bengal.
Reimbursement of medical expenditure for treatment of serious diseases –
Heart ailment
- upto Rs. 1.30 lakh
Kidney transplantation
- upto Rs. 2 lakh
Treatment of cancer
- actual expenditure
Minor operations like Hernia, Prostate, Appendictomy, Gyneac operation
etc.
- upto Rs.30,000
Other facilities -
Maternity benefit for Women workers
- Rs.1000
Marriage of two daughters of Widow/Widower workers -
Rs.5000 each
Financial assistance for funeral expenses
- Rs.1500
Purchase of spectacles
- Rs.300
Family welfare operation
- Rs.500
The Beedi workers and the Cine Workers are covered under the Group
Insurance Scheme, wherein Rs.10, 000 for natural death and Rs.25, 000
on accidental death is paid by L.I.C.
Education
Scholarships to wards of workers studying in Class I to Professional
Courses per child per annum - from Rs.250 to Rs.8000
Housing Scheme
A "Revised Integrated Housing Scheme 2007" effective from 1st April,
2007 that provides uniform central subsidy of Rs.40, 000/- is being
implemented through Welfare Commissioners of LWO. Worker's
contribution of Rs.5, 000/- is charged after administrative approval
and not at the time of submitting the application, as was the
provision earlier.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:32 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Amendment in Child Labour Act, 1986
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
A Working Group was set up to suggest amendments, if any, in the Child
Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986. It was headed by Shri
S.K. Srivastava, the then Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour &
Employment. The Working Group has submitted its report and the major
recommendations are as under:
i) The existing definition of child as a person who has not completed
14 years of age may continue.
ii) Setting up of special courts to trial child labour cases.
iii) To include education of child labour in addition to health and
safety already provided under the Act.
iv) Specific provisions for offence of trafficking of children for labour.
v) Compounding of offences and enhancement of penalties.
vi) Provision of power to search and seizer under the Act.
vii) Retention of proviso to Section 3 of the Act allowing children to
work under the parental care.
International Labour Organization ILO Convention 182 concerning Worst
Forms of Child Labour and ILO convention 138 fixing Minimum Age of
Employment as 18 years have not been ratified as these would be
possible only after the legislative framework and mechanism for their
effective implementation are in place. Further, due to the existing
socio-economic conditions in the country, compelling conditions force
these children to seek employment to supplement their family income
and under these circumstances increasing the minimum age of employment
from 14 to 18 years may further push these poor families into poverty.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:32 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Social Security to Unemployed Persons
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government is committed to providing social security to the
workers in the unorganized sector, many of whom are under-employed.
The Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 has since been
enacted. The Act provides for constitution of National Social Security
Board which shall recommend social security schemes viz. life and
disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection
and any other benefit as may be determined by the Government for
unorganized workers.
For providing smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs.
30000/- to such workers, the 'Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana' was
launched on 1st October, 2007. The scheme became operational from
01.04.2008. All BPL families would be covered under the scheme whether
employed or unemployed.
To provide death and disability cover to rural landless households
between the age group of the 18 to 59 years, the Government launched
the "Aam Admi Bima Yojana'. As on 31.12.2009, 1.01 crore lives have
been covered under the scheme.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides for old age
pension to all citizens above the age of 65 years and living below the
poverty line.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:33 hrs.
From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 at 7:16 PM
Subject: Releases.........pt3
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Plan allocation for the schemes relating to SCs and OBCs
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Eleventh Five Year Plan allocation for the Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment, for schemes relating to Scheduled Castes
and Other Backward Classes, are Rs. 10096.21 crore and Rs. 965.0
crore, respectively. The allocation and expenditure incurred during
the last three years and current year for the SC and OBC Schemes, is
as under:-
(Rs. in crore)
Year Scheduled Castes Other Backward Classes
Allocation Expenditure Allocation Expenditure
2006-07 1250.10 1316.30 86.99 100.37
2007-08 1521.50 1716.20 149.50 174.30
2008-09 1815.50 1807.00 202.50 249.24
2009-10 1900.00 1443.00(as on 19.02.10) 205.00 200.47(as on 03.02. 2010)
The above figures do not depict lag in allocation vis-à-vis expenditure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:20 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
168 residential schools for sc students getting Grant-in-Aid
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Under the Scheme of Grant-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations
working for Scheduled Castes, 168 residential schools are getting
Grant-in-Aid. State-wise number is as under:
State Number of Residential Schools
Andhra Pradesh 32
Assam 02
Bihar 06
Jharkhand 01
Karnataka 28
Maharashtra 20
Manipur 01
Orissa 21
Rajasthan 10
Tamil Nadu 03
Uttar Pradesh 32
Uttarakhand 02
West Bengal 08
NCT of Delhi 02
Total 168
The Government considers extending financial assistance for
residential schools for Scheduled Castes, on receipt of proposals duly
recommended by State Governments' Grant-in-Aid Committee, subject to
their conformity to the norms of the concerned Scheme and availability
of funds.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment, Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:21 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Shipping Lok Sabha
PPPAC for Major Ports
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC)
under the Ministry of Finance is the appraisal agency and does not
short-list any private company for development of Infrastructure at
major ports in the country. It was clarified by the Union Minister
of Shipping, Shri G. K. Vasan in written reply to a question in Lok
Sabha today.
