Financial Assistance to Museums

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that Government of Madhya Pradesh submitted 19 proposals, including that of Archaeological Museum at Shahdol, Rani Durgawati Museum at Jabalpur, Yashodharaman Museum and Central Museum at Indore, for financial assistance under the scheme ‘Setting up, Promotion and Strengthening of Regional and Local Museums’ entailing a total project cost of Rs. 34.14 crores. They were asked to prioritize 3 museums out of the 19 proposals and seed money of Rs.100 lakh was sanctioned to enable them to undertake preliminary activities including preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the 3 museums.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today Smt. Katoch said, the State Museum at Bhopal, Gujari Mahal Museum at Gwalior and Local Archaeological Museum at Sironj have been prioritized by Government of Madhya Pradesh. The DPRs received from the Government of Madhya Pradesh were placed before the Expert Committee, which has desired a reworking of the DPRs.

Promoting Sports Talents

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Jitendra Singh has said that Sports Authority of India (SAI) implements various Sports Promotion Schemes i.e. National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC), Army Boys Sports Companies (ABSC), SAI Training Centres (STC), Special Area Games (SAG), Centres of Excellence (COE) and Come & Play to nurture sports talents to achieve excellence at National and International level. The Special Area Games Schemes being implemented by SAI is specially oriented towards scouting and nurturing sports talent in rural, hilly, tribal and coastal areas of the Country.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today Shri Singh said, data on the number of sportspersons belonging to tribal community who participated in various national/international sports competitions is not maintained at Central level. No distinction is made among participants of various national/international sports competitions and all Schemes of the Department of Sports are inclusive in nature. 

Shri Singh said, Trained Coaches of National Institute of Sports (NIS) were being posted/provided at the State / District Coaching Centre of various States on demand by Sports Authority of India (SAI). Since SAI is facing acute shortage of Coaches in different Sports disciplines for its various Sports Promotional Schemes, a policy decision was taken to post coaches for SAI’s own Schemes only. To tackle the shortage of coaches, SAI has initiated the process of recruitment of 200 coaches. 

Allowing Private Firms to Start Technical Institutions

New Delhi:(Page3 New network)-The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has allowed FROM 2013-14. Private Limited or Public Limited Company/ Industry having turnover of at least Rs. 100 Cr per year for previous 3 years to establish new technical institution in Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture & Town Planning and Hotel Management Catering Technology (HMCT). 
There are several reports by industry based organizations commenting on the lack of adequate skills in the technical education imparted to the students and hence less employability. Therefore, AICTE has reviewed the curriculum and has come up with model curriculum to involve industry best practices. The model curriculum is available on the AICTE website. 
AICTE has further proposed scheme of setting up of research park with the industry in certain good institutions where AICTE will fund up to one crore of a rupees along with matching grant from the industry. It is expected that the institute will provide about 350 to 500 Sq. Mtr. of area within the campus to the industry to set up research extension facility within the institute. This facility would provide the students to work on live projects and faculty to participate with the industry experts for the same whereas the industry also would benefit from the faculty expertise. 
AICTE also promotes entrepreneurship development with the industry. Further AICTE funds industry institute partnership cell to be set up within the institutions. Further AICTE promotes innovation promotions within the institutes based on the requirement of the industry through its students of technical institutions and funds such projects. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor in Rajya Sabha on  last Friday. 

Status of Newly Created Security Agencies

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-After issue of notification creating National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on 03.02.2012, some States raised certain objections. Subsequently, based on their request for wider consultation with all the States/ Union territories, a meeting was held by the Union Government with the Chief Ministers/ Administrators/ Lt. Governors of all the States/Union Territories on 5th May, 2012.  The process of formal consultations with all the states/UTs is on. 

NATGRID: 

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been set up as an attached Office of the  Ministry  of  Home Affairs with effect from 1.12.2009. Further, 

Cabinet Committee on Security has in principle approved the Detailed Project Report of NATGRID on 06.06.2011.  Planning Commission has also accorded its in principle approval to the project on 08.07.2011, as a central plan scheme under MHA from 2011-12.  CCS on 18.06.2012 has conveyed its approval for an amount of Rs. 1002.97 crores for implementation of Foundation Horizon-I and some elements of Horizon-II of the NATGRID project.  The implementation of the Foundation and Horizon-I is in progress. 

CCTNS: 

             Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project is a mission mode project under National e-Governance plan being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.  The project aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system and a nation-wide networked solution for connecting more than 15,000 Police Stations and nearly 6,000 Higher Offices in 28 States and 7 Union territories of the country for sharing of real-time crime and criminal information.  The project implementation schedule of CCTNS project to be implemented in the XI plan (2007-2012) was proposed for four years (2008-2012) based on a rationale that project activities shall be undertaken by diverse stakeholders and would be successfully completed within the proposed time.  Further the project also envisages establishment of a comprehensive and strong monitoring and coordination mechanism both at States and Centre and a robust governance structure to achieve the outcomes and objectives of the project.  Hence, in this context a few factors have been considered for extension of the project into the XII plan. 

