Repeal of the Act is expected to benefit all sections of society. Guidelines have been issued to the State Governments/Union Territories to protect the interests of the EWS and LIG categories after repeal of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.

    This information was given by the Minister of for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Ram Jethmalani in the written reply to a question from Shri Amar Singh in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    This information was given by the Minister of for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Ram Jethmalani in the written reply to a question from Shri Rajnath Singh ‘Surya’ in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    The Committee has not yet submitted the final report/recommendations.

    The Committee met twice on 23.10.98 and 6.1.99. The report/recommendations are under process of finalisation.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Bandaru Dattatreya in the written reply to a question from Kumari Saroj Khaparde in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    As a part of the National Agenda for Governance. Government aims to provide an additional 2 million housing units per annum. Of this, 7 lakh units will be in the urban sector. The latest review of the progress made, show that the target of facilitating construction of 7 lakh houses may be substantially achieved. A lot however, depends on the response of the State Governments, by submitting projects in time to Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).

    As part of the Government’s policy to facilitate availability of affordable houses, HUDCO provides loans at concessional rates for housing for different categories, particularly EWS and LIG all over the country including the four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore and Calcutta.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Bandaru Dattatreya in the written reply to a question from Shri Govindram Miri in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    In the remaining 837 cases either the deficiency noticed has been conveyed to the applicants or the applications are under various stages of processing. As per the scheme, the conversion is to be allowed within 90 days of the receipt of the application in DDA.

    To ensure that the applications are processed and finalised in a time bound manner and within the prescribed limit, a system of monitoring by way of cumulative monthly progress report has been introduced.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Bandaru Dattatreya in the written reply to a question from Shri Abani Roy in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    Presently, the builders are given permission for undertaking construction works under the building by-laws. However, there is no specific legislation to control their activities as far as Delhi is concerned.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Bandaru Dattatreya in the written reply to a question from Shri S.M. Krishna in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    With a view to ameliorating the living condition of slum dwellers the scope of EIUS was enlarged in 1974 and the scheme was made an integral part of the Minimum Need Programme and was transferred to the State Sector in April 1974. The per capita assistance permissible under the EIUS Scheme was raised from Rs.525/- to Rs.800/- in 1995. In 1996-97, the scheme of National Slum Development Programme was launched to provide Additional Central Assistance to States/UTs for development of urban slums, which supplements the scheme of EIUS. During 1996-97, Rs.250 crore was allocated and distributed to States/UTs. In the year 1997-98, Rs.290/- crore was released against as allocation of Rs.330 crore. For the year 1998-99 Planning Commission has allocated Rs.350 crore under NSDP, out of which Rs.250.73 crore has been released till December,1998.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Employment Shri Bandaru Dattatreya in the written reply to a question from Shri Prafull Goradia in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    Stressing the need to rectify the systemic failures of globalization manifested in the form of volatility and uncertainties in the economies of some of the third world countries, Shri Bakht said that it will be too naïve to question globalization itself on this count.

    The reform process, the Minister said, underlines the concern of poverty amelioration and economic well-being of the people at large. " It is for this reason that our strategy with a human face has gained political consensus and public endorsement ’ , the Minister added. Investor confidence continues to increase and cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows up to December,’98 were over US$ 15 billion, the Minister said.

    Questioning the observation that Swadeshi Policy of the Government is inward looking, Shri Bakht said, that Swadeshi is the Indian way of globalization.

    Averring that the future agenda has further reforms in store including enlargement of automatic route for foreign direct investment, the Minister said, initiatives of the present Government have led to obvious positives.

    Expressing happiness about the fact that a large number of companies from EU and India are taking part in the event, Shri Bakht said that the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is crucial to our economy and that they need to sustain their financial viability as well as remain technologically competitive.
 
 

    The Mahavriksha Puraskar for 1997 have been announced which are as under:-

    For Emblica offcinalis (Amla), the award goes to Dahiben Ravjibhai Maganbhai Patel, Juna Chora, Uttarsanda Distt. Kheda, Gujarat. The awarded tree has a girth at breast height of 3.55 mts. and a height of 25 mts.

    For Cedrela toona (Toon), the award goes to Gram Panchayat Parkoti, P.O. Sirkot, Janpad Bageshwar, Uttar Pradesh. The awarded tree has a girth at breast height of 8.30 mts. And a height of 40 mts.

    For Bombax malabaricum (Semal), the award goes to Madikeri Forest Division Karnataka. The awarded tree has a girth at breast height of 7.7 mts. and a height of 28 mts.