PPP Projects that have been appraised and approved by
PPPAC along with names of the Projects and Ports, which are currently
at various stages of award/implementation are as under:
S. No Name of the Project and Port Estimated cost
(Rs. Crore) Capacity
(MTPA)
1. Construction of Deep Draft Iron Ore Berth at Paradip Port. 591 10
2. Construction of Deep Draft Coal Berth at Paradip Port 479 10
3. Setting up of Mechanised Iron Ore Handling Facilities at Berth No-
14 at New Mangalore 277.11 6.62
4. Development of Berth no- 7 for handling bulk cargo at Mormugao 252 7
5. Development of 13th to 16th multipurpose cargo berth (other than
liquid and container cargo berth) at Kandla. 755.5 8
6. Development of Container Terminal at Ennore. 1407 15
7. Conversion of berth no- 8 as Container Terminal at Tuticorin 312.23 6
8. Multi purpose berth at Paradip Port 387.31 5.0
9.
Mechanised Coal handling facilities at General cum Cargo Berth(GCB)
in the Outer Harbour of Visakhapatnam Port 444.10 10.18
10. Development of Container Terminal at New Mangalore Port 275.82 4.24
11. Creation of Mega Container Terminal at Chennai Port 3125 48
12. Development of standalone container handling facility with a quay
length of 330 m North of NSICT Terminal at JNPT 600 9.6
13. 4th Container Terminal at JNPT 6700 57.6
14. Construction of North Cargo Berth No- II at Tuticorin 332.16 5
sp/as/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Environmental proposal of Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has sent number of proposals to
the Ministry of Environment and Forests for resolving the environment
issues Some proposals were found technically deficient and not
meeting the Ministry's guidelines. These have been referred back to
the State for necessary rectification. No specific time frame has
been set for disposal /clearance of such proposals. The details of
these proposals with their amounts, received during the last five
years, and their current status, are given at annexure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Smt. Maya Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
(Rs. In crores)
Year Scheme/
programmes Estt. Cost Status
National River Conservation Plan
2004-05 Rewa at Beehar River 27.75 Sanctioned for Rs. 19.44 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Chitrakoot at Mandakini River 7.91 Sanctioned for Rs. 6.20 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Shahdol at Sone River 25.51 Could not be considered , due to paucity
of funds.
Maheshwar/Mandleswar at Narmada 23.71
Sehore at Parvati/Seewan river 9.63
Ganjbasoda at Betwa river 23.48
Rajgarh at Newaj river 15.90
Mandsaur at Sheona river 17.34
2005-06 Hoshangabad at Narmada river 19.04 Sanctioned for Rs. 12.99
crores on 70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
National Lake Conservation Plan
2004-05 Beni Sagar,Panna 1.36 Neither in State priority of lakes
conveyed vide letter dated 4.11.2004 nor in the list of identified 62
lakes. Status conveyed to the State Government.
2006-07 Rani Talab in Rewa 4.94 Sanctioned for Rs. 3.31 crores on
70:30 cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Sagar Lake in Sagar 24.82 Sanctioned for Rs. 21.33 crores on 70:30
cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Purena Talab, Damoh 0.63 Lake conservation Authority has been
requested to furnish inputs in respect of issues like no action plan
for control of waste water ingress, storm water management, lake water
balance etc. response awaited.
