RS. 48 CRORE TO BE SPENT FOR UPGRADED FACILITIES AT AIIMS
The facilities at AIIMS are being upgraded with establishment of an additional ward space, central lab. facilities and Air- conditioning of the existing C.N. Centre and setting up of an Organ Retrieval and Banking Organisation, at a total cost of Rs.47.96 crore.
`An Organ Retrieval and Banking Organisation is being set up in AIIMS at a cost of Rs. 7.21 crore. This facility is first of its kind in the country. The requisite certificate of registration has already been granted for Organ Transplant of the following organs under Transplantation of Human Act, 1994:
‘18’
RAJYA SABHA
VRS IN SAILThe Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the giant Public Sector Undertaking of Steel Ministry has spent Rs.159.44 crore on paying compensation and making other payments to its employees under Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) between 1986-87 and 1992-93.
The VR Scheme operated by SAIL during 1998 and 1999 was on deferred payment basis in which payment to an employee is to be made over the years depending upon age and period of service. On the basis of present valuation, the approximate compensation works out to be Rs.429.06 crores.
This information was given by the Minister for Steel, Shri B.K. Tripathy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
‘18’
RAJYA SABHA
CONTRACT EMPLOYEES IN MECONThe Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants India Limited (MECON) has in the past absorbed contract employees, subject to availability of permanent posts. Out of them 21 employees – 19 engineers, one typist and a messenger – have been regularised during the last five years. Regularisation of contract employees is made taking into account the availability of posts, seniority in employment in Contract Service, performance during contract employment and performance in interview in case of engineers.
This information was given by the Minister for Steel, Shri B.K. Tripathy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
'41'
Lok Sabha
Granite is found in various States of India but production of granite/dressed granite blocks and slabs is mainly confined to the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Granite from the State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are of high quality. The important localities are:
Andhra Pradesh: Khammam, Chittoor, Anantapur, Guntur, Kurnool, Karimnagar, Ongole, Warangal, Nalgonda and Prakasam districts. Karnataka: Bagalkot, Gadag, Koppal, Gulbarga, Hassan, Chamarajangar, Bangalore, Chickmagalur, Hassan, Kolar, Mysore, Tumkur, Uttar Kannad, Bellary, Bijapur and Raichur districts. Rajasthan: Jalore, Ajmer, Alwar, Barmer, Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu, Pali, Sirohi and Nagaur districts. Tamil Nadu: Villupuram, Tirhchirapalli, Kanyakumari, South Arcot, Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Coimbatore and North Arcot districts.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has undertaken systematic regional assessment of Dimension Stone Granite (DSG) from 1994 onwards in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal. In addition to GSI, various Directorates of Mining and Geology of different State Governments are also conducting surveys for DSG.
GSI has covered areas of Kanakpura Taluka, Bangalore district and in parts of Tumkur, Chamrajanagar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Bagalkol and Bijapur districts of Karnataka. A total of 202,986,000 cubic meters of recoverable reserves of DSG has been estimated.
In Tamil Nadu the area covered by GSI falls within Villupuram, Tiruchirapalli, Salem Dharampura and Madurai-Pudukottai districts. A total of 20,340,000 cubic meters of recoverable reserves of DSG has been estimated.
This information was given by the Minister for Youth Affairs, Sports and Mines, Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa in a written reply to a question asked by Shri P.D. Elangovan in Lok Sabha today.
'41'
Lok Sabha
Government has approved expansion of the capacity of NALCO’s Bauxite Mines from 2.4 million Tonne Per Year (MTPY) to 4.8 MTPY and that of their Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi in Orissa from 0.8 MTPY to 1.575 MTPY investing Rs. 1665 crores (June 1996 price level) in December 1996. The project is to be implemented in 51 months time from the date of Government approval.
Government has also approved expansion of the capacity of NALCO’s Aluminium Smelter at Angul, Orissa from 230000 TPY to 345000 TPY and that of the Captive Power Plant from 720 MW to 840 MW by investing Rs. 2062 crores (June 1997 price level) in February 1998. The project is to be implemented in 51 months time from the date of Government approval.
This information was given by the Minister for Youth Affairs, Sports and Mines, Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa in a written reply to a question asked by Shri Prabhat Samantray in Lok Sabha today.