This was stated by Shri R.P.N.Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs  in written reply to a question by Sh. Mangani LalMandal in the Lok Sabha today.

CVC recommends action against officials

New Delhi:(Newsonair)-The Central Vigilance Commission,CVC, has recommended action against 136 officials working in various government departments for their alleged involvement in corruption.

The CVC said in its performance report for September, of the total, a highest of 32 are working in Department of Telecommunications, 17 in State Bank of India, 11 in Ministry of Railways and nine in Bank of India among others.

Besides, seven officials working in Central Board of Excise and Customs and four officials each in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Metal Scrap Trade Corporation and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited have been recommended major penalty,

It said commission processed 2,424 complaints (including 38 whistle blower) during the month and sought investigation or factual report in 55 complaints from the concerned ministries, departments or organisations.

Kamal Nath, Opposition meet remains inconclusive

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-An end to the stalemate in Parliament on FDI in retail appeared in sight today with the government hinting that it has no problem over a vote on the issue.
To break the impasse, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, along with his deputy Rajiv Shukla, held a meeting with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and her Rajya Sabha counterpart Arun Jaitley. The meeting remained inconclusive with the opposition sticking to its demand for a debate on the issue with voting.
Later,Kamal Nath told newspersons that the government cannot accept a discussion with voting but it has left the matter to the presiding officers to decide. He said they can take any decision they want in the interest of running the House. Asked if the government is ready for voting on FDI he said, Government is are not averse to it. He said numbers are not a worry for the government and the MPs are responsible enough to decide on the issue.
Sushma Swaraj said that the government asked for FDI debate without voting and the BJP has refused to accept it. She alleged that the government did not adhered to its commitment of consulting all stakeholders before taking a decision on FDI in multi-brand retail. She said,in such a situation, the only way the sense of the House could be gauged was through voting.
Earlier, Kamalnath also met the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Trinamool Congress said it will take a stand only after Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar takes a decision on the issue. Party leader Saugata Roy,however, ruled out voting in favour of the government.
Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today met DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai and thanked him for his support to the UPA coalition in Parliament. He said the UPA government is on a strong wicket on the issue of FDI in multi-brand retail sector.

Ban on Gutkha

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 was enacted with the objective of ensuring availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. This Act, as well as the earlier Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954, gives a wide definition of ‘food’ and includes therein any article/substance which is intended for human consumption.The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 dated 1st August 2011, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, lays down that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. The Hon`ble Supreme Court in Godawat Pan Masala Vs UOI, 2004 (7) SCC 68 has also held that “Since pan masala, gutka or supari are eaten for taste and nourishment, they are all food within the meaning of Section 2(v) of the (Prevention of Food Adulteration) Act.” As such, by virtue of the regulation dated 1st August 2011 issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, read with the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the issue, Gutkha products are food products containing tobacco and nicotine and their manufacture, sale or storage is not permitted under law. By virtue of the same regulation, Pan Masala, if it contains tobacco and nicotine, cannot be manufactured or sold. Enforcement of this regulation, however, lies with the Commissioners of Food Safety under the state govenments, as per the provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act 2006.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been regularly sending advisories to the states to implement and enforce the said regulation. The state governments which have so far issued orders/notification to enforce implementation of the ban in accordance with the above regulation are Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Punjab. In addition, Goa has enforced the ban through its State Public Health Act.

There is no question of compromising with the life of millions of people. This Ministry has repeatedly advocated with the state governments to strictly implement the ban onGutkha in letter and spirit. Further, the Ministry has also brought to the notice of the state governments the judgements of the Hon’ble Allahabad High Court in the cases of M/s. KhedalLal& Sons Vs. State of U.P. FAC 1981 (1) 262, and ManoharLalVs State of U.P. Criminal Revision No.318 of 1982, wherein the High Court have held that Chewing tobacco is a food article. In view of this, and the regulation dated 1st August 2011 issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, this Ministry has again written to the state governments to consider examining the issue for banning the sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda or other chewable products having tobacco and nicotine, with immediate effect.

The Ministry is also trying to generate public awareness through media and outdoor campaigns.

This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Pilot Projects for Cash Subsidy

  New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Department proposes to introduce a pilot scheme for direct transfer of food subsidy under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Under the proposed scheme, foodgrains will be issued by Food Corporation of India at an appropriate cost near market price. The cash subsidy equal to the difference in the appropriate cost and the present issue price will be credited to the bank account of the beneficiary in advance to enable the beneficiary to purchase the foodgrains at this cost. The proposal does not involve dismantling the TPDS as foodgrains shall continue to be distributed to the beneficiaries under TPDS through the Fair Price Shops.

It is proposed to undertake the pilot scheme in six UTs, namely Chandigarh, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The scheme is expected to check leakages/diversion of foodgrains under TPDS and test the feasibility of launch of the scheme in other States. The details of the scheme will be finalized in consultation with Union Territories, etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V.Thomas in a written reply in theLok sabha today.