2007-08 Shivpuri Lake 64.94 Sanctioned for Rs. 51.99 crores on 70:30
cost sharing basis between GOI and Govt. of M.P.
Govindgarh Lake, Rewa 51.30 Vide letter dated 27th Feb, 2008,
revisions are suggested in the DPR with more inputs in r/o lake water
quality, action plan for control of waste water inflow, storm water
management, lake water balance etc. Reply awaited.
Amrit Sagar, Ratlam 14.85 Proposal deficient in respect of details
of sewerage planning for Ratlam town, O & M Plan, justification for
STP treatment technology, lake water balance etc. Clarifications have
been sought from LCA. Reply not received.
Goulaowa Tal, Jabalpur 1.97 Not meeting the NLCP guidelines (water
spread area <10 ha, lake water quality conforming to the DBU
standards, lake water not being used for drinking or for other goods
and services) and is not admissible.
National Wetland Programme
2005-06 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.14 Sanctioned for Rs.0.11 crore.
2006-07 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.45 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.19 crore
2007-08
Skhyasagar Wetland 0.385 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.30 crore
Ratapani Wetland 0.84 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.11 crore
Ghatigaon Wetland 0.81 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.08 crore
2008-09
Skhyasagar Wetland 0.30 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.21 crore
Ratapani Wetland 0.32 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.18 crore
2009-10 Skhyasagar Wetland 0.30 Sanctioned for Rs. 0.11 crore
kp/dk/kol/16:22 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Factsheet
Environmental assessment in industrial clusters
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Critically Polluted Industrial clusters / areas (CEPI Scores >70)
State No. of clusters Industrial clusters / areas CEPI
Andhra Pradesh 2 Vishakha patnam
Patancheru-Bollaram 70.82
70.07
Chhatisgarh 1 Korba 83.00
Delhi 1 Nazafgarh drain basin 79.54
Gujarat 6 Ankaleshwar
Vapi
Ahmedabad
Vatva
Bhavnagar
Junagarh 88.50
88.09
75.28
74.77
70.99
70.82
Haryana 2 Faridabad
Panipat 77.07
71.91
Jharkhand 1 Dhanbad 78.63
Karnataka 2 Mangalore
Bhadravati 73.68
72.33
Kerala 1 Cochin 75.08
Madhya Pradesh 1 Indore 71.26
Maharashtra 5 Chandrapur
Dombivalli
Aurangabad
Navi Mumbai
Tarapur 83.88
78.41
77.44
73.77
72.01
Orissa 3 Angul Talchar
Ib valley
Jharsuguda 82.09
74.00
73.34
Punjab 2 Ludhiana
Mandi Gobind Garh 81.66
75.08
Rajasthan 3 Bhiwadi
Jodhpur
Pali 82.91
75.19
73.73
Tamil Nadu 4 Vellore
Cuddalore
Manali
Coimbatore 81.79
77.45
76.32
72.38
Uttar Pradesh 6 Ghaziabad
Singrauli
Noida
Kanpur
Agra
Varanasi-Mirzapur 87.37
81.73
78.90
78.09
76.48
73.79
West Bengal 3 Haldia
Howrah
Asansole 75.43
74.84
70.20
kp/dk/kol/16:23 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Amendment to PWD Act 1995
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The amendment to the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 is under
consideration of the Government. After wider consultations with
various Stakeholders, draft amendments have been formulated. The draft
amendments have been circulated to State Governments, and concerned
Central Ministries and also posted on the website of the Ministry
seeking views/ comments of various stakeholders. After due
consultation, amendments would be finalized and further action taken.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:23 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment LOK SABHA
Evaluation of schemes being implemented by Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment gets independent
evaluation done of schemes and projects implemented by the Ministry
under the following schemes, namely, (i) Central Sector scheme of
supporting projects of All India or interstate nature for Scheduled
Caste Development, and (ii) Scheme of Grant-in-aid for Research and
publications covering the subject areas of social defence, disability
and OBC. During 2009-10, a sum of Rs. 1.6 crore was allocated under
these schemes.