‘13’
LOK-SABHATECHNOLOGY BEING DEVELOPED FOR PRODUCING TITANIUM SPONGE
A technology is being developed for the conversion of Titanium from raw material to sponge form. This will help in producing titanium sponge in industrial scale sizes for use in commercial plants.The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) Hyderabad is trying to develop this technology in collaboration with Nuclear Fuel complex and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic research. The technology development activity first started in producing 2-ton batch sizes, but now 3.5 ton batch sizes is currently underway by state-of-the-art combined process technology. Early this year, the process parameters were optimised and product purity of titanium sponge achieved as per international standards. Some titanium sponge has already been supplied to Hyderabad based defence public sector unit for melting and conversion trials to mill products.
The need for a 1000 tonne per annum Titanium sponge plant was long-felt and the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) had also reiterated the same in its report "Titanium-a Material for the future." A study has since been taken up by the Department of Atomic Energy to determine the viability of setting up a plant with a 400-tonne per annum capacity.
Titanium, a wonder metal is as strong as steel but much lighter in weight. It has wide applications in strategic and industrial areas including aerospace, power and Bio-medicines.
This information was given in a written reply in Parliament.
'26'
Lok Sabha
REPLACEMENT OF GSAs BY CONSOLIDATORS
As a result of significant changes in aviation industry practices relating to passenger and cargo transportation, Air India has decided to initiate the process of replacing General Sales Agents (GSAs) in major territories with a few consolidators, for each territory. This will provide not only wider market coverage but also promote healthy competition between them benefiting both the airlines as well as the consumer.
Besides the normal 9% agency commission, GSAs are also entitled to an overriding commission (ORC) not exceeding 3%. The amount likely to be saved by Air India can not be quantified since it would differ from territory to territory, and depend on the newly appointed consolidators’ performance in meeting their targets.
This information was given by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav in a written reply to a question asked by Shri Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi in Lok Sabha today.
'26'
Lok Sabha
PAYMENT MADE BY ALLIANCE AIRLINES TO INDIAN AIRLINES
Indian Airlines transferred since April 1996, its fleet of 12 Boeing 737 aircraft to Alliance Air. The ownership of the aircraft remains with Indian Airlines and aircraft are on lease to Alliance Air. There is a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Indian Airlines and Alliance Air with the approval of the Boards of two airlines. This provides for payment of following charges by Alliance Air to Indian Airlines:-
Alliance Air has a total staff strength of 681 employees of which 79 are on deputation from Indian Airlines. The Managing Director and other senior management personnel are also on deputation from Indian Airlines.
The maintenance of Alliance Air is supervised by Engineers of Indian Airlines. 10 Engineers are on deputation from Indian Airlines to Alliance Air. Indian Airlines has also sent on deputation 17 Pilots to Alliance Air.All other costs of operations are borne by Alliance Air.
Alliance Air utilises the services of Indian Airlines for all activities except those that are essential for it to be a scheduled airline or to comply with requirements of Companies Act for it to be an autonomous company. Accordingly Alliance Air carries out maintenance of aircraft upto flight release, prepares flight plans, prepares its accounts and maintains records of personal on its rolls, Alliance Air has not created any parallel department for services provided by Indian Airlines.
This information was given by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav in a written reply to a question asked by Shrimati Sheela Gautam in Lok Sabha today.
‘19’ SEMI AUTOMATIC LOOM APPROVED FOR DECENTRALISED POWERLOOM SECTOR:TUFS
GOVERNMENT REVIEWS TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION FUND SCHEME
The Government has approved Semi Automatic Loom for decentalised powerloom sector. This was decided after a review by the high-powered Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) comprising of the Secretary (Textiles) as Chairman, representatives of RBI, IDBI, SIDBI and IFCI besides the representatives of the industry and textile machinery association and others here last week.
The following important decisions were also taken:-
The Technology Upgradation fund Scheme was launched on 1-4-99 for modernisation of the textile and jute industries. As on 30-6-2000, a total of 612 applications with a project cost of Rs. 8486 crore were received, out of them 424 applications with a loan amount of Rs. 3084 crore were sanctioned and 247 applications with a loan amount of Rs. 1002 crore were disbursed.