GPS in PDS Vehicles

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) sets had been taken up for implementation in 11th Five Year Plan on pilot basis in States of Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh for tracking the movement of vehicles transporting Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) commodities. This information was given by the Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V.Thomas in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said that State Government of Tamil Nadu, who have implemented the scheme in two districts, have reported that it has helped in the quantities of foodgrains allotted from Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the intended godowns reaching without diversion; created moral fear among those involved in transportation of PDS items; enabled tracking the movement of vehicles carrying PDS items at short notice and avoided delays in transportation. State Government of Chhattisgarh has intimated that after installation of GPS sets in trucks transporting TPDS commodities, they are reaching their destination properly and no irregularities have since been found.

Prof. Thomas said that in view of the feedback received from these State Governments, it has been decided to extend this scheme to all the States/UTs. This Department had taken up a pilot scheme on Computerization of TPDS Operations to be implemented in 3 districts of 4 States i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. As reported by these States, digitization of databases and computerization of supply- chain management have been completed in Delhi and Chhattisgarh. In Andhra Pradesh, entire ration card database has been digitized and supply-chain computerization is in progress. In the State of Assam, work of digitization of databases is being undertaken. Another scheme for Smart Card based delivery of essential commodities is being undertaken on pilot basis in Chandigarh UT and Haryana. In the State of Haryana, the project has been implemented in 4 blocks whereas in Chandigarh UT, it has been completed in 13 Fair Price Shops (FPS). These pilot schemes are proposed to be subsumed under the Plan Scheme on End-to-end Computerization of TPDS Operations, which is being implemented in all States/UTs.

62 Cold Chain Projects Approved by FPI Ministry

 New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has approved 62 projects so far for establishing cold chain facilities to be implemented by the private/co-operative sectors. These projects are eligible for grants-in-aid in accordance with the Plan Scheme for this purpose.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) through its various schemes for financial assistance and other promotional measures, facilitates creation of post harvest processing infrastructure including processing facilities aimed at reducing wastages, enhancing value addition and increasing shelf life in the country.

Under the Scheme for Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid @ 50% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas, and @ 75% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works is provided by the Ministry in difficult areas subject to a maximum of Rs.10.00 crore. The initiatives are aimed at filling the gaps in the supply chain, strengthening of cold chain infrastructure, establishing value addition with infrastructural facilities like sorting, grading, packaging, processing and preservation for horticultural and non horticultural products like marine, dairy, poultry, etc. Other agencies of the Government like National Horticulture Board (NHB), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and State Government also provide assistance for cold storages under their respective schemes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Dr. Charan Das Mahant in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Housing for Low Income Groups

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Government proposes to introduce new scheme for financing low income groups to purchase/construct new dwelling units. The Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) proposes to revise the existing pilot scheme of Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP) and relaunch the same as Rajiv Rinn Yojana (RRY) with larger coverage and outreach along with larger corpus of funds allocated for the scheme. Under RRY it is proposed to provide interest subsidy of 5% on loans upto Rs. 5.00 lakh for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low Income Groups (LIG) beneficiaries as announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister during the Independence Day Celebration 2012. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Union Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA), in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Saugata Roy.

The Minister further stated that since the necessary approvals are awaited , no time frame can be given at this juncture.

Black Money in Real Estate Sector

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-In order to bring in transparency and also to provide for a uniform regulatory environment to enforce disclosure, fair practice and accountability norms towards transactions (buying or selling) in the real estate sector, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation is in the process of formulating a Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill. The said Bill proposes to set up Regulatory bodies in the States/Union Territories.. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Union Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA), in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Pradeep Majhi, Shri Arjun Meghwal & Shri Kishnbhai V Patel.
The Minister stated that the Real Estate sector is widely perceived as vulnerable to generation and absorption of black money. Regulatory reforms in this sector can be an effective instrument for curbing the role of black money in the sector.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation had invited the views/comments/suggestions of the State Governments and other stakeholders at various stage of drafting the Bill. Four States viz., Tamil Nadu, Uttrakhand, Sikkim and Government of NCT of Delhi have not sent their responses on the draft legislation. The draft Bill has been prepared. However, no time frame can be assigned for its finalization at this stage, the Minister added.

Causes of Smog in Northern India

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-As per scientific analysis, the recent "Extreme Pollution Episode" lasted for 12 days (October 26 -November 8, 2012) was due to short range transport of smoke from Punjab /Haryana as indicated by satellite imagery which got directed towards Delhi region due to favourable northerly winds as determined from back trajectory analysis and air quality forecasting model. Local meteorological conditions in and around Delhi were highly stable that prevents the dispersion of suspended particulate matter (SPM) viz. smoke particles in this case. Once supportive wind regime changed, the pollution came back to pre-episode level. It was hence caused by a mix of man-made activities associated with field level biomass burning supported by a favourable upwind natural phenomenon.
The period being the harvesting season of khalif-2012, the open burning of the biomass residue in the paddy fields of rural Punjab/Haryana, options for taking any steps are limited as this typically happens in the backdrop of unfavorable stable atmospheric conditions that traps SPM in the boundary layer above the ground. Incrementally, diesel operated urban transport also adds to the air pollution that reduces the visibility further. Government is already undertaking possible steps for discouraging diesel run public transport and encouraging utilization of CNG widely part from imposing emission norms (Bharat IV now for new vehicles getting registered).
Increased frequency of respiratory related asthmatic troubles to the vulnerable segment of the society (elderly and children) is the well known impact for which reduced exposure can minimize the adverse effects during the periods of smog.
The above information was given by the Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy to the Parliament.