Appropriate corrective measures are taken periodically on the basis of
the outcome of the evaluation studies sponsored by the Ministry under
these schemes. The recommendations of the studies under various
schemes, include regular and timely release of funds/scholarships,
adequate facilities in hostels, need for regular inspection and
monitoring and creation of awareness of schemes etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice
& Empowerment Shri. D. Napoleon, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha
today.
vba/rs/dk/kol/16:24 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Development of Food Processing Sector
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) with the intention to
make concerted efforts for development and growth of food processing
sector has requested the States to set up dedicated departments for
food processing in their respective States. This will facilitate the
States to create enabling environment for strengthening rural
infrastructure, raise level of processing and generate farm level
employment keeping in view their distinct agro climatic scenario of
the respective States.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) complements and supplements domestic
investment. FDI brings in, apart from capital, state-of-art technology
and best managerial practices, thereby providing better access to the
domestic industry to foreign technology and integration into the
global market.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries supports the adoption of
global state-of-the-art technological and managerial practices for the
development of the food processing sector in the country. However, the
adoption of such practices is a matter to be decided by the individual
entrepreneurs for their enterprises.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:24 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Separate Policy for Food Processing Industries
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The formulation of food processing policy is the subject matter of the
State Governments. The Ministry has urged all the State Governments/
Union Territories to frame suitable food processing policies catering
to their specific needs. During the recently held 1st Conference of
State Ministers of Food Processing Industries, the State Governments
had expressed support for having policies for development of food
processing sector.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Food Products and Energy Drinks
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Food items like energy drinks fall in the category of proprietary food
(non-standardised) defined in Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules,
1955 and have to comply with the requirement laid down in the
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955.
Setting standard for new food items, like energy drinks, and review of
existing standards under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955
is an ongoing process as a part of the mandate of the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India.
This information was given by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food
Processing Industries in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Food Processing Industries Rajya Sabha
Trade of intoxicants prepared from food items
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food Processing Industries
informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries does not maintain database on the production of
intoxicants like liquor, beer etc. that are brewed from maize and
barley. As regards sugar, no intoxicant is brewed from sugar. The data
in this regard is not maintained centrally by the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/16:25 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Construction of Border Roads
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Out of 61 roads being constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO),
43 will be completed on scheduled by 2012. Another nine will be
completed by 2013. The remaining nine are likely to be completed by
2018. The reasons for delay are adverse climatic conditions, hard
rocks being encountered during construction, delay in obtaining forest
and wild life clearances, shortage of manpower and inadequate
availability of air effort.
Manpower shortage is reported to be one of the reasons for delay in
construction of border roads. The present strength of BRO is 35,987
against authorized strength of 42,636. However steps have been taken
to be meet the shortage by recruiting manpower. To expedite the
recruitment process, mobile recruitment teams have been constituted at
Rishikesh, Pathankot, Jodhpur and Tezpur besides the GREF Centre,
Pune. For Group 'A' Civil Engineering Cadre officers, a case was also
taken up with UPSC for direct recruitment on interview basis.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:26 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Assistance to Families of Gallantry Award Recipients
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
There are various welfare schemes to ensure financial support to the
recipients of Gallantry Awards at the Central Level out of Raksha
Mantri Discretionary Fund (RMDF). The Gallantry Awardees also get a
monthly monetary allowance from the Central Government attached with
these Awards. In addition, the States have their own welfare schemes
for such personnel, which are provided through the respective Rajya
Sainik Boards / Zila Sainik Boards out of the State Flag Day funds.
Benefits like one-time cash grant, land/cash in lieu of land, annuity
etc. are also extended by the State Governments/ Union Territories.
All Ex-Servicemen pensioners including gallantry award winners and
their families / dependents are covered by Ex-Servicemen Contributory
Health Scheme (ECHS). No complaint regarding neglect of widows of
Paramveer Chakra Awardees has been received.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM
Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri Vilas Muttemwar in Lok Sabha
today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:26 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Purchase of Helicopters
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Contracts have been signed for the procurement of Advanced Light
Helicopter from M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Medium Lift
Helicopters from M/s Rosoboronexport, Russia, and Helicopters for VVIP
transportation from M/s Augusta Westland, UK. In addition, cases for
procurement of additional Medium Lift Helicopters, Attack Helicopters,
Light Utility Helicopters, Heavy Lift Helicopters and Recce and
Surveillance Helicopters from various vendors are being processed. All
these procurements are based on operational requirements framed by the
Indian Air Force. The expenditure on the procurements will be known
only after the commercial proposals are opened.