    For Mimusops elengi (Maulsari), the award goes to Datta Mahabaleshwar Desai, Nujji Malki, Sy. No. 49, Dudagali Majire, Karnataka. The awarded tree has a girth at breast height of 4.50 mts. and a height of 40 mts.
 
 

    The accident involved collision of 3152 Dn Jammu Tawi -Sealdah Express with derailed coaches of 2903 Up Golden Temple Mail near Khanna in Punjab on the Ambala-Ludhiana Section of Northern Railways. The notification appointing this commission has been issued by the Ministery of Railways (Railway Board).

    The commission shall make an enquiry with respect to the causes of the accident and the person or persons, if any, responsible for the said accident. The commission shall also suggest safegaurds for the prevention of similar accidents in future. The commission will submit its reports within four months.
 
 

    This information was given today in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Power, Parliamentary Affairs and Non-conventional Energy Sources, Shri P.R.Kumaramangalam in a written reply to a question by Smt. Jayanti Patnaik and Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy.
 
 

    Commissioning of the proposed power plant would depend on the various inputs/clearances being tied up and financial closure being achieved.

    This information was given today in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Power, Parliamentary Affairs and Non-conventional Energy Sources, Shri P.R. Kumaramangalam in a written reply to a question by Shri Dileep Sanghani.
 
 

    This information was given today in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Power, Parliamentary Affairs and Non-conventional Energy Sources, Shri P.R. Kumaramangalam in a written reply to a question by Shri Gauri Shanker Chaturbhuj Bisen.
 
 

      Year                     Financial Assistance
    1995-96                  Rs. 6.17 lakh
    1996-97                  Rs. 76.61 lakh
    1997-98                  Rs. 76.09 lakh

    The following targets have been allocated to Madhya Pradesh for implementation during 1998-99:

    Solar Cookers                 :     7,500 nos.

    Solar Lanterns                 :     2,000 nos.

    Solar Home Systems       :     2,000 nos.

    Street Lighting Systems     :     200 nos.

    The Lokayukt of Madhya Pradesh is investigating a case pertaining to the procurement and distribution of solar lanterns in the state during 1995-96. The report of the Lokayukt is awaited.

    This information was given today in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Power, Parliamentary Affairs and Non-conventional Energy Sources, Shri P.R. Kumaramangalam in a written reply to a question by Shri Ajit Jogi.
 
 

    The negotiations are yet to commence. Presently, an informal process of analysis and information exchange is going on and no sharp divisions of opinion have emerged as yet. India’s interest will be safeguarded and strongly projected. The Government has already initiated an exercise to study the impact of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture on India’s trade in agriculture as well as its domestic policies.

    NCAER has been commissioned to conduct a detailed study. A process of consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture and the State Governments has also been initiated, so as to protect the interests of domestic farmers.

    This information was given by the Minister of Commerce Shri Ramakrishna Hegde in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    After an initial rise of prices during mid 1997 which reached a peak of Rs. 91.80 per kg in Jan. 1998, the average price at all India auctions has come down to Rs. 67.57 per kg in Jan.’99. Rise in the prices of Tea had been on account of shortfall in tea production in other producing countries like Kenya coupled with higher domestic consumption and export demand for Indian tea.

    In order to check the rise in prices of Tea the Government has taken various steps which include (i) directive of the Tea Board to the producers for strict compliance with the provisions of Tea Marketing (Control) Order, 1984 (ii) relaxation of policy regarding sale of tea in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) by Export Oriented Units and Units in Export Processing (Free Trade Zones) for a period of six months upto June, 1998 (iii) supply of Nivedan Tea to the consumers at cheaper prices etc.

    This information was given by the Minister of Commerce Shri Ramakrishna Hegde in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    Decline in the rate of exports affects the foreign exchange receipts thereby exerting pressure on the balance of payment position. A number of steps have been taken to promote exports which include lowering of interest rates on export credit, reduction in transaction cost through decentralisation and simplification of procedures and various other measures as enumerated in the Exim Policy. Steps have also been taken to promote exports through multilateral and bilateral initiatives, identification of thrust sectors and focus regions. The Government is also initiating action through several measures to facilitate investment in sectors with strong export potential , encourage diversification of India’s export basket, address infrastructure short-comings, improve export facilitation measures and thus enhance the overall competitiveness of Indian export.
 
 

    US $ ESCROW accounts are maintained by overseas suppliers/organisations or the overseas banks on behalf of their suppliers constituents. As on 28^th February 1999 such accounts of parties from 10 countries were being maintained.

