Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has called for applications from new insurance companies registered in India and who are willing to carry on insurance business in the country either in life or general insurance. The applicants have been advised by the authority to familiarize themselves with the regulations and the provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938 and apply in formats prescribed under the regulations. The applications will be received in the office of the Authority from the 16^th August, 2000.

   For the first time ever, a concept of developing a network of rural roads has been thought of by the present Government. Addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting attached to the Ministry of Rural Development, Chairman, Shri Sundarlal Patwa informed the Members that a national programme for the construction of rural roads is being formulated to connect about 2.5 lakh villages with all-weather roads in the next seven years. He said some 10 lakh kilometres of such roads are proposed to be constructed under the Programme envisaged to be launched this year as part of Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY). The Minister emphasized that the rural roads programme would bring enormous benefits to over 30 crore people in rural India.

    Shri Patwa informed the Members that at least 25 lakh dwelling units are constructed in the rural areas annually through various agencies and programmes. He said to supplement the already existing schemes, the Gramin Awaas component of PMGY has also been launched during the current year. He added that a sum of Rs. 375 crores has been allocated for the Gramin Awaas Scheme which seeks to provide assistance for house construction for the below poverty line rural poor.

    Elaborating on the Central Government’s commitment to provide potable drinking water to all the villages of the country in five years through speedy implementation of the Centrally sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP), Shri Patwa said the Government has introduced sector reforms with the aim of institutionalising community participation in the planning and implementation of rural water supply schemes. These reforms are presently being implemented in 58 pilot districts spread throughout the country, he added. In response to the Members’ suggestion for reconsideration of the 10% contribution requirement for ARWSP, Shri Patwa pointed out that some form of voluntary participation helps in imparting a sense of ownership to the community. He emphasized that the new concept of Government functioning primarily as a facilitator and not as the sole provider should gain coinage now.

    The Minister also expressed satisfaction about performance of the various poverty alleviation programmes as also the newly launched scheme of Annapurna. The Members were informed that under the Rs.100 crore (annual) Annapurna scheme of providing food security to those aged destitutes who do not receive the old age pension, a sum of Rs. 52.02 crores has already been dispersed to 15 States and 2 Union Territories. The watershed approach has helped treat a total area of 141.40 lakh hectares and has visibly reduced the impact of drought situation, Shri Patwa added.

    The Members suggested that monitoring and proper utilization of funds should be ensured to provide full benefits of the various schemes to the beneficiaries. Today’s meeting was called to invite suggestions of the Members to improve the performance under various schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development. The programmes of the Ministry, broadly classified as Infrastructure Development (Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana), Wage Employment (Employment Assurance Scheme), Self Employment (Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana), Habitat Development (Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme, Rural Housing, Centrally Sponsored Rural Sanitation Programme), Social Security (National Social Assistance Programme) and Area Development Schemes (Drought Prone Areas Programme, Desert Development Programme and Integrated Wastelands Development Project) were discussed at the meeting.

    The Members who participated in the meeting included : (Rajya Sabha) S/Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Anantray D. Dave, O.L. Nongtdu and Manamohan   Samal; (Lok Sabha) S/Shri P.S. Gadhavi, Mansinhohai Kalyanji Patel, Raosaheb Patil Danve, Mansukhbai Vasava, Chintaman Wanage, Y.V. Rao, Shivaji Mane and Dr. A.V.G. Shankar Rao. The Ministers of State, Shri Subhash Maharia and Shri A. Raja and other senior officials of the Ministry attended the meeting.

'6A'

    The Union Public Service Commission have appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Y.K. Alagh to examine the present scheme of the Civil Services Examination and the systems for working that scheme in the light of past experience and current requirements and recommend such changes/innovations in the said scheme, systems and methods as may have become necessary for identifying the best and most suitable persons for appointment to various services/posts which form part of the Scheme.

'6A'

    Appointment to the top management posts of PSUs is based on the recommendations of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), which is a professional body with large measure of autonomy. The recommendation of the Board is examined by the concerned Administrative Ministry and is placed before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for its decision. However, in special circumstances, the appointment to a particular post or ports in a Public Sector Enterprises may be made other than through the Public Enterprises Selection Board with the prior and specific approval of the ACC. The ACC while granting such an approval, will also specify the body such as, Search Committee, Selection Committee, or the Civil Services Board, as the case may be, that shall make the selection for that particular post or posts, as well as the selection procedure to be followed for filling the particular post or posts.