All capital acquisitions are processed as per the Defence Procurement
Procedure. The Defence Procurement Procedure – 2008 envisages a
timeframe of 20-34 months for finalization of such major capital
procurements.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi in Lok Sabha today.
samir/raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Status of LCA Project
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
A contract for the procurement of 20 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration was signed with
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 31, 2006. The total
contract cost is Rs. 2701.70 crore. Delay in LCA production is
primarily due to refinements carried out in the development phase. A
total of Rs. 1712.11 crore has been paid to HAL till December 31, 2009
for the LCA Programme. There was a delay in the development of LCA due
to certain technical complexities and denial of critical technologies.
Rs. 3301.78 crore was sanctioned for the development of LCA, which
includes manufacture of eight numbers of Limited Series Production
aircraft. Additional Rs. 2475.78 crore has been approved by the
Government for LCA Phase-II programme.
A high level review is being conducted by the Chief of Air Staff once
in every quarter and by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff once in every
month. LCA is likely to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by
March 2011.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Sivasami C and others in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Release of Spectrum
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Defence Ministry has received a proposal from the Department of
Telecommunications for the release of Spectrum currently held by the
Defence Forces. An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Defence and
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MoC&IT) on May
22, 2009 for release of spectrum.
In view of the provision in MoU to provide an exclusive Optical Fibre
Cable network, release of spectrum is not expected to impact future
defence communication expansion.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Ananth Kumar in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:27 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Violation of Airspace
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
There have been 32 incidents of violation of Indian airspace by
foreign aircraft during last three years, from January, 2007 till
January, 2010. Such violation of airspace is taken up with the
concerned country diplomatic channel as per established procedure.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri SS Ramasubbu in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Construction of all-weather roads on borders
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Upgradation and development of 73 Sino – Indian border roads is under
progress. In addition development of road infrastructure in Northern &
Eastern sector is carried out in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Government has prioritized and is expediting roads and infrastructure
development along borders of Northern and Eastern sector for strategic
requirements as well as speedy development of this area. It is planned
to complete about 18000 kms of road length by 2022.
There are total 93 Forest clearance cases on 61 roads with Border
Roads Organisation (out of 73 roads). Government has obtained Forest
clearance for 48 cases and in addition Ministry of Environment &
Forest (MoEF) has accorded Approval –in-Principle for 21 cases. MoEF
and State Forest Departments are being regularly pursued for
finalization of balance 24 cases. All these roads are targeted for
completion by 2013.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) adheres to all the guidelines of
the Ministry of Environment & Forest, e.g adequate amount is paid for
compensatory afforestation, alternative alignment is taken to avoid
dense forest/wildlife, muck is not dumped in river etc.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri M Raja Mohan Reddy and others in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:28 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Procurement of Aircraft for Navy
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Naval aviation is planned for growth in the Maritime Capabilities
Perspective Plan. To facilitate an orderly growth, a master plan for
naval aviation assets has been drawn.
A contract was signed on January 20, 2004 with M/s RAC MiG, Russia for
supply of MiG-29K/KUB aircraft. Some of these aircraft have been
delivered in December 2009. Further, a contract for procurement of
maritime reconnaissance aircraft was signed with M/s Boeing, USA on
1.1.2009.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a
written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi and Shri S Semmalai in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Defence /LOK SABHA/
Provisions for Dependents of Kargil Martyrs
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had allotted 500 outlets for
Petrol Pump dealerships and LPG agency distributorships to widows and
dependents of Kargil martyrs, out of which 452 were actually allotted
to eligible willing applicants. In addition Rs. 10 lakh each was paid
to the next of kin of the martyrs of Kargil operation as ex-gratia
lump sum compensation. Operation Kargil was specifically notified as
an international war by the Government.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM
Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri GM Siddeshwara in Lok Sabha
today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:29 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Safety issues of GM foods
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
Some of the State Governments, NGOs and some sections of the
scientific and farming communities have expressed apprehensions on the
safety of Bt brinjal and have called for extreme caution as Bt brinjal
is the first genetically modified food crop to be introduced in the
country.