'24'
LOK SABHA |
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN TELECOM SECTOR
With the announcement of New Telecom Policy (NTP), the telecom sector in India offers enormous investment opportunities for the investors, including, foreign investors. FDI is permitted upto 49% in the companies offering telecom services. In the area of telecom equipment manufacturing 100% foreign equity is allowed. It is hoped that when new investment opportunities are announced offers are invited, for services like National Long Distance, Basic, Cellular Mobile and other Value Added Services, there would be a good response from the foreign investors. Stating this in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Tapan Sikdar informed the Members that Government has taken a number of steps including permitting foreign direct investment through automatic route for increasing the foreign investment in the telecom sector. The total inflow of FDI made in the telecom sector during the last three years is as under :-
| Year | FDI inflow (Rs. in crore) |
| 1997 | 1245.19 |
| 1998 | 1775.64 |
| 1999 | 212.67 |
| TOTAL | 3233.50 |
'24'
| LOK SABHA |
The Department of Telecom Services (DTS) is executing a plan to provide bandwidth on demand upto almost all the District Headquarters by March 2001 subject to availability of resources. Stating this in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Tapan Sikdar said that the DTS has already commissioned 14,000 route kms of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) capacity Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) optical fibre network and is in the process of commissioning another 39,000 kms of 2.5 Gbps capacity SDH network by March 2001 subject to timely availability of material.
The Minister further informed the House that the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) is already having about 310 Megabits per second (Mbps) international bandwidth for Internet and is taking steps to procure another 500 Mbps shortly.
'16'
INTER-MINISTERIAL GROUP TO STUDY IMPACT OF QRs REMOVAL
The government has decided to constitute an Inter-Ministerial Group to study the impact of removal of quantitative restrictions (QRs). Besides, a Group of Ministers has been entrusted with the task of suggesting ways and means of empowering the SSI sector. The groups will be suggesting remedial measures from time to time. This was indicated by Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry in a written reply to an Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Representations have been received from certain sections of domestic industry expressing their apprehensions about the likely adverse impact of import restrictions removal. The industries, which have represented on the issue include producers of umbrella, glass/ceramic products, salt, footwear, toys, writing instruments, automotive tyres, marble and edible oil.
Based on representations received from edible oil industry and from growers of oil seeds, the customs duty on import of edible oil has been increased on 12/6/2000. "The total duty of customs on 'edible grade crude vegetable oils (excluding coconut oil, palm oil and its fractions whether refined or not) imported in loose or bulk form for the manufacture of vanaspati or for refining' has been increased from 16.5% to 27.5%, the duty on 'refined vegetable oils (other than coconut oil, RBD palm oil, RBD palm kernel oil and palm stearin) of edible grade in loose or bulk form' has been increased from 32.6% to 44.04%. Similarly, the duty on 'coconut oil and refined palm oil' has been increased from 44.04% to 50.8%", it is stated in another reply.
'16'
Cars are classified under Exim Code No.87.03 of ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items, 1997-2002, and import of these items is presently restricted. In view of India's international commitments, all quantitative restrictions on imports maintained by India for balance of payment reasons are required to be removed by 1/4/2001.
Research and Information Systems for the Non-Aligned and Other Developing countries (RIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has conducted a study on behalf of Association of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on the WTO regime and its implications for the Indian Automobile Industry. This study has stated that the implementation of the commitments undertaken by India as a member of the WTO will have far reaching implications for the automobile industry in India. As regards the impact on the domestic automobile industry in other countries, it has stated that the countries which have allowed the import of second hand (used) vehicles have not been successful in establishing a competitive automobile industry.
However, even after removal of quantitative restrictions, the imports will still be subject to applicable tariffs, technical standards and environment and safety norms. These measures singly or in combination can be appropriately used to create a level playing field for the domestic automobile industry. A decision on this issue will be taken in due course after examining all relevant aspects.
This was indicated in a written reply to an Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha today.
'16'
As per Exim Policy, export of rice is free subject to registration with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Export of wheat is also free subject to quantitative ceilings as may be notified by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) from time to time and Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate issued by APEDA.
In order to liquidate surplus wheat stocks, the following decisions have been taken:
This was indicated by Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
'17'
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGE FOR J & K -- Dr. RAMAN SINGH
A proposal from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has been received in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry requesting for a package similar to the North East Industrial policy for the State of J & K. The proposal of the State government will be kept in view as an when any package specifically for the State is prepared, Dr. Raman Singh, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
'17'
NO DECISION YET ON ALLOWING 100 PER CENT FDI FOR CERTAIN SSI ITEMS IN SEZs -- Dr. RAMAN SINGH
No decision has been taken yet on allowing 100% FDI for certain items reserved for the small scale sector in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Dr. Raman Singh, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
In the Export & Import Policy (1997-2002) incorporating amendments made upto 31st March, 2000, government has announced a Policy for setting up of SEZs in the country for promotion of exports. SEZs can be set up in the public, private, joint sector or by the state governments. There is no proposal to set up any new SEZ by the central government. However, some of the existing EPZs are proposed to be converted into SEZs. The criteria kept in view while locating SEZs include proximity to sea/airport, availability of basic infrastructural facilities like roads, power and water supply, banking, communication facilities and access to social infrastructure such as housing, health & educational facilities. SEZs are yet to become operational.