Collection of Tolls from Under Construction National Highways

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The Government has notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates & Collection) Rules, 2008 on 5.12.2008, as amended from time to time, for the projects taken up on or after 05.12.2008. For the stretches completed before 5th December, 2008 the fee collection is as per the National Highways (collection of Fees by any person for the use of Section of National Highways/ Permanent Bridge/ Temporary Bridge on National Highways) Rules, 1997; the National Highways (Fees for the use of National Highways Section and Permanent Bridge – Public Funded Project) Rules, 1997; and the National Highways Rules, 1957 for those completed after the date of notification of these Rules. The above mentioned Rules have been notified under Section 7 of the National Highways Act, 1956. The user fee on a stretch of National Highway is collected as per the individual Notification published in the official Gazette by the Central Government. In cases where a particual stretch of National Highway is entrusted to a State Government/UT, they comply with the Notifications issued by the Central Government.

User fee is being collected by the private road developers as per the provision of the Concession Agreements and at the agreed fee rates as per applicable fee rules. However, in case of 4 laned sections under tolling when taken up for 6 laning/further developments, the tolling is continued during 6 laning/further developments as per the provisions of the Concession Agreement and Govt. policy.

This was stated by Sh Sarvey Sathyanarayana, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in response to a written question in Rajya Sabha today.

Sourcing Norms for Single/Multi Brand Retail

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Vide Press Note 4 (2012 series) issued on 20.09.2012 certain conditions relating to FDI in single brand product retail trading have been amended. The amended policy, inter-alia, includes the following condition in respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51% in single brand product retail trading:- 
“In respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51%, sourcing of 30% of the value of goods purchased will be done from India, preferably from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors. The quantum of domestic sourcing will be self-certified by the company, to be subsequently checked, by statutory auditors, from the duly certified accounts which the company will be required to maintain. This procurement requirement would have to be met, in the first instance, as an average of five years' total value of the goods purchased, beginning 1st April of the year during which the first tranche of FDI is received. Thereafter, it would have to be met on an annual basis. For the purpose of ascertaining the sourcing requirement, the relevant entity would be the company, incorporated in India, which is the recipient of FDI for the purpose of carrying out single brand product retail trading” 
The above amended condition is expected to benefit Indian producers, including the Indian handicrafts sector, which provides livelihood to millions and is important from the point of low capital investment, high value-addition and high potential for export, as also to meet the critical need to integrate Indian producers with the domestic and global markets. Skill integration with craftsmen abroad is likely to help develop synergies with international brands and generate more employment. The consequential benefits, arising from the integration of global best practices in management, along with global standards in quality, design, packaging and production, are expected to assist in building capacities of local producers, by making it worthwhile for them to scale-up their production, thereby creating a multiplier effect on employment and income generation. 
In respect of Government’s decision to permit 51% FDI in multi brand retail trading, vide Press Note 5 (2012 series) dated 20.09.12, the following condition has interalia been prescribed: 
“At least 30% of the value of procurement of manufactured/ processed products purchased shall be sourced from Indian 'small industries' which have a total investment in plant & machinery not exceeding US $ 1.00 million. This valuation refers to the value at the time of installation, without providing for depreciation. Further, if at any point in time, this valuation is exceeded, the industry shall not qualify as a 'small industry' for this purpose. This procurement requirement would have to be met, in the first instance, as an average of five years’ total value of the manufactured/ processed products purchased, beginning 1st April of the year during which the first tranche of FDI is received. Thereafter, it would have to be met on an annual basis” 
The 30% mandatory sourcing condition for permitting 51% FDI in multi brand retail trading, is expected to encourage local value addition and manufacturing and thereby benefit small scale industries. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Dr. S. Jagathrakshakan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

Prevention of Wastage of Water

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The canals are designed taking into account some wastage of water. The wastage of water allowed varies from type of design and soil conditions. It also depends on maintenance and proper upkeep of canals by project authorities . Due to poor maintenance of canals, the conveyance loss increases.
The operation and regulation of quantity of water in canals, branch canals, distributaries, etc. are carried out by the project authorities under the respective State Governments. Government of India provides financial assistance under AIBP for Extension, Renovation & Modernization (ERM) projects to the Sates Governments on their request which help in proper distribution of water through canal network . Further , it is proposed to improve the water use efficiency by 20%under National Water Mission. 
This information was given by Union Water Resources Minister Shri Harish Rawat in the Rajya Sabha today in reply to a written question on the details of the quantity of wastage of water owing to the condition of irrigation canals in the major irrigation projects; whether measures are undertaken towards upgradation and repair of the canal system to prevent large scale wastage of water; and if so, the details thereof? 

The LARR Bill,2011

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The LARR Bill, 2011 has been finalised and the Union Cabinet is likely to take it up soon so that it can be brought in Parliament in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Lal Chand Kataria said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today that the Group of Ministers has already finalized its report in its three meetings held on 27th September, 2012 and 8th and 16th of October, 2012. 