The Prime Minister in a meeting held on 24.02.2010, agreed that
biotechnology was an important option for higher agricultural
productivity and ensuring food security. At the same time, it must be
ensured that biotechnology had no adverse effects on human and animal
health, and bio-diversity. He further opined that the Genetic
Engineering Approval Committee will address the concerns for resolving
all scientific issues relating to Bt brinjal.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee in consultation with
eminent scientists would draw up fresh protocols for specific tests to
establish the safety of Bt. Brinjal before commercialization of Bt
brinjal is allowed.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. Ramdas Agarwal in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Contamination by GM materials
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has not received any report
regarding Soya being contaminated by GM materials. The development of
GM Soya in the country is at its nascent stage and no field testing
has been carried out so far. The Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee has also not approved the import of GM Soya for food, feed
or processing. Further, both the crops belong to different species and
highly incompatible due to genetic differences and therefore Soya
being contaminated with GM material from GM cotton is not possible.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri M.P. Achuthan and D. Raja in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Replacement of Kyoto Protocol
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
At Copenhagen, no agreement was reached on signing a new treaty for
replacing Kyoto Protocol after 2012. The Parties have decided to reach
an agreed outcome in two tracks i.e. Long Term Cooperative Action and
Kyoto Protocol at the Sixteenth Conference of Parties scheduled in
Mexico in December 2010.
No agreement on goals for global emission cuts in short term or long
term or on a base year for 2020 goals compared with 1990 or 2005 took
place during the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) and the Fifth
Conference of Parties meeting as Parties to Kyoto Protocol (CMP 5) at
Copenhagen. The 'Copenhagen Accord' that resulted from a discussion by
a select group of countries includes reference to long term goal for
global emission cut and quantified economy wide emission targets for
2020 for developed countries. However, the Accord was not adopted and
was only taken 'note' of by Parties.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Dr. Ram Prakesh in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:30 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Big rivers in country highly polluted
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The pollution load on rivers has increased over the years due to rapid
urbanisation and industrialization. Water quality monitoring carried
out by reputed institutions such as, IIT, Kanpur, BHEL, Patna
University, etc. indicates that, water quality of the river Ganga
conforms to the prescribed standards in terms of key indicators,
namely, Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at
most of the locations, except in the stretch between Kannauj and
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. However, the levels of fecal coliforms are
reported to be exceeding the maximum permissible limit at a number of
monitoring stations along the river Ganga.
The water quality in the stretch of the river Yamuna from Tajewala to
Palla in Haryana is found to be within the prescribed limits. However,
the stretch of the river in the vicinity of Delhi (downstream of
Wazirabad barrage to upstream of Okhla barrage) and in parts of Uttar
Pradesh does not meet the standards in terms of Bio-chemical Oxygen
Demand. The water quality of Yamuna has not shown the desired
improvement owing to large gap between the demand and availability of
sewage treatment capacity and lack of fresh water in the river.
The Central Government has constituted the National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NGRBA) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 20th
February, 2009 as an empowered planning, financing, monitoring and
coordinating authority for conservation of the Ganga River. States
have been requested to explore the possibilities of setting up Special
Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and other innovative modes for financing and
implementation of schemes for conservation of rivers and operation and
maintenance of assets.
Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the
Central and State Governments. Under National River Conservation Plan
(NRCP), States contribute 30% share of the capital costs. In the first
meeting of the NGRBA held on 5th October, 2009, it was decided to
ensure that by the year 2020 no untreated municipal sewage and
industrial effluents flow into Ganga. Investments required to create
the necessary treatment and sewerage infrastructure over next 10 years
would be suitably shared between Centre and the States.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri Mahendra Mohan in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Rajya Sabha
Sustainable Costal Zone Protection Regulation
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government has initiated steps to implement the recommendations
made by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee in its report "Final
Frontier" dated 16.7.2009 for strengthening of the Coastal Regulation
Zone Notification, 1991. The steps include drafting of a Sustainable
Coastal Zone Protection Notification with an objective to protect the
livelihood of local communities and promoting sustainable development
in the coast.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. K.E. Ismail and M.P. Achuthan in Rajya Sabha
today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Environment and Forests Lok Sabha
Controversy on melting of Himalayan Glaciers
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC in its Report of Working Group II
on Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability published in 2007 has provided
information that glaciers in Himalaya are receding faster than in any
other part of the world. If the present rate continues, the likelihood
of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high
if the earth keeps warming. In this context, IPCC has stated that
clear and well established standards of evidence required by the IPCC
procedures, were not applied properly in drafting the paragraph on the
subject in question.