'17' FIPB APPROVAL NOT NEEDED FOR ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN UNDER THE AUTOMATIC ROUTE PRESS NOTE
Clarifications are being sought as to whether a company holding an approval through Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) needs to apply afresh to FIPB to add activities in addition to those already permitted.
It is clarified that regardless of whether the original activities were undertaken with government approval or by accessing the automatic route, if the additional activities proposed to be undertaken are covered under the automatic route, these may be undertaken without seeking approval through the FIPB.
'31'
LOK SABHA
GENE BANKS ESTABLISHED TO HELP IN CONSERVATION OF RARE HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANTS
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. Rita Verma has informed the Lok Sabha today during the Question Hour in a written reply that 29 species of herbal medicinal plants are stated to be rare/ endangered. Wild Life Sanctuaries, National Parks, Biosphere Reserves and Botanical Gardens are used for conservation of such plants. Gene Banks have also been established to help in conservation of plants.Central Sector Scheme has been implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research for encouraging farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants. Agro techniques are being developed for ex-situ cultivation. A number of varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants have been developed and made available to the farmers for cultivation.
'31'
LOK SABHA
INTEGRATED BASIC REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH CARE THROUGH PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. Rita Verma has informed the Lok Sabha today during the Question Hour in a written reply that National Population Policy,2000 envisages decentralised planning and programme implementation in which Panchayati Raj Institutions are key participants. Panchayati Raj Institutions from village Panchayat upwards will need strengthening by further delegation of administrative and financial powers.The National Population Policy, 2000 envisages convergence of service delivery at village levels through the Panchayati Raj Institutions, beginning with the village Panchayats. It is envisaged that Representative Committee would be formed from Gram Panchayat upwards preferably headed by elected women Panchayat members. These Committees will identify area specific unmet needs for reproductive health services and they will prepare need based, socio-demographic plans at the Village levels. These plans will identify people centered and integrated basic reproductive and child health care.
The National Population Policy, 2000 further envisages that self help groups will promote out reach upto household levels. A one stop, integrated service delivery is contemplated at village levels through these self help groups and with convergence of services.
'31'
LOK SABHA
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. Rita Verma has informed the Lok Sabha today during the Question Hour in a written reply that a Committee of Secretaries under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary reviews performance of four States namely; Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on quarterly basis in the implementation of Family Welfare Programme.The National Population Policy, 2000 envisages strengthening and energising the family planning services in these four States.
Prime Minister has announced the formation of an Empowered Action Group within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in particular for paying focussed attention to these States with deficient National Socio-Demographic Indices, during the first meeting of the National Commission of Population held at Delhi on 22nd July, 2000.
`10'
RAJYA SABHA
AMENDMENT OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT, 1986
The Government is considering replacement of Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 by a new Act soon. The details of the proposed Bill are being finalized. Major provisions of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) will be incorporated in the proposed Bill.
The main purposes and objectives of bringing a new legislation are:
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
`10'
RAJYA SABHAUPLIFTMENT OF HANDICAPPED AND WIDOWS
A number of schemes are already being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to uplift the conditions of persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities. During the current financial year, 2000-01, provision of Rs. 230.10 crore (Plan) and Rs. 31.05 crore (Non-Plan) has been provided for the disability sector. In addition, Rs. 31.70 crore (Plan) is earmarked for North-East region. No State-wise funds are earmarked.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Women and Child Development is implementing the under-mentioned schemes wherein preference is given to the marginalized women:
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has provided grant-in-aid to the Guild of Service, New Delhi for their project for rehabilitation of widows at Vrindavan (U.P.). A total grant-in-aid of Rs. 15.97 lakhs has been given during the period from 1998-99 to 2000-01.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘21’
2 POINT INCREASE IN ALL INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBER FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS
The All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 1982=100 has in June, 2000 increased by two points to stand at 442 (four hundred and forty two). It had increased by 1 point during June, 1999.