Earlier, the LARR Bill, 2011 was approved by the Cabinet on 5th September and it was introduced in Parliament two days later. The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and the Committee after detailed examination has submitted its 31st Report on the above Bill to the Lok Sabha on 17th May, 2012, which was laid in the Rajya Sabha on the same day. Shri Kataria informed that based on the recommendations or otherwise of the 31st Report, the Bill was considered by the Cabinet on 28th August, 2012 and it was referred to the GoM. 

Sources said the bill was finalised in the light of a suggestion of UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi who had asked the government to take consent from 80 per cent land owners to purchase land for the purpose of setting up private projects. The GoM had suggested that the consent clause should be kept at 67 per cent for Public-Private Partnership projects and private projects. 

Export of Iron Ore

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-There is no proposal at present to ban export of iron ore. Considering the fact that the country has sufficient resources of iron ore at 28.4 billion tonnes and the fact that iron ore fines has limited use in the country, the export of iron ore is allowed with a levy of 30% export duty on advalorem basis. 

As per National Mineral Policy 2008, mineral continue to be an important source of foreign exchange earnings. The policy of export shall keep in view the dynamics of mineral inventories as well as the short, medium and long term needs of the country. Efforts shall be made to export minerals in value added form as far as possible. The indigenous mineral industry shall be attended to the international economic situation in order to derive maximum advantage from foreign trade by carefully anticipating technology and demand changes in the international markets for the minerals. 

This information was given by the Minister of Mines, Shri Dinsha Patel in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. 

Eradication of Untouchability

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Article 17 of the Constitution of India has abolished the practice of untouchability; its practice in any form is forbidden and is an offence punishable in accordance with law. An Act of Parliament, namely, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, prescribes punishment for the enforcement of any disability arising from preaching and practice of untouchability. As per the data provided by the National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, during 2011, 74 cases were registered by the police under the PCR Act. 
The said Act is implemented by the concerned State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. With a view to ensure effective implementation of provisions of the Act, Central assistance is provided to States/Union Territories, which includes strengthening of the enforcement machinery, incentive for inter caste marriages and awareness generation. They are requested to implement provisions of the Act in letter and spirit. 
The Central Government has been addressing the States/UTs to implement provisions of the PCR Act in letter and spirit. 
A Committee under the Chairpersonship of Union Minster for Social Justice & Empowerment which was constituted in the year 2006, also inter-alia reviews implementation of the PCR Act in State/UTs. The Committee has so far held twenty meetings wherein implementation of the said Act in 24 States and 4 Union Territories has been reviewed. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri P. Balram Naik in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today

Welfare Schemes for Older Persons

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-An Act called "The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007" was enacted by Parliament in December, 2007 to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act, inter-alia, makes maintenance of parents/ senior citizens by children/ relatives obligatory and justiciable through tribunals; provides for revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence by relatives; penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens; protection of life and property etc. 

The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in January 1999. Para 95 of the Policy envisages setting up of a National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) to promote and coordinate the concerns of older persons. 

In pursuance of the above provision of the Policy, a National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) was constituted. In order to have a definite structure as well as to provide for representation from various regions, the NCOP has been re-constituted and renamed as the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC). 

A Resolution dated 17th February, 2012 re-constituting and renaming the NCOP as the NCSrC was published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on 22nd February, 2012. 

The NCSrC will advise the Central and the State Governments on the entire gamut of issues related to the welfare of senior citizens and enhancement of their quality of life, with special reference to policies, programmes and legislative measures; promotion of physical and financial security, health, and independent and productive living; and awareness generation and community mobilization. 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing the National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly (NPHCE) from the year 2010-11. The basic aim of the NPHCE programme is to provide separate and specialized comprehensive health care to the senior citizens at various level of state health care delivery system including outreach services. Preventive & promotive care, management of illness, health manpower development for geriatric services, medical rehabilitation & therapeutic intervention and IEC are some of the strategies envisaged in the NPHCE. 

The major components of the NPHCE during 11th Five Year Plan were establishment of 30 bedded Department of Geriatric in 8 identified Regional Medical Institutions (Regional Geriatric Centres) in different regions of the country and to provide dedicated health care facilities in District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and Sub Centres level in 100 identified districts of 21 States. 

It is proposed to cover the remaining districts under the programme during the 12th Five Year Plan in a phased manner (@ 100 districts per year and develop 12 additional Regional Geriatric Centres in selected Medical Colleges of the country. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri P. Balram Naik in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

Protection of MSMEs

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-According to the Fourth All India Census of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with reference year 2006-07, wherein the data was collected till 2009, 4.96 lakh units were found closed. As per the data compiled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as at the end of March, 2012, there were 89,642 sick MSMEs in the country, of which banks found 10,596 as viable, 72,964 as non-viable and for 6,082 units viability was to be decided.