Government encourages discussions based on scientific findings on such
issues. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has published a
discussion paper titled "Himalayan Glaciers: A state –of-Art Review of
Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change, which notes that
glaciers have retreated throughout history as part of a natural cyclic
phenomenon.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment
and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply
to a question by Shri. Shantaram Laxman Naik in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:31 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Welfare Schemes for Beedi Workers
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The concept of Labour Welfare Fund was evolved in order to extend
measures of social assistance to the workers in the unorganized
sector. The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 has been enacted by
the Parliament to set up welfare schemes to be administered by the
Ministry of Labour & Employment to provide, health care, education,
housing and recreational facilities to the workers engaged in beedi
industry.
Basic Health Care is extended to these workers through 7 hospitals and
204 dispensaries all over the country. One new hospital is coming up
at Jhalda in West Bengal.
Reimbursement of medical expenditure for treatment of serious diseases –
Heart ailment
- upto Rs. 1.30 lakh
Kidney transplantation
- upto Rs. 2 lakh
Treatment of cancer
- actual expenditure
Minor operations like Hernia, Prostate, Appendictomy, Gyneac operation
etc.
- upto Rs.30,000
Other facilities -
Maternity benefit for Women workers
- Rs.1000
Marriage of two daughters of Widow/Widower workers -
Rs.5000 each
Financial assistance for funeral expenses
- Rs.1500
Purchase of spectacles
- Rs.300
Family welfare operation
- Rs.500
The Beedi workers and the Cine Workers are covered under the Group
Insurance Scheme, wherein Rs.10, 000 for natural death and Rs.25, 000
on accidental death is paid by L.I.C.
Education
Scholarships to wards of workers studying in Class I to Professional
Courses per child per annum - from Rs.250 to Rs.8000
Housing Scheme
A "Revised Integrated Housing Scheme 2007" effective from 1st April,
2007 that provides uniform central subsidy of Rs.40, 000/- is being
implemented through Welfare Commissioners of LWO. Worker's
contribution of Rs.5, 000/- is charged after administrative approval
and not at the time of submitting the application, as was the
provision earlier.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:32 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Amendment in Child Labour Act, 1986
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
A Working Group was set up to suggest amendments, if any, in the Child
Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986. It was headed by Shri
S.K. Srivastava, the then Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour &
Employment. The Working Group has submitted its report and the major
recommendations are as under:
i) The existing definition of child as a person who has not completed
14 years of age may continue.
ii) Setting up of special courts to trial child labour cases.
iii) To include education of child labour in addition to health and
safety already provided under the Act.
iv) Specific provisions for offence of trafficking of children for labour.
v) Compounding of offences and enhancement of penalties.
vi) Provision of power to search and seizer under the Act.
vii) Retention of proviso to Section 3 of the Act allowing children to
work under the parental care.
International Labour Organization ILO Convention 182 concerning Worst
Forms of Child Labour and ILO convention 138 fixing Minimum Age of
Employment as 18 years have not been ratified as these would be
possible only after the legislative framework and mechanism for their
effective implementation are in place. Further, due to the existing
socio-economic conditions in the country, compelling conditions force
these children to seek employment to supplement their family income
and under these circumstances increasing the minimum age of employment
from 14 to 18 years may further push these poor families into poverty.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:32 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Labour & Employment LOK SABHA
Social Security to Unemployed Persons
New Delhi: March 8, 2010
The Government is committed to providing social security to the
workers in the unorganized sector, many of whom are under-employed.
The Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 has since been
enacted. The Act provides for constitution of National Social Security
Board which shall recommend social security schemes viz. life and
disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection
and any other benefit as may be determined by the Government for
unorganized workers.
For providing smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs.
30000/- to such workers, the 'Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana' was
launched on 1st October, 2007. The scheme became operational from
01.04.2008. All BPL families would be covered under the scheme whether
employed or unemployed.
To provide death and disability cover to rural landless households
between the age group of the 18 to 59 years, the Government launched
the "Aam Admi Bima Yojana'. As on 31.12.2009, 1.01 crore lives have
been covered under the scheme.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides for old age
pension to all citizens above the age of 65 years and living below the
poverty line.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat gave
this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.
ysk/dk/kol/16:33 hrs.
--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/
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