    As mentioned at (a) above the US $ ESCROW accounts are permitted to be maintained by the overseas suppliers/organisations/banks. The number of US $ ESCROW accounts permitted during the last three years was 37, comprising of 8 accounts of overseas suppliers/organisations and 29 accounts of the overseas banks.

    This information was given by the Minister of Commerce Shri Ramakrishna Hegde in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

The Council will advise in planning KVI programmes suited to local requirements of north eastern region and keep track of the progress in setting up projects, said Dr. Sharma.

The Council will function as a link between entrepreneurs, bankers, State Government, NGOs, KVIB and KVIC. It will also suggest requirements of technical assistance, training infrastructure, marketing strategy etc., for speedy implementation of the programme. Dr.Sharma said that the Council will create awareness and motivate people in the area to take up KVI activities for employment generation.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma visited Arunachal Pradesh last week and discussed various developmental issues with Chief Minister of the State Mr.Mukat Mithi. The Chairman said that in the current financial year the total outgo under village industries loan and grant in the NE region stands at Rs.13.34 crore.
 
 

    The focus of the Year of Sanskrit celebrations will not only be the popularisation of Sanskrit amongst the general public but also the development of such programmes which would lead to long term and permanent development of Sanskrit. The creation of awareness among students and scholars of Sanskrit regarding its rich heritage - basically the development of 'Chetna', is also to be given importance.

    A number of activities are on the anvil for the year of Sanskrit. Sanskrit Academies are to be set up during the course of the year in States where they do not exist. Efforts will be made to prepare and publish children's literature in Sanskrit. It has been planned to organise Sanskrit conversation camps, and also seminars on Sanskrit and Science, in schools and colleges. The publication of material on, (a) Science and Sanskrit and (b) Science and Economics has also been planned. Essay competitions, debates and quizzes on Sanskrit are to be arranged at the District, Block and Village level.

    The position of women in ancient Sanskrit texts is to be publicised, apart from publicising the concepts of economic development, ecology and human rights which were all integral to ancient Sanskrit literature. Attempts will be made to bring out their relevance to modern society. Scholars from other fields who have been serving the cause of Sanskrit will also be honoured .

    State Governments, Sanskrit Universities, Sanskrit Academies and Sanskrit institutions including Pathshalas are also being requested to arrange the inaugural function of the year of Sanskrit to be held on 18^th March this year. State Governments have already been requested to constitute State level Committees under the Chairmanship of their respective Ministers' of Education to guide and oversee the celebrations. Similarly, District level Committees are also to be set up to involve District Panchayats in the celebrations. The Central Sanskrit Board has further recommended that the efforts to popularise Sanskrit do not need to remain restricted to the Government; Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the private sector are also to be involved in the efforts, the appeal for which could be made through the media.

    Earlier, a 14 member Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Justice Ranganath Mishra to work out modalities and check out the programme for celebration. The Committee held two meetings in January and February. Its recommendations constitute the thrust of the Year of Sanskrit celebrations.
 
 

    Dr. Jatiya further stated that the Ninth Plan envisages priority to agriculture and rural development with a view to generating adequate productive employment and eradication of poverty. Greater productive employment will be generated in the growth process itself by concentrating on sectors, sub-sectors and technologies which are labour intensive, in regions characterised by higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Annual estimate of additional employment generated during 1992-93 and 1993-94 was between 6 to 8 million as against 8 to 9 million targetted, Dr. Jatiya said.
 
 

    There are 38 Pathology laboratories functioning in CGHS Delhi.

    The blood sugar test is done in these laboratories quite efficiently and diabetics do not have to wait for long to let the blood sugar tested.
 
 

    A comprehensive legislation has been prepared by amending the Rules under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act dealing with the licensing requirement of blood banks.

    The draft notification will be sent for publication shortly.
 
 

    The Government of Tamil Nadu has been conducting research by administering Siddha drugs to HIV/AIDS patients as Madras Medical College & Government Hospital of Thoracic medicine, Tambaram. All suspected cases of HIV infection were clinically examined. At present, 135 male and 21 female patients with HIV/AIDS are undergoing treatment with Siddha drugs. All the patients are showing clinically and CD-4 improvements.
 
 

    An inter-Ministerial meeting has been held with concerned Ministries to examine various implications of banning sale of chewing tobacco and Gutka. Issues like impact on labour and tobacco farmers have also been examined. A policy decision is yet to be arrived at taking into consideration all these implications.