The Ministry of MSME has been facilitating the promotion and development of MSMEs through implementation of various schemes / programmes relating to credit, infrastructure development, technology upgradation, etc. The major schemes include Credit Guarantee Scheme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme, Performance and Credit Rating Scheme, Cluster Development Programme, National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. 

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri K. H. Muniyappa in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. 

Upliftment of MSMEs

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The plan funds allotted to Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises during the last three years i.e 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 were Rs.1794 crore, Rs.2400 crore and Rs. 2700 crore respectively.

Information on the number of persons employed in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country is collected by conducting All India Census of the sector periodically. The latest census (Fourth Census) was conducted with reference year 2006-07, wherein the data was collected till 2009 and results published in 2011-12. Number of persons employed in MSMEs in the country, as per the Fourth All India Census of MSMEs: 2006-07 and Economic Census 2005 conducted by Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation for activities excluded from Fourth All India Census of MSMEs: 2006-07, namely wholesale/retail trade, legal, educational & social services, hotel & restaurants, transports and storage & warehousing (except cold storage), is 805.24 lakhs. 

The contribution of Micro and Small Enterprises to Gross Domestic Product of the country during 2008-09 is 8.72% which is based on the data of gross domestic product published by the Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. 

Under the flagship programme, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme of the Ministry, the top five States who have taken maximum benefit in setting up of units are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and Tamil Nadu during the year 2011-12. Under the Credit Guarantee Scheme, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the top five States in terms of number of proposals approved till the end of October, 2012. 

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri K. H. Muniyappa in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. 

Action Against Vanishing Companies

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Provisions in laws and Rules have been made to ensure that companies function/raise money in a manner which is transparent, accountable and is in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act and other enactments like SEBI Act and the Prize Chits & Money Circulation (Banning) Act etc. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of Corporate Affairs, said that the Government has also been taking action against companies (and their directors) which disappear after raising money from public. A Central Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC), co-chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), monitors efforts to identify ‘vanishing companies’ and take stock of action taken against them. 

Shri Pilot informed the House that the Committee identified 238 companies as ‘vanishing companies’; 151 such companies have been traced (including 32 under liquidation). As on 31.3.2012 there were 87 companies which remained untraced after having raised funds through IPOs. 

Acton against such companies has been initiated for violation of the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 by filing complaints u/s 159/220 of the Companies Act, 1956 apart from filing of prosecutions u/s 63/68 and 628 of the Companies Act, 1956 besides seeking assistance of police authorities and filing FIRs. The Committee also receives feedback from all the stakeholders and makes suitable procedural adjustments on a continuing basis and carries out, the Minister said. 

Expenditure on Corporate Social Responsibility

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Government has said that Clause 135 of the Companies Bill, 2011, inter alia, provides for the Boards of specified companies to spend at least 2% of the average net profits (of last 3 years) in pursuance of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) policy and in case of failure, to specify the reasons for not spending such amount in the Board’s Report.
 Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of Corporate Affairs said that the provisions on CSR in the Companies Bill, 2011 were formulated also keeping in view the suggestions received from various stakeholders. He informed the House that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance which examined the Companies Bill, 2009 and the Companies Bill, 2011 has also recommended inclusion of these provisions in the Bill. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has not received any communication from any company expressing reservations/objections about the provision referred above, Shri Pilot said. 

NCR students take oath to promote cleaning of river Yamuna

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Hundreds of students form various schools of the national capital and its adjoining areas today pledged about promoting the message of cleaning the river Yamuna, preventing female foeticide and removal of gender discrimination from the society. 
The oath was administered to them on the opening ceremony of 2nd ASN Yamuna Wealth Games and Cultural Fest -2012 which is being organised by ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi. The 6 day games event will be hosted at Thyagraj Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and ASN sports complex of the city. Speaking on the occasion, the renowned Indian Boxer and Arjuna Awardee, Akhil Kumar underlined the need for promoting sports culture in the schools and colleges and other educational organizations.

Tributes paid to martyrs of 2008 Mumbai attacks on fourth anniversary

Mumbai:(Page3 News Network)-On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Mumbai paid rich tributes to those who lost their lives when 10 heavily armed gunmen of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had carried out attacks in the city on November 26, 2008.

According to official sources, a 26/11 memorial has been erected at Chowpaty in south Mumbai and a main commemorative function was held at the Mumbai Police Gymkhana in south Mumbai today.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil, Minister of state for Home Satej Patil, Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the victims and martyrs at the memorial today morning.

A peace march was also held in Mumbai yesterday on eve of 26/11 anniversary. Dignitaries such as Union Minister of State for HRD Shashi Tharoor, film actress Mahima Chaudhary and families and kin of victims who lost their lives participated in the peace march.

The Ministry of Home affairs recently announced an upgradation programme for the security and networking apparatus of Mumbai police which is expected to be completed over a course of three years. The upgradation will be on the lines of the Police networking and surveillance models of international cities such as London.

Security has been beefed up across the city for the fourth anniversary of the attacks. According to Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh the city has been on high alert since the past one week.

On 26th November 2008, Ajmal Amir Kasab and nine other heavily-armed gunmen, arrived in Mumbai by sea, attacked various places, including the Taj Mahal Hotel, Nariman House, Oberoi Hotel and Mumbai CST railway station, killing more than hundred people and injuring several others.

