Subsequently, there have been many queries from the individual entrepreneurs, SSI units, state governments etc., seeking clarifications on the status of SSI units set up prior to the issue of order dated the 24^th December, 1999. The matter has been carefully considered and the position is clarified as under:

1. units that have obtained permanent registration based on the order dated 10^th December, 1997 would continue to remain as SSI units, in spite of the order dated 24^th December, 1999, reducing the investment limit to Rs. 1 crore;
2. units which had switched over to the SSI status based on the order dated 10^th December 1997 would continue to remain as SSI units, in spite of the order dated 24^th December, 1999; and
3. units which have got provisional registration with the state authorities for their SSI status would continue to remain as SSI units, in spite of the order dated 24^th December, 1999, provided the provisional registration had taken place within the period of limitation of 180 days specified in the order dated 10^th December, 1997.

    This is for information of all concerned.

    The Centre has appointed 1586 Notaries all over the country so far. The Notaries are appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952 and the Notaries Rules, 1956.

    Apart from attesting various judicial and non-judicial documents, the Notaries also exercise the function of Protem Judge, Magistrate, Commissioner and Arbitrator when so directed by the courts.

    Under the Notaries Rules, a person may apply for appointment as a Notary if he has been practising as a lawyer for 10 year. In case the applicant for notaryship is a person belonging to the Schedule Castes or Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes or women then the condition for eligibility for appointment as a Notary is seven years of legal practice. These categories of advocates are required to apply for Notary Public on the prescribed form (Memorial) which has to be countersigned by a Magistrate, a Bank Manager, a merchant and two permanent local residents.

    Thereafter, the competent authority in the Department of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs examines the application. The competent authority also ascertains from State Bar Council, Bar Association and other authority in the area where the applicant proposes to practise as Notary. The objections, if any, to the appointment of the applicant as a Notary prompts the competent authority to provide an opportunity to the applicant for hearing against objections. After considering objections and various factors mentioned in the Notaries Rules, 1956, a decision to appoint or reject the applicant is taken by the competent authority.

    That is how the application for appointment of a Notary is processed and considered by the Central Government.

    The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has adopted some new strategies to strengthen its export. Those include market segmentation and sustained presence in respective segments, value added exports, effective market intelligence, improve infrastructure at loading ports and steel plants. At present import and export of iron & steel is freely allowed. The strategy for import /export of steel is evolved by the users/importers keeping in view the demand, source of procurement and other relevant factors.

    An expert group submitted its report in 1997 on the expert strategies for Indian Steel Industry. As a follow up measure a Steel Exporters Forum (SEF), was constituted for promotion of export of Iron & Steel and to resolve common problems being faced by Iron & Steel exporters in the country. The representatives from the major steel producers/associations and Central government Ministries such as Steel, Finance, Surface Transport, Railways & Commerce have been included in the forum.

    Besides, to provide overall direction to the research efforts on iorn & steel and to approve specific research projects, an Empowered Committee has been constituted. For development of ports and infrastructural facilities exports of iron & steel, higher allocation of funds has been recommended by the Ministry of Steel. For exports of specific iron and steel items, Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) rates have been rationalised. As a result of these measures the exports of steel is increasing over the last few years.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel, Shri Dilip Ray in written replies in Lok Sabha today.

    TISCO, Jamshedpur, Jindal Strips, Delhi, Shah Alloys, Ahmedabad, SMS Demag, Germany and Avesta Sheffield, Sweden have offered their Expression of Interest (EOI) for participation in the proposed joint venture for Salem Steel Plant (SSP) of Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL).

    The advertisement issued by SAIL indicated that for seeking EOI the strategic partner(s) should have the following pre-qualifications. They should have sound technical, financial and managerial expertise in the area of stainless steel production and a minimum of ten years of consistent and proven experience in the production of quality stainless steel in different grades of AISI 300 and 400 series – particularly in 304 and 430 grades in hot rolled and cold rolled coils. Preferably, they should possess demonstrable experience of marketing stainless steel products in the international arena with a global network. They should have net worth in excess of Rs.5,000 million or US $ 115 Million.