The Fall/Rise in the index varied from centre to centre. In 41 centres, the increase in index was noticed between 1 to 14 points, in 9 centres it remained constant while in 20 centres it recorded a decrease of 1 to 4 points when compared to the previous month.
The index in respect of six main centres for June, 2000 stood at the following level:-
1. Ahmedabad 443 4. Chennai 476
2. Bangalore 423 5. Delhi 520
3. Calcutta 440 6. Mumbai 513
The point to point rate of inflation, based upon the CPI-IW has increased from 5.01 per cent in May, 2000, to the level of 5.24 per cent in June, 2000. In June, 1999 it was 5.26 per cent.
'25' GOVERNMENT ASKS MUMBAI PORT TO REMOVE IMPEDIMENTS IN CARGO GROWTH The Department of Shipping have asked the Mumbai Port Trust to take suitable steps to overcome impediments in the way of growth of container cargo.
Following reports that, of late, there has been a flight of container cargo from Mumbai Port to Jawaharlal Nehru Port causing avoidable inconvenience and loss of business both to Mumbai Port and to The trade, the Department of Shipping carried out an analysis which inter alia, revealed that the trade was constrained by the functioning of the Octroi Department, which allegedly delayed clearance by over 2 days as the "N" form procedure was reportedly being denied forcing it to pay Octroi Duty first and claim refund after cargo passed out of the limits of Greater Mumbai.
Also, against the actual cost of Rs.4,500 per 20’ and Rs.8,000 per 40’ container, the Shipping companies were being permitted to recover heavy additional charges amounting to Rs.8,375 per 20’ container and approx Rs.18,000 per 40’ container as terminal handling charges through the Steamer agents. Additionally, the steamer agents at Mumbai Port were also recovering Rs.400 and Rs.800 per 20’ and 40’ container respectively as grounding charges for examination and thereafter for effecting clearance.
It has also come to notice that there were difficulties in organizing the booking of steamer Agents Stevedore Labour gang and the MbPT labour gang prior to effecting clearance of cargo. Even after the customs duty had been paid, cargo examination and clearance could not be effected on the same day which leads to cost escalation. The trade is also made to pay additional container detention charges @ US$ 48 per TEC. A number of other charges were being imposed on the trade by the steamer agents under various heads such as ‘delivery order charges’, ‘IGM amendment fees’, ‘administrative charges for payment of Stamp Duty’, and ‘ container clearing and washing charges’.
While allowing for a reasonable amount of competitive spirit among the Major Ports, in an overall global scenario, Government are of the view that avoidable irritants in the promotion of container cargo traffic ought to be removed.
The total income of Mumbai Port has come down from Rs.686 crores in 1998-99 to Rs.615.93 crores in 1999-2000.
'14'
SHRI V.K.CHATURVEDI NEW CMD OF NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED
Shri V.K.Chaturvedi today took over the charge of Chairman and Managing Director of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector enterprise under the department of Atomic Energy, from Shri Ch. Surendar at Corporate Head Office at Vikrim Sarabhai Bhavan, Mumbai.
Prior to assuming the charge of CMD, NPCIL, Shri Chaturvedi was holding the charge of Executive Director (Kudankulam), Project Director (RAPS-1&2) and (RAPP-3&4). Shri V.K.Chaturvedi has 34 years of experience of design and construction, commissioning and operation of various nuclear power units.
‘5’
Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I/M) have agreed to further extend the CEASE FIRE for a period of one year w.e.f. August 01, 2000. The cease fire was to expire today. Government of India and the NSCN have also decided to move forward with the peace process to bring about a lasting political solution to the Naga issue. It is also felt that there is a need for mutual trust. The ‘Agreed Ground Rules’ shall be implemented during the current ‘cease fire’ period in letter and spirit.
| LOK SABHA |
WATER SHARING AGREEMENT WITH PAKISTAN
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between the Governments of India and Pakistan, fixing and delimiting the rights and obligations of India and Pakistan in relation to each other concerning use of waters of the Indus system of rivers.
As per the Treaty, all the waters of Eastern Rivers namely, The Ravi, The Beas and the Sutlej are available for unrestricted use of India. However, Pakistan has been allowed use of waters of the Sutlej and Ravi Main for Domestic and Non-Consumptive purposes. Withdrawal of waters from certain tributaries of river Ravi for irrigating 45,500 acres of area has also been allowed to Pakistan.