    Available Indian literature shows that risk of developing oral cancer is 3.4 to 10.2 times and 30 times higher respectively among tobacco chewing men and women as compared to non-users of tobacco. The risk of cancer among men and women smokers is respectively 1.4 to 3.5 times and 3.5 times higher as compared to non-users of tobacco.
 
 

    The above information was given by the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Kabindra Purkayastha in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
 
 

• Replacement of fault prone cable by Polyethylene Insulated Jelly Filled (PIJF) cables.

• Replacement of overhead alignment by underground cable.

• Introduction of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) and Wireless Local Loop (WLL) systems in local network.

• Computerisation of Fault Repair Services.

• Connecting all exchanges on reliable media.

• Close monitoring of subscribers complaints.

• Providing satellite base Village Public Telephones.

• Opening of more telephone exchanges in rural areas.

• Expansion of telecom network by expanding the existing capacity and installing more Remote Line Units (RLUs).

    The Rare Portraits of Martyrs are on display in the Exhibition which is organised by the Swatantrata Andolan Yadgar Samiti which is a constituent of Institute for Socialist Education. On the occasion, the following books published by the Institute for Socialist Education were presented to the Vice President: Rash Behari Bose, Azad Hind Fauj, Krishna Menon and Azadi Ke Kranti Geet.
 
 

    Shri Patil emphasised that the Centre would release second instalment of funds provided the states have utilised the earlier release and are eligible for the second instalment. He complimented Madhya Pradesh for the implementation of Panchayati Raj programme. Senior officials of the Ministry of Rural Areas & Employment and the State Government were also present on the occasion. The Minister directed that they should meet again to resolve the pending issues.
 
 

    Referring to the question of food security Shri Barnala said that the position was comfortable at present with 20 million tonnes of foodgrains in the central pool against a norm of 18 million tonnes. The Government has not taken a decision to export wheat on account of the low rate of wheat prices at international level, the Minister said in answer to queries from media persons.

    Earlier addressing the Consumer Rights Days celebrations the Minister pointed out that the most important milestone in the consumer movement had been the enactment and enforcement of Consumer Protection Act to provide protection to the interest of the consumers. The redressal agencies have so far received over 12.28 lakh cases and have already disposed of 9.46 lakh cases marking 77% disposal; the Minister said. The central government has also supplemented the efforts of the state and union territory governments to strengthen the infrastructure of the consumer courts by providing Rs. 61 crore as financial assistance to them. Another achievement to ensure a clear and effective administration at all levels had been the introduction of Citizen Charters’ by ministries and Departments and so far 55 Citizen Charters have been put into operation; Shri Barnala said.

    Emphasising the need to create awareness among consumers in the country about their rights, Shri Satya Pal Singh Yadav, Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs said that once the level of consumer awareness is built up in both rural and urban areas pressure would automatically shift to trade and industry and the service sector to market only quality goods and services.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri K. Srinivasan, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs expressed satisfaction that consumer awareness is growing among people of rural and urban areas and consumer centres are being opened in most of the districts for imparting knowledge about the rights of citizens in consumer related matters. Shri Rajiv Srivastava, Addl. Secretary, Consumer Affairs informed the audience that action is being taken in coordination with NCERT to include consumer education in the syllabus in schools and colleges.
 
 

    Giving above information the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply in Lok Sabha today that the Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala have requested to increase their allocation of Kerosene. Kerosene is a deficit product and more than 40% of the country'’ requirement is being met through imports. However, on account of constraint of product availability, foreign exchange and heavy subsidy involved, it is not possible to meet the demand in full.

    During the last three years, kerosene allocation to Kerala and U.P. has been as under:-

(figs. in MTs)

Year         Kerala         Uttar Pradesh

1996-97     279701         1128847

1997-98     289540         1178862

1998-99     300006         1391123

    A high number of LPG connections are also bveing issued in all States including U.P. and Kerala, which reduces the demand for kerosene.
 
 

    The revised Marketing Discipline Guidelines came into effect from 12.5.1998. The punishment for adulteration was made more stringent by including imposition of monetary fines on erring retail outlet dealers. However, Delhi High Court has stayed the operation of above guidelines. Therefore, action is being taken in line with Dealership Agreement.
 