'8'

HINDI CD ON IT TERMINOLOGIES RELEASED

    The Minister of State for Science & Technology, Shri Bachi Singh Rawat released here today a Hindi CD on Information Technology related terminologies, brought out by the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology. The CD contains 10,000 words. Shri Rawat also released three books relating to Computer Science and administrative terminology.

    Earlier, inaugurating the two-day Workshop on "Information Technology and Indian Languages", Shri Rawat said scientific development of Indian languages is very essential in the face of stiff challenges posed by the IT revolution. He said though Hindi is the third largest language in the world, it has still not achieved the full status of national language. He also said that acceptance of a word by the society should be the criterion , be it English, Hindi or any other Indian language.

    The Chairman of the Commission Dr. R.A.K. Shrivastava said looking up to the Government for the development of Hindi will not help. It is for the people to make it a widely accepted and spoken language in the country.

    Experts from educational institutions from all over the country are among those attending the workshop, which will discuss ways and means of promoting Hindi and other Indian languages, in the IT World of today.

'16'

    As per the provisional data available from the Directorate Gener5al of Commercial intelligence and Statistics, Calcutta, sector-wise export performance of major sectors of Indian exports for the year 1999-2000 is given below. As may be seen, Gems & Jewellery and Textiles are the major contributors to the country’s export basket.

    There Are 16,280 manned level crossings on Indian Railways. Out of which, only 6,120 are already provided with Signalling System. Identification of the crossings for being equipped with signalling system is done on the basis of density of rail cum road traffic, classification of level crossings and location etc.

    There is no plan to signal all the manned level crossings on Indian Railways. However, Signalling of these level crossings is progressively being done as per availability of resources.

    An Action Plan for interlocking of 1063 busy level crossing gates has been drawn. The same is being taken up progressively subject to availability of funds.

    The above information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri Rajo Singh .

    There are approximately 4600 number of encroachments on Railway land on both sides of the railway track from Subzi Mandi Railway Station to Khera Kalan Railway station on Delhi-Panipat railway line, approximately 6300 number of encroachments on railway land on one side of railway track between Azadpur and Rampura Cabin.

    Removal of encroachers from Railway land is a continuous process which is being undertaken under the provisions of Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Approximately 200 number of unauthorised constructions, including pucca structures, were removed near Badli Railway station in June 2000. Subsequently, some encroachers are repeatedly pitching their tents in the area. These are removed by the Railway as and when these come to notice. However, the policy of rehabilitation of unauthorised occupants of Government land is presently under review by the Central Government. No connivance of Railway officials in the matter has come to notice.

    The above information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in a written reply to a question by Shri manikrao Hodlya Gavit .

    During the Ninth Plan it was planned to renew 19250 km. of track for which the requirement of funds during the Ninth Plan was projected as Rs.13200 cr.(Gross). Due to resource constraint, target has been reduced to 13922 km. by the Planning Commission. Modernisation of coaching stock and wagons is a continuous process. A number of design improvements have been continuously incorporated over the years, to make the coaches and wagons more comfortable, reliable and safe. As regards modernisation of signalling system, the following measures are being taken depending upon the availability of funds:

1. Modern Signalling Systems, like Track circuiting, Interlocking and telephone at level crossings;
2. Multiple Aspect Colour Light Signalling (MACLS),
3. Centralised operations of points and signals,
4. Auxiliary Warning System, Second Distant Signal;
5. Last Vehicle check by Axle Counter.

    During the current financial year the zone-wise track targeted for renewal are as under:

    The above information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in a written reply to a question by S/shri Ashok N.Mohol and K.E.Krishnamurthy .

    The Government of Andhra Pradesh have proposed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Railways for developing a Multimodal urban Transport System for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad. A draft MOU is under finalisation for this purpose.

    This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in reply to a question from Shri K. Yerrannaidu.

    The work on Jammu-Udhampur Rail line was started in September, 1981. The work of about 11 km. (Jammu to Bajalta) out of total length of 53.2 km. Between Jammu to Udhampur has been completed. The expenditure incurred on this project is Rs.307 crores upto 31^st March ,2000.

    In order to provide value added service to rail customers and in view of scarcity of resources for funding terminal infrastructure, it has been decided, in principle, to invite private parties with sound credentials to set up freight terminals. The Terminal Service provider will provide all facilities for booking, loading/unloading, delivery, storage etc. of goods to the customers. The Railways will give suitable financial incentive to such service providers.