    The advertisement also indicated that the Strategic partner shall comply with SAIL’s decision to absorb all personnel presently working in SSP, with full protection of their existing compensation package and other service conditions, in case of joint venture through equity participation in Salem Steel Plant.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel, Shri Dilip Ray in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    The Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) floated a global tender for the revival of Indian Iron & Steel Company (IISCO). In response to this tender a proposal was received from M/s Tyazhpromexport (TPE), whose modified proposal is dependant on decision by the Russian Government on use of a part of Rupee Debt Repayment funds. Considering the importance attached to the project, the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, recommended during its Sixth Session that the Russian Government may convey their response by February, 2000. However, as yet no official reply has been received from them.

    In the meantime, Government has allowed SAIL to have a minority share holding in any Joint Venture contemplated for revival of IISCO. June 2001 is the target for SAIL to form a Joint Venture for the revival of IISCO.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel, Shri Dilip Ray in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    International Organization for Standardization (ISO) would try to reduce the cost of participation for developing countries for projects related to formulation of standards; said Prof. Giacomo Elias, President of ISO. Prof. Elias who is on a visit to India called on Shri Shanta Kumar, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution here today also said that in his capacity as President of the Organisation he would strive to mobilise funds from developing countries for setting up Internet facilities for holding video conferences for standards formulation.

    ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is the largest of a handful of International Standards Organizations, most of which are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO has 134 member countries which support the development of about one thousand consensus-based International Standards each year. Since the mid 1980s, ISO has undertaken to help developing countries benefit from the use of International Standards, and also to help them in setting up and developing standardization infrastructures suited to the specific needs of their own economies.

    ISO helps to organise country-specific projects by extending highest level participation and technical assistance. The projects are focused on assessment needs and recommendations on ways and means on incorporating standardization objectives into national strategies for economic development.

    The Government has introduced a comprehensive new industrial policy for the entire North-Eastern region, including Sikkim during the last three years. This is an addition to the ongoing programmes/schemes implemented by Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), etc. for promotion of SSI sector in the country.

    Specific relaxation has been provided for the North-Eastern region, including Sikkim, under the Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana, which is aimed at providing self-employment to educated unemployed youth. This includes, age relaxation (40 years under general category as compared to 35 years in other parts of the country), higher family income limit (Rs. 40,000/- per annum as compared to Rs. 24,000/- in other parts of the country) and higher subsidy component (up to maximum of Rs. 15,000/- as compared to a ceiling of Rs. 7,500/- in other parts of the country).

    During the next financial year also the ongoing schemes are proposed to be continued for promotion of SSI Sector in NE Region. Besides, a new Tool Room and Training Centre is in the process of being set up at Guwahati at a cost of Rs. 13.28 crores.

    This information was given by Minister for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    Promotion of Small Scale Industries and Tiny Sectors has been one of the conscious policies of the Government. A large number of schemes are being implemented for their promotion, these include technology upgradation, market development, entrepreneurship development, infrastructure development and creation of I.T. infrastructure. SSI Credit comes under the priority sector lending of the banks. 60 per cent of the priority sector credit going to SSI Sector is reserved for tiny units. In addition, several measures have been announced in the Budget 2000-2001 to improve the supply of credit to this sector. These include raising the limit of loan without collaterals from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakhs, doubling the quantum of Single Window composite Loan (both term loan and working capital) from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs, extending the operation of Technology Development and Modernisation Fund Scheme by another 3 years and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs to the tiny sector entrepreneurs. Besides, several fiscal concessions have been given to this sector.

    This information was given by Minister for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

'42'

    The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Suresh Prabhu has said that India can become a net exporter of agricultural products in the post World Trade Organisation (WTO) order. Shri Prabhu was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Agriculture Summit 2000, here yesterday. The Minister felt that fresh investments in the agriculture sector would be needed so that the country can successfully face the post-WTO order. Shri Prabhu also felt that corporatization of agriculture is not the answer to facing the emerging new economic order.