Commemoration events are also being held today at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Hotel Trident, Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, which were targeted by the terrorists who sneaked into Mumbai through the Arabian Sea and landed at Colaba.

The terror attack which continued for over 60 hours had left 166 people dead and 300 injured.

All party meet on FDI in retail today

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The government has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi today to discuss the deadlock in Parliament over FDI in retail.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has convened the meeting. Our correspondent reports, the meeting comes at a time when the first two days of the winter session last week saw Parliament being paralysed on the issue.

The Left and the Right have remained adamant on a discussion under a rule that entails voting.

Meanwhile, the Centre says that it will not force the DMK or any other state government on implementation of FDI in the retail sector.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad said this to the reporters after meeting DMK chief M Karunanidhi at Chennai yesterday.

BJP suspends Ram Jethmalani from party for gross indiscipline

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The BJP has suspended senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Ram Jethmalani from the party for gross indiscipline.
Party spokesperson Sahnawaz Hussain told reporters in New Delhi last evening that Jethmalani's remarks on certain decisions of the party amount to indiscipline and will only help Congress and therefore the party President Nitin Gadkari decided to suspend him from the party.

He said, BJP Parliamentary Board will take a final decision on the expulsion of Jethmalani from the party today.

Mr. Jethmalani has, in the last few days, openly attacked the party for criticizing the appointment of the new CBI chief. He had also challenged the party to take action against him on the issue.

The party had also taken strong exception to Mr. Jethmalani’s public outburst against senior party leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley who had written to Prime Minister expressing their reservations over the appointment of Ranjit Sinha as the new Director of the CBI.

Reacting to his suspension Mr. Jethmalani said, many in the party shared his views but "few had the capacity" to express their views openly.

Surgery Treatment of Poors

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-The criterion for granting financial assistance to poor patients under Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG) and Rashtriya ArogyaNidhi (RAN) i.e. National Illness Assistance Fund (NIAF) are as under:

(i)        Poor patients with family income less than Rs.75,000/- annually and suffering from major illness and requiring one-time treatment in Government hospitals/institutions are eligible for financial assistance under HMDG. Financial assistance limits are -  (a)  Rs.20,000/-  if the estimated cost of treatment is up to Rs. 50,000/- ; (b) Rs. 40,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs. 50,000/- & up to Rs. 1,00,000/-; and (c) Rs.50,000/- if the estimated cost of treatment is above Rs.1,00,000/-.

(ii)       Under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) financial assistance is provided to the patients living Below Poverty Line (BPL), who are suffering from major life threatening disease to receive medical treatment in Government hospitals. The financial assistance to such patients is released in the form of ‘one time grant’ to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital in which the treatment is being received.   The applicant has to submit an application in the prescribed proforma duly filled in by the treating Doctor/HOD and countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital (Government Hospital) where the patient is receiving the treatment, alongwith income certificate in original from the BDO/Tehsildar/Collector /SDM. The details of family members in case of BPL applicants i.e. attested copy of ration card.

(iii)  Under the RAN, the norms for Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF),are as under:

(a)     Financial assistance is provided to patients, below poverty line, suffering from cancer and undergoing treatment in Government hospitals and any of the 27 Regional Cancer Centres.

(b)   The financial assistance to the Cancer Patient up to Rs.1.00 lakh is provided by the concerned Institutes /Hospitals through the revolving fund placed at their disposal.  The cases of financial assistance above this limit are to be referred by the Hospitals for assistance from Central Funds.

(iv)     The Directorate General of Health Services (Dte.GHS) technically appraises the proposal and thereafter, the approval of the Competent Authority is obtained for granting financial assistance to the eligible patient. A cheque of the admissible amount is issued to the hospital, who is required to submit utilization certificate to the Ministry.

(d )        List of eligible applicants, who have been benefitted under HMDG and RAN/HMCPF during the last three years and current year, State/UT-wise and Regional Cancer Centres is at Annexure-I to III respectively

Click here to see details

Utilisation of Railway Vacant Land for Commercial Development

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Indian Railway network occupies a land area measuring about 10.65 lakh acres. Ninety per cent of this land is directly under railway tracks, yards, workshops and allied infrastructure. The vacant land, measuring about 1.13 lakh acres is mostly in the form of a narrow strip along tracks which Railways have been utilizing or plan to utilize for its expansion in the form of doubling, third line, quadrupling, gauge conversion, freight corridors, yard remodeling, traffic facility works, workshops, etc and for servicing and maintenance of track and other rail related infrastructure. 
Vacant land not required by Railways for its immediate future operational needs is also proposed to be utilized for commercial development, wherever feasible, for the interim period through a Statutory Authority namely Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) set up in 2007 through as act of Parliament. As the commercial development is a market driven activity, to be undertaken with the approval of the State Government/local authorities, assessment of revenue generation can only be done when specific schemes are taken up for development. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

ID Proofs Compulsory During Train Journey from 1st December 2012

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-With effect from 01.12.2012, one of the passengers booked on a ticket for undertaking journey in any reserved class will have to produce any one of the prescribed proofs of identity failing which all the passengers will be treated as travelling without ticket and charged accordingly. 
This provision shall, however, not affect the existing provision of Tatkal scheme where during the journey, the passenger is required to show the original proof of identity indicated on the ticket. 
The number of prescribed proofs of identity have been increased from nine to ten by adding following identity card to the list of prescribed proofs identity:- 
“Photo identity cards having serial number issued by Public Sector Undertakings of State/Central Government, District Administrations, Municipal bodies and Panchayat Administrations” 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. 