India shall let flow all the waters of the western Rivers namely, the Indus, The Jhelum and the Chenab, but has been allowed to use them for Domestic use, Non-Consumptive use, limited agricultural use and generation of hydro-electric power from Run-of-River Plants. 3.6 MAF of storage has also been permitted to India on Western Rivers for various uses. Specified withdrawals from Ranbir and Pratap Canals are also permitted to India.
Complying with the provisions available in the Treaty for the purpose, the projects so far undertaken in India include a number of run-of-river hydro-electric projects such as Salal (690 MW), Uri (480 MW) and Lower Jhelum (105 MW and irrigation projects, but no storage work on the Western Rivers. The Irrigated Cropped Area within the basin of Western Rivers was 8,11,225 acres during 1998-99 against the permissible limit of 13,43,477 acres. Major works such as Bhakra-Nangal and Beas projects on the Eastern Rivers have already been completed. The works of Ranjit Sagar Dam, Indira Gandhi Nahar Project, Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal, Sidhmukh-Nahar Project and Shahpur Kandi Barrage are yet to be completed.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Water Resources, Smt. Bijoya Chakravarty, in the current Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha.
| LOK SABHA |
CESS ON IRRIGATION PROJECTS ASSISTED BY WORLD BANK
Water being a State subject, irrigation projects are planned, funded and executed by the state Governments. Water rates for irritation are also fixed by the State Governments. In pursuance of the legal covenant under the financing agreement signed by the respective state Governments with the World Bank, collection of water charges to cover the operation and maintenance cost and participation of farmers/beneficiaries in the management of the respective projects/schemes in the phased manner is taken care of by the concerned states.The World Bank assistance is transferred to the State Governments by Government of india in the form of Additional Central Assistance i.e., 70% loan and 30% grant in case of General states and 90% grant and 10% loan in case of special Category States. Union Government also extends Central Loan Assistance to the State Governments for completion of irrigation projects under Centrally sponsored Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). The assistance under AIBP is given on sharing basis i.e., 2/3rd Central Government and 1/3rd by State Government in case of General States and 3/4th by Central Government and 1/4th by State Governments in case of Special Category States and drought prone KBK (Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput) districts of Orissa.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Water Resources, Smt. Bijoya Chakravarty, in the current Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha.
RAJYA SABHA
'10-A'
UPLIFTINGTHE FINANCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE TRIBALS
The Revised Long Term Action Plan formulated by the Union Planning Commission (1998-99 to 2006-7) for development of the undivided districts of Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi (KBK) in Orissa consists of Central Plan and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in various sectors namely, Agriculture, Horticulture, Watershed Development, Afforestation, Rural Employment, Irrigation, Health, Drinking Water and Rural Connectivity.After the initiation of the Revised Long Term Action Plan, an additional funds of Rs. 37 crore were provided in the annual Plan 1998-99 of Orissa specifically for these districts. Besides, Rs. 7 crore were provided for the emergency Feeding Programme and Rs. 2 crore for Mobile Health Units.
For the Annual Plan 1999-2000, an additional amount of Rs. 37 crore has been allocated over and above Rs. 10 crore earmarked for Drinking Water Supply, Rs. 8.60 crore for Emergency Feeding Programme and Rs. 2 crore for Mobile Health Units.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Mr. Jual Oram, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
RAJYA SABHA
'10-A'
WELFARE PROGRAMMES FOR SCs/STs
Schemes and programmes for the welfare and upliftment of Scheduleded Castes and Scheduled Tribes are reviewed on an on-going basis for removal of any bottlenecks and deficiencies that may be noticed during the course of their implementation. In order to ensure proper and timely implementation of the schemes and programmes and the inteneded benefits reach the target groups, an effective system has been put in place to monitor namely, the release of funds to States/UTs is made on the basis of a detailed examination of the proposals received, submission of Utilization Certificates in respect of past releases before fresh releases are made, obtaining of periodic progress reports received from the states/UTs showing the progress of implementation of schemes, the beneficiaries covered and other relevant information/data, visit of Senior officers from the Ministries to the States/UTs to assess the progress of implementation of schemes and convening the meetings with Staste Secretaries in charge of the subject to ascertain the progress of implementation of schemes.This information was given by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.