 

• This refers to the fire in B-121 gas field in Mumbai offshore.
• I have personally proceeded to Mumbai on 13.3.99 and convened a meeting of ONGC Directors to take stock of the situation and ensure that all possible action is immediately taken to restore normalcy. I returned on 14.3.99 satisfied that adequate action is being taken.
• Platform B-121 comprises of a cluster of 4 free gas producing wells (unassociated with oil). The platform is located 140 Kms. West of Mumbai city in Mumbai Offshore. The wells are named B,C,D&F.
• On 10^th March 1999, repair operations were in progress by ONGC with its own Rig Sagar Ratna in Well B of the platform in order to control the excess pressure that had been noticed in the well and to rectify the sub surface valves which were malfunctioning. These repair works had commenced even on 16.2.99 after anomalies were noticed. While these works were in progress, heavy build up of pressures was observed in another well C. Prompt action to control pressure in Well C was immediately taken up by pumping sea water even during the night of 10.03.99/11.03.99. However, meantime at around 0915 hrs. in the morning of 11.03.99, similar build up of high gas pressure accompanied by gushing of high intensity mud and gas was observed in yet another well, Well D. Immediately, apprehending a threat, all contingent action was promptly taken in accordance with established international practice of handling offshore emergency. Multipurpose Supply Vessels with fire fighting capability were positioned at site. All safety measures were forthwith taken. All the 85 personnel on board platform/Rig were evacuated.
• The uncontrolled flow of gas from the well caught fire on 12.03.99 at 1220 hrs. Action for fire fighting operations that could be immediately taken up were taken up – thanks to the contingency plans already drawn up. To personally supervise on site actions, all Functional Directors of ONGC immediately rushed to Mumbai.
• Four Multipurpose Support Vessels are presently positioned at the site and dousing the fire by spraying about 18,000 cubic meters of water per hour. As of now, there is no apparent damage to ONGC Rig Sagar Ratna, the crew having been earlier evacuated safely. As this platform produces only sweet gas not containing sulpher, no risk to environment and marine life is apprehended. M/s Cudd Pressure control, USA were selected and contacted immediately to depute their experts urgently to assist ONGC in extinguishing the fire and restore normalcy. The company is a world reputed firm that has specialised in handling such emergencies arising out of malfunctioning of wells. Two experts from the company have already arrived in Mumbai on 14.03.99 and have visited the site. Action plan for controling the fire and the flow of gas from the well, is being worked out.
• B-121 is a satellite free gas field, located 35 Kms South East of Bombay High field, having about 2.1 billion cubic meters of recoverable reserves. Platform B-121 is a four legged structure with six well slots and was commissioned in May 1997. Five wells have been drilled on this platform out of which four are gas producers and one is dry well.
• The gas production from this platform commenced in January 1998 and is evacuated through a 12 inch sub-sea pipeline to a processing platform of Bombay High and for onward transmission to Uran. At Uran, the processed gas is delivered to Gas Authority of India Limited for distribution to consumers. The field produces about 1.6 million cubic meters of gas per day. Gas production has been shut off even on 27.2.99 while repair works were progressing. The current level of gas sales ex-Uran is about 11.2 million cubic meters per day as against normal supply of 12.5 million cubic metres per day. Efforts are being made to make up part of the shortfall from free gas wells in Bombay High.
• The cost of platform is Rs.44 crore and of the pipeline for evacuation of gas is Rs. 46 crore. The cost of the wells is Rs. 80 crore approx. The Jack up rig – Sagar Ratna owned by ONGC was procured in the year 1984 at a cost of around Rs. 40 crore. Its current replacement cost would be about Rs. 120 to Rs. 150 crore.
• The platform and the Rig – Sagar Ratna are covered under the Package Insurance Policy with M/s. United India Insurance Co. Ltd. with whom ONGC has lodged a report of incident. Insurance surveyors visited the site on 14.03.99 to make an assessment.
• There have been similar incidents of uncontrolled flow of oil/gas and fire in the past at Bombay High in 1982, in Mandapeta & Pasarlapudi fields in Krishna Godavari onland in 1992 & 1995 and in Ankleshwar field in Gujarat in 1998.

Name of Industry Commencement

1. C.G. Glass August, 1998

2. Prime Ceramics September, 1998

3. Wellsuit Glass September, 1998

4. Specific Ceramics November, 1998

5. Growmore Ceramics December, 1998

    During the last three completed financial years i.e. from 1995-96 to 1997-98, there was no supply of gas directly by ONGC to the private industries.
 
 

    As many as 2289 retail outlets and 680 LPG distributorships in U.P. and 568 retail outlets and 177 LPG distributorships in Haryana were in operation as on 1.10.1998.

    This was stated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.