Setting Up of Thermal Power Plants by Railways

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Indian Railways is establishing its first coal based captive power plant of 1000 Mega Watt (MW) capacity at Nabinagar in Bihar in Joint Venture (JV) with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) which is under construction.
Indian Railways has further planned to set up two more captive power plants in Railway land, one 1320 MW capacity coal based power plant and Adra in Purulia district of West Bengal is Joint Venture with National Thermal Power Corporation and another 700 MW gas power plant at ThakurIi near Kalyan in Maharashtra. Fuel linkage and environmental clearance for both these plants are is process. 
Annual saving of about Rs. 500 crore from Nabinagar plant, Rs. 600 crore from Adra plant and Rs. 200 crore for Thakurli plant has been estimated due to reduction in electricity tariff. 
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Passenger Friendly Train Service in Kashmir Valley

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Integral Coach Factory of Indian Railways has designed and manufactured Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) rakes which are already running in Kashmir Valley. These DEMUs have been specially designed to operate in subzero conditions and also have been furnished aesthetically keeping in view the tourist traffic in Srinagar Valley. Various features have been incorporated in these units, keeping in view all prevailing circumstances of the region to make the services passenger friendly. Specially designed roof mounted heating units to take care of comfort of passengers during winter season and stainless steel chequered sheet below the first window of the compartment of physically handicapped passengers so as to enable visually challenged passengers to identify the coach, have been provided.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. 

Tracking Facility to Check Corruption in Income Tax Refunds

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Instances of alleged corruption for settlement of refund claims and complaints come to notice from time to time. Whenever any such instance or complaints comes to notice, the same is verified and if it is found to be correct, the concerned officers/officials have to face penal consequences depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
The process of issue of refunds has been streamlined in the course of computerization and encouraging e-filing of returns for speedy processing and issue of refunds through refund banker scheme. A web based status tracking facility for refunds has also been launched. The grievance redressal mechanism has been strengthened for ensuring prompt disposal of all such complaints. 
Significant success has been achieved. An e-filed return claiming refund is now on an average processed within three to four months of its filing. 
This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. 

Foreign National to Open Banks in India

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-As per the “Draft Guidelines for Licencing of New Banks in Private Sector” issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 29.08.2011, only entities/groups in the private sector that are owned and controlled by residents shall be eligible to promote banks. 
RBI has formulated the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT) guidelines to be followed by banks, so as to prevent banks from being used, intentionally or unintentionally, by criminal elements for money-laundering or terrorist financing activities. KYC procedures also enables banks to know/understand their customers and their financial dealings better, which in-turn help them manage their risk prudently. Accordingly, all banks, including foreign banks, functioning in India have been advised to follow certain customer identification procedures for opening of accounts and monitoring transactions of a suspicious nature for the purpose of reporting it to appropriate authority, i.e. Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND). The banks are also required to ensure that a proper Board approved policy framework on KYC/AML/CFT is formulated and implemented by them in accordance with the extant legal and regulatory framework. 
This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. 

No Tax Free Zones in Operation

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-There is no concept called Tax Free Zones as such in operation. However, there are schemes like Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) which provide tax exemptions. Both above schemes are administered by the Department of Commerce. In addition to above, package of incentives for the Special Category States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States (such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura) are provided by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion under its Industrial Policy. Package of incentives provided to above States also include various tax concessions as per notifications issued by the Department of Revenue. 
Presently there is no proposal under consideration of the Ministry of Finance to declare certain areas as tax free zones. 
This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. 

Life and Social Security Insurance Schemes Available in Rural Areas

New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)- The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has informed that out of the total 4,41,91,864 Life Insurance policies issued in the year 2011-12, 1,39,83,265 constituting 31.64% of the total number of policies, were issued in the rural areas. In addition to this,1,45,31,183 lives were covered by all Life Insurance Companies from social sector groups including unorganised sector, economically vulnerable or backward classes and informal sector groups during the year 2011-12. 

Further Government of India has launched following social security insurance schemes especially for rural and urban economically backward people: 
i. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
II. Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) 
iii. Rashtrya Swastha Bima Yojana (RSBY) 
iv. Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Yojana (MGBY) 
IRDA has issued IRDA (Obligations of Insurers to Rural and Social Sectors) Regulations 2002 wherein every life insurance company shall fulfill the norms towards its obligations (Percentage of Policies on the total number of policies written direct in that year) in the rural and social sector. 
As per IRDA, 26.84% of the total policies issued by private insurance companies during the year 2011-12 were issued in rural areas. 
This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.