    Of all the sector of the economy agriculture is probably at an advantage in terms of export potential in the post-WTO scenario, Shri Prabhu said. The Minister also said that so far Indian agricultural scientists have done a tremendous job by being able to produce food for the growing population, it is a credit to them that since 1969 we have been able to achieve food security. However, attention needs to be paid to the growing population, the Minister felt. The question is will our agricultural scientists and farmers be able to continue to produce more food for the ever-growing population? Tied to this is the question of environment. Agriculture, which depends on water, will have to increasingly compete with dwindling sources of water, Shri Prabhu said.

    Touching on the question of the role of the small farmers in relation to the post WTO order, the Minister felt a new model needs to be developed so that this type of farmer can survive. Maybe the small farmer can depend on co-operatives to sell his products, the Minister said. Finally, touching on Information Technology (IT), the Minister felt so far this field is considered to be elicit. However, IT can help our farming community by providing agriculture information system for them. E-commerce will mean that markets will shrink and this can be used to bring the farmer closer to the consumer.

    The Summit was attended by a number of eminent authorities on agriculture and a number of former Ministers including Dr. Balram Jhakhar (former Agriculture Minister), Shri Sompal (former Minister of State for Agriculture) and Shri Shivraj Patil (former Lok Sabha Speaker).

‘5’

    A total of 452 Kms. And 1035 Kms. of border with Pakistan has been fenced and flood lit in Punjab and Rajasthan sectors at a cost of Rs.141.90 crores and Rs.396.79 crores respectively. Certain unfeasible riverine and shifting sand dune areas in Punjab and Rajasthan respectively have been left unfenced. Government have also approved a comprehensive proposal for construction of fencing and flood lighting on raised embankments, border roads, link road and Border Out Posts in 310 Kms. Of Rann of Kutch area in Gujarat Sector at an estimated cost of Rs.380.00 crores. Work in 10 Kms. Stretch has already started. A multi-modal approach for sealing 195 Kms. of Jammu International border at an estimated cost of Rs. 23.00 crores has also been planned. International border between India and Nepal is open border and no passport & visa are required by the citizens of the two countries to travel across the International border. However, measures have been taken to enhance cooperation with Nepal, particularly with regard to implementing effective border management. The concerned agencies of the two Governments remain in regular touch. There are also bilateral institutional mechanisms for developing cooperation on security measures and to address these concerns. Both sides have agreed to take well coordinated measures, including stepping up vigil along the contiguous border districts of India and Nepal to prevent misuse of the open Indo-Nepal border. Policing on Indo-Nepal border has also been intensified and strengthened.

    This information was given by Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Minister of State for Home Affairs in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha by Shri Rahasbihari Barik.

‘5’

    Under the Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces, the following funds have been released to the Government of Andhra Pradesh:

(as on 21.2.2000)

(Rs. in lakhs)

    In addition to the above, an amount of Rs.30.46 crores has been reimbursed to the Government of Andhra Pradesh as 50% of the expenditure incurred by the State Government in combating the left wing extremist activities during the period April 1, 1996 to March 31, 2000, under the Scheme of Reimbursement of Security Related Expenditure incurred by the States affected by left wing extremism.

    The Central Government has set up a Coordination Centre, headed by the Union Home Secretary with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of the States seriously affected by left wing extremism, as its members, to review and coordinate the steps taken by these States to check extremist activities, monitor the plan of action in respect of each State and to make recommendations both on development and security aspects of the problem.

    The Coordination Centre has been meeting periodically. Several important decisions such as providing financial support from the Centre for combating left wing extremist activities, construction/improvement of identified critical roads, preparation of plans for development of affected areas to tackle the problem in holistic manner, sharing of intelligence inputs on constant basis, providing help of Para Military Forces on need basis, etc., have also been taken and effectively followed-up.

    This information was given by Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Minister of State for Home Affairs in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha by Shri Solipeta Ramachandra Reddy.