    A proposal has been received from one private company M/s.Continental Warehousing Corporation Ltd for setting up such a freight terminal at Garhi Harsaru, near Gurgaon.

    The above information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Jayaben B.Thakkar .

    Most of the closed steam loco sheds on Central Railway have been put to alternative uses as per Railways’ requirement such as Carriage and Wagon activities, diesel/electric locomotive sheds, stabling of Accident Relief Trains, crew booking etc. Some other steam sheds, which could not be put to any alternative use, have been abandoned.

    No instances of theft of Railway assets and encroachments of Railway land have so far been reported from these loco sheds over Central Railway.

    This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Digvijay Singh in reply to a question from Smt. Jayashree Banerjee.

'14'

    The work on the design of the Kudankulam Atomic Energy Project, Detailed Project Report (DPR) work is progressing as per schedule. Regarding this project, a supplement to the Inter-Governmental co-operation Agreement (IGA) was entered into between the Republic of India and erstwhile USSR in November 1988 and the Government of Russian Federation in June 1998. Both Indian and Russian sides have agreed to advance the finalization of the Project cost parameters of the techno-commercial offer, to enable an early decision by Government of India on start of the construction works at Kudankulam site. In parallel, a proposal for taking up first phase of infrastructure works at Kudankulam has been initiated.

    This information was given by Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

'42'

    The Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Ramesh Bais informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply, here today, that urea is the only fertilizer which is under statutory price and movement control and whose imports are made on Government account to bridge the gap between requirement and indigenous availability through designated canalizing agencies.

'25'

    Union Surface Transport Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh has underlined the need for timely utilization of plan funds to achieve accelerated development and modernization of the major ports and the Dredging Corporation of India.

PRESS NOTE

    Government’s attention has been drawn to news items in a section of the Press alleging that funding for the Khadi sector is on the decline. This is not correct. Against a provision of Rs. 280 crores to the KVIC in the financial year 1999-2000, a sum of Rs. 320 crores has been provided in the current financial year.

'35'

    Subject : Electoral Rolls - Use for commercial purposes - sale in parts

    Rule 33 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, provides that every person shall have the right to inspect and get attested copies of the electoral roll on payment of such fee as may be fixed by the Chief Electoral Officer.

    Clarifications were sought to know whether an individual has the right to buy a part of the electoral roll relating to a particular street or ward and whether copies of electoral rolls can be sold to commercial organisations for market research or any other purpose.

    The Commission has since decided that the electoral rolls being public documents, copies can be made available either in part or page-wise as requested by any individual or organisation. The Commission also decided that, for the same reason, the copies of entire sets of Electoral Rolls can also be bought by any organisation as per existing procedure for making use of it for market research or any other purpose. This would include both printed copies as well as copies available in CD-ROMs (Publication and Sale) version.

SUGAR DEVELOPMENT FUND

    As on 31 March, 2000 the closing balance in the Sugar Development Fund was Rs.975.23 crores (provisional). Details in terms of share of Private and Cooperative/Pubic Sector Sugar Mills towards Cess is not maintained Centrally by Government.

    Under Rule 18(1) of the Sugar Development Fund Rules, 1983 the Central Government sanctions grants-in-aid to established Institutions, connected with the Sugar Industry for carrying out research aimed at promotion and development of any aspect of sugar industry. During the period from 1988-99 to 1999-2000, a total of Rs. 34.11 crores has been sanctioned to 7 organisations/institutions for undertaking R&D work in various aspects of sugar industry. An amount of Rs. 19.62 crores has been disbursed to these organisations/institutions during the same period. As the Research and Development Projects funded from the Sugar Development Fund are generally related to the felt need for the development of sugarcane and sugar, these Projects have provided the necessary guidance in this regard.

    This information was given in the Rajya Sabha today by Shri Sriram Chauhan, Minister of State for Food, and Public Distribution in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a written reply.

RAJYA SABHA

SETTING UP OF NATIONAL COMMODITIES EXCHANGE

    In Principle approval to set up a National Multi Commodity Exchange has been given by the Government and the Forward Markets Commission has been advised to take further necessary action to complete the formalities.

'11'

    The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley has condemned the reported killing of ten persons and injuries to several others by terrorists in blasts in Srinagar today. Expressing grief over the killing of innocent persons including a photo journalist and injuries to several other journalists, Shri Jaitley expressed sympathies with the families of those killed.