'42'

    The Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Suresh Prabhu has said he will be directing the Indian Farmers’ Fertilizer Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) and the Krishak Bharati Co-operative Limited (KIRBHCO) to give maximum possible work to labour co-operatives for various projects being implemented by them. These two co-operatives are under the administrative control of the Department of Fertilizers in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Shri Prabhu was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 2^nd National Labour Co-operative Congress, here today. The National Labour Co-operative Congress is being organised by the National Federation of Labour Co-operatives Limited, the apex organisation of the labour co-operative movement in the country. The Congress is held every three years.

    Shri Prabhu said co-operatives play a major role in the economy by providing employment opportunities to those who cannot get employment in the organised sector. He urged upon the Congress to deliberate how co-operatives can continue to play a role in the post-liberalization era. The Minister felt there is tremendous potential for the co-operative sector, if the Government and co-operatives work together.

    The Minister advised that the Congress should deliberate on the type of policies need to be created so that there will be no need for price preferences to be given to co-operatives. The Minister was referring to the request by the Chairman of the National Federation of Labour Co-operatives, Shri R.L. Kusalkar that the Central Government should provide concessional facilities to labour co-operatives in a number of areas like working capital finance and total exemption from payment of income tax as well as sales tax. Giving the example of IFFCO and KRIBHCO, the Minister said these two co-operatives have done major work in the co-operative sector without getting major concessions from the Government.

‘5’

    ‘Police’ is a State subject as per the Constitution of India. As such, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to train, equip and reform their police forces. However, the Central Government has been sending advisories to the State Governments, from time to time, on police related matters. Recently, on January 5, 2000 Central Governments has set up a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri K. Padmanabhaiah, ex-Union Home Secretary, with the following main terms of reference:

    This information was given by Shri I.D. Swami, Minister of State for Home Affairs in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha by Shri Nana Deshmukh.

'8'

    The Human Resource Development Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi has emphasised on the need to train Urdu knowing people in the Information Technology to provide employment. Dr. Joshi was speaking at the meeting of the National Council of Promotion of Urdu Language here today. He said, job opportunity will go hand in hand with the adoption of new technology. For this reason, the Urdu Council is making efforts to extend computer education. According to the new scheme, the Council has opened 54 computer centres in 47 districts of 18 states. The minister said,3065 students are being trained in these centres at a cost of 3 crore rupees per year.

    Dr.Joshi said, the new technology is a challenge for the Indian languages and the need of the hour is to keep pace with the changing world of knowledge. He called for developing software in Indian languages and expressed satisfaction that work in this direction has made substantial progress. The minister also called for efforts to strengthen the network for primary education with a view to reach the goal of 100 percent literacy. Dr. Joshi said, education through Urdu medium is a part of the National Core-Curriculum and also a part of the education policy and the National Literacy Mission of the Central Government. He called upon the Urdu Council to promote learning of Urdu in schools and help increase literacy.

    Prof. Gopi Chand Narang of the Council informed the gathering that about 60 percent of those currently undergoing training in the computer courses have already got job offers He said, the council’s budget has increased several fold in the recent years reflecting the importance given to the promotion of Urdu in various areas. In the opening session, members came up with suggestions to increase the number of institutes for training of IT professionals in Urdu with special emphasis on the training of girls. Members also suggested to introduce high-end courses at the upper level. Rajya Sabha Member Prof. K.R.Malkani and noted Urdu poet and cine personality Gulzar are among those who attended the meeting.

'15'

    The Fourth tranche of State Government Loans for the financial year 1999-2000 is scheduled to be floated on March 22, 2000 for an aggregate amount of Rs.1920 crore. In this tranche, seven State Governments will enter the market. The loans will be of 10 year maturity and carry a coupon rate of 11 per cent per annum.

'15'

WITHDRAWAL OF TAX EXEMPTIONS ON EXPORT EARNINGS WOULD NOT CURB ITS GROWTH: SINHA

    The Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha today said that withdrawal of IT exemptions on export earnings would not curb its growth. He said that the impact on export will be only 0.57 per cent a year which could be adjusted by a single day rupee currency fluctuation. The Finance Minister was addressing a post-Budget meet organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), here today. He said that the Government will not reverse the tax proposals even though the economy is in the pink of its health as there is a crisis of balancing the Budget. Shri Sinha said that there is no crisis of the economy like the 1990-91 as there is low inflation, high foreign exchange reserves and overall growth in production. However, he said the crisis is in balancing the government revenue and expenditure which is a matter of deep concern.

    About fiscal deficit, Shri Sinha said that the year 2000-01 is a special year. During this year there is exceptional expenditure on account of Kargil conflict, interim award of the 11^th Finance Commission and increased burden of payment of interest, which put together amount to an extra burden of Rs.35,000 crore on the Budget. The Finance Minister said that the Government could not have cut social expenditure, planned expenditure on basic infrastructure, and expenditure on rural development and agriculture. Shri Sinha said that the Government has complete control over the non-planned revenue expenditure and added that there would be continued attack on non-planned revenue expenditure to achieve success on this front. Expenditure control requires a sustained application of mind which the Government is unable to do and therefore an Expenditure Commission has been appointed, Shri Sinha said. The Finance Minister asked the industrialists to change their mindset of being special and desist from seeking exemptions and sops. He said that centre will try to sensitized all public agencies right from local bodies to states/UTs on controlling the national fiscal deficit.

'42'

PRICE OF BULK DRUGS ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE, ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE AND ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYL SUCCINATE REVISED

    The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the prices of bulk drugs Erythromycin Estolate from Rs. 3,896/kg. to Rs.4,090/kg., Erythromycin Stearate from Rs. 2,604/kg. to Rs. 2,533/kg. and Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate from Rs.4,392/kg. to Rs.4,626/kg. The price of Rs. 3,896/kg. of Erythromycin Estolate was notified on 15.7.97, while prices of Rs.2,604/kg. and Rs.4,392/kg. for Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate was notified on 17.11.99. The notifications are available on the NPPA website www.nppaindia.com.

    These price revisions have been carried out by conducting the fresh cost price study based on the data of M/s. Alembic Limited and M/s. Abbott Ltd.

    The revised notified prices shall become effective within 15 days from the date of notification in the Official Gazette. All the manufacturers of the formulations utilising these drugs in their scheduled formulations are advised to follow the provisions of DPCO, 1995 with regard to pricing of the derivative formulations.

‘5’

    As per information available with the Central Government, 2 incidents of violence and counter violence between members of the Reddy community and Scheduled Castes have taken place in village Kambalapalli of Police Station Kencharlahalli in the District of Kolar, Karnataka. The incidents resulted in the stabbing and subsequent death of one Krishna Reddy and burning alive of seven members of the Scheduled Caste community.

    The sequence of events reveals that on March 11, around 1930 hrs. a group of 15-20 persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste community which reportedly included two persons named Anjanappa and Sriramappa, stabbed one Krishna Reddy who died on the spot. In retaliation a group of 150-200 persons belonging to the Reddy community attacked the Colony of the village inhabited by the Scheduled Caste community around 2100 hrs. and set fire to the house belonging to Sriramappa and another adjoining house. Six persons (4 men and 2 women) died on the spot due to suffocation and burn injuries and one lady succumbed to her injuries later on way to hospital.

    The immediate provocation for the murder of Krishna Reddy is reported to be a verbal altercation between the Reddys and the Scheduled Castes on March 9 on some trivial issue.

    The State Police have arrested 15 persons in connection with the violence so far. Additional Police force has also been stationed at the village as well as the Special Divisional Headquarters at Chintamani and District Headquarters Kolar Prohibitory orders have been enforced at Chintamani & Kambalapalli areas since March 13, 2000. Investigations are on and senior police officials are supervising the investigation. The State Chief Minister, State Home Minister and other leaders have visited the spot and assured protection to the remaining Scheduled Caste families and arranged relief operations. The Chief Minister has announced institution of a judicial inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister has also announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs.1 lakh each, suitable employment to the next of kin of those killed, rehabilitation of the affected people and assured stringent action against those who were responsible for the heinous crimes.

    The situation currently is reported to be tense but under control.

‘5’

    This august House is aware of the history of militancy in Assam.

    Activities of various militant groups in the State have seriously disturbed the public order resulting in loss of life and property, besides thwarting the economic development of the State. The people are fed up with violence and yearn for peace.

    The Government of India are committed to the restoration of peace. The Government of India have also extended an invitation to all the militant groups to come forward for talks within the four corners of our Constitution.

    In pursuance of the said offer, the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) has suspended its operations against the Army, Para-Military Forces and State Police. The BLT has also agreed to completely abjure the path of violence in both letter and spirit and not to indulge in any unlawful activities in case the Government of India announces suspension of operations against it.

    In order to create an environment conducive to talks for finding a solution to the Bodo problem, Government has decided to suspend operations against the BLT with immediate effect.

    Efforts are continuing to convince other militant groups in the North-East to suspend their violent and unlawful activities and come to the negotiating table.

'29'

    The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is implementing a wide range of programmes for the production and development of non-conventional energy sources depending upon technical feasibility and economic viability of available technologies throughout the country including the State of Uttar Pradesh during Ninth Plan period and the year 2000-2001. In the State of Uttar Pradesh, a broad potential of 20.21 lakh biogas plants, 187.45 lakh improved chulhas, 159.17 negawatts small hydropower (upto 3 megawatt) and 1000 megawatts basasse based co-generation power has been estimated. While biogas and improved chulha potential is spread throughout the State, small hydro potential is confined to the hilly areas and canal systems whereas bagasse based co-generation is confined to the sugar belt of the State.

    All Non-Conventional Energy systems and devices are largely non-polluting and environmentally benign.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Shri M. Kannapan in a written reply to Shri Manohar Kant Dhyani in the Rajya Sabha today.

    The Central Government has appointed the Census Commissioner, India for the 2001 Census under the Census Act, 1948 on the 16^th August, 1999.

    The Population enumeration is scheduled for 9^th-28^th February, 2001. The reference date is 1^st March, 2001 except in the State of Jammu & Kashmir. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, the reference date would be 1^st October, 2000.

    The estimated expenditure for conducting the field operations of the 2001 Census will be approximately Rs.678 crores.

    This information was given by Shri I.D. Swami, Minister of State for Home Affairs in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha by Shrimati Minati Sen.

'29'

    The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has taken various steps for increasing power generation through major programmes of Non-Conventional Energy Sources throughout the country, which include fiscal, financial and promotional incentives provided by the Central Government under its various programmes, announcement of conducive policies for wheeling, banking, buy-bank, third party sale and sales tax benefits by the State Governments to attract private sector participation and soft loans from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

    National level Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) have been associated with the Government's efforts to increase energy generation mainly in direct implementation of the National Project on Biogass Development and National Programme on Improved Chulha. NGOs are also entitled to receive grants under various schemes relating to the Wind Power, Small Hydro Power, Biomass, Solar Photovoltaic, Energy from Urban & Industrial Waste Sectors etc.

    The Government provides funds to NGOs for implementation of major non-conventional energy sources programmes based on the subsidy pattern and incentives provided under various programmes subject to fulfillment of the terms and condition of General Financial Rules.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Shri M. Kannappan in a written reply to Shri Vedprakash P. Goyal in the Rajya Sabha today.

'28'

    The Government of Himachal Pradesh had represented for allocation of Twelve per cent free power from Central Sector Hydroelectric Projects, namely Baira Suel Hydroelectric Project (180 MW) and Chamera Stage-I Hydroelectric Project (540 MW) of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation located in Himachal Pradesh.

    The Government had conceded the demand of Himachal Pradesh and issued Order on 05/09/1994 allocating Twelve per cent free power to Himachal Pradesh from the aforesaid Central Sector Hydel Projects.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Power Smt. Jayawanti Mehta in a written reply to Smt. Chandresh Kumari in the Rajya Sabha today.

'28'

    The 2000 MW Pipavav Power Project is one of the projects identified under the revised mega power projects policy announced in November 1998. The Request For Qualification process for the selection of qualified bidders has been completed and 13 prospective bidders have been selected for the Request For Proposal process. Draft RFP document has been issued to the bidders and a pre-bid conference was held on February 22, 2000.

    The detailed time schedule for implementation of the Pipavav Mega Project will be incorporated in the final Request for Proposal document. However, construction work on the project and subsequent supply to the beneficiary states including Rajasthan would start only after the necessary inputs/clearances are tied up by the selected bidder and financial closure is achieved.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Power Smt. Jayawanti Mehta in a written reply to Shri Santosh Bagrodia in the Rajya Sabha today.

'29'

    Against a total estimated potential of about 19,500 MW, a total biomass power capacity of 256 MW has so far been installed in the country.

    Financial assistance is provided by way of capital subsidy for a limited number of demonstration projects and interest subsidy for commercial projects. The Central and State Governments also provide fiscal and financial incentives, including relief from taxes and duties, accelerated depreciation etc. Fourteen States have so far announced promotional policies for wheeling, banking and buy-back of electricity generated from commercial projects. Soft loans are provided by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for commercial projects. Financial assistance is also provided for preparation of detailed project reports, business/interaction meets and training programmes.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Shri M. Kannappan in a written reply to Shri Prem Chand Gupta in the Rajya Sabha today.

‘5’

    Besides the 3 VVIPs i.e. , the President of India, the Vice-President of India and the Prime Minister of India, security is being provided 393 protectees in Delhi by the Delhi Police.

    No withdrawal of the police personnel or commandoes has been made from the security of VVIPs.

    No VIP or VVIP who is being provided security by Delhi Police has been killed or injured during the period 1998 to February 15, 2000.

    No security personnel deployed on the security of the protectees of Delhi Police was killed or injured in the process of providing security from 1998 till 15^th February, 2000.

    This information was given by Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Minister of State for Home Affairs in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha by Shri Chandresh Patel.

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri N.T.Shanmugam has said that the HIV epidemic has brought into sharp focus legal, ethical and human rights issues. The HIV infected persons are already socially and economically vulnerable. This calls for the immediate need to incorporate human rights concerns into all HIV/ AIDS prevention and control strategies.

    Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of mobile family health clinic, here today, the Minister has said that in metropolitan cities like Delhi, migration and mobility of the people are important factors which determine the spread of HIV infection. Therefore, it is essential that these people are intensively covered under the AIDS control programme.

    The major route of transmission of HIV/AIDS in India is sexual. About 75 per cent of the infections occur from this route. Sexual behaviour has multiple dimensions that influence risk of sexually transmitted diseases. As such all efforts should be made for early detection and prompt treatment of such infections along with the counselling services in order to bring change in risk behaviour of these patients. Especially in case of sex workers, who often find it difficult to come out of their places of living to hospitals, provision of mobile medical services is the only answer.

    The Minister has inaugurated the mobile family health clinic started by Delhi State AIDS Control Society. Delhi Health Minster, Dr. A.K. Walia and Shri J.V.R.Prasada Rao, Additional Secretary and Project Director, National AIDS Control Organisation are among others who have addressed.

'31'

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri N.T.Shanmugam has urged the Union Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha to expedite the early sanction of 347 posts for Kalawati Saran Children Hospital in New Delhi. In a letter addressed to the Finance Minister, Shri N.T.Shanmugam has said that this hospital is now manned by the staff of Sucheta Kriplani Hospital.

    The Kalawati Saran Children Hospital is the only speciality paediatric hospital run by the State/ Central Government in Delhi. This 150 bedded hospital built with Japanese aid is to be made fully operational without loss of time, since it caters not only for the children from Delhi but also from the neighbouring States.

    The break up of these 347 posts are :

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.