WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
[English]
Prices of Essential Commodities
26. SHRI AJOY MUKHOPADHYAY: SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES:
Will the Minister of CIVIL SUPPLIES CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
31 Written Answers
(a) whether prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, bread, milk, cooking gas, molasses, chilli, edible oils and spices have been increasing since 1991;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the wholesale price indices of these commodities as on July, 1991 and June, 1993; and
(d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to contain the rising trend of prices of these commodities?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL SUPPLIES CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI A.K. ANTONY):(a) and (b): The retail prices of selected essential com-
32 Written Answers
modities like rice, wheat, sugar, bread, milk, cooking gas, molasses, Chillies and spices as in July, 1991, 1992 and June, 1993 are given in the attached Statement I
(c): Percentage variation in the wholesale price indices of selected essential commodities as on July, 1991 Jully, 1992, and June 1993 are given in the attached Statement II
(d): The Government has been taking appropriate measures on regular basis for containing the prices of essential commodities through providing relief in excise duties, provision of finances and credit, liberalisation of imports, improved infrastructure facilities, increased production, better distribution net work and strengthening of the Public Distribution System.
33-34 Written Answers
STATEMENT-I
Retail Prices of selected essentical commodities at Delhi as on July, 1991, July, 1992, June, 1993 (Rs.per Kg)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Commodity Retail Prices as on
--------------------------------------------------------------------- July, 1991 July, 1992 June, 1993
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Rice 5.75 7.00 7.95 Wheat 3.75 4.50 4.50 Sugar 10.00 10.50 12.00 Bread 4.20 5.50 5.50 Milk 8.00 10.00 10.00 Cooking Gas 67.90 67.90 82.77 (Per 14.2 kg.
L.P.G. Cylender)
Chillies 5.00 7.00 4.75 (Per 100 GM)
Cummim Seed 52.00 110.00 98.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 35-36 Written Answers
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Commodity Retail Prices as on
----------------------------------------
July, 1991 July, 1992 June, 1993
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Haldi 3.00 4.50 5.75
(100 GM) (100 GM) (Per 200 GM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Molasses*
(Rs. per tonne)
Grade - I 120.00 N.A. 144.00 Grade - II 90.00 N.A. 115.00 Grade - III 72.00 N.A. 86.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Super Bazar,
*Source : Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
N.A.: Not Available
37-38 Written Answers
STATEMENT-II
Percentage variation in wholesale price indices of selected commodities as on July, 1991, 1991, July, 1992 and June, 1993 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Commodity Percentage variation
-------------------------------------------
July, 1992 June, 1993 over June, 1992 over
over July, 1991 July, 1992 July, 1991
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Rice + 25.8 - 2.3 + 22.9 Wheat + 29.5 + 4.7 + 35.5 Sugar + 16.4 +13.0 + 31.6 Bread 22.3 + 2.8 + 25.7 Milk + 7.7 +11.4 + 20.0 Cooking Gas+ 15.3 +30.5 + 50.4 Chilles + 48.3 (-)63.1 (-)45.3 Haldi + 53.8 -33.9 + 1.6 Molasses NA NA NA --------------------------------------------------------------------- NA:- Not Available
39-40 Written Answers
Bogus Ration Cards
27. SHRI VILASMUTTEMWAR: DR. RAMESH CHAND TOMAR:
Will the Minister of CIVIL SUPPLIES CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
(a) the number of bogus ration cards detected during 1993 till date in Delhi,
(b) the quantum of ration commodities drawn through such ration cards during 1991-1992-93;
(c) the number of Fair Price Shops found involved in irregularities during the period'
(d) the action proposed to be taken by the Government against such Fair Price Shops and the ration card holders; and
(e) the further steps proposed to be taken by
the Government to put an end to such irregularities?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL SUPPLIES CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI A.K. ANTONY):(a)to(e):Delhi Administration has reported that during the drive undertaken from 1.1.1993 to 15.7.1993 about 32531 ration card holders were not found at the address given in the record. Inflected units in valid ration cards were also detected numbering 25659 cereal units and 13238 sugar units. Detection of infested units in ration card or cards issued in the name of fictitious persons could be made only be effective supervision and enforcement of the powers vested with States including U. T. of Delhi.
It is not possible to identity or estimate the quantum of ration drawn through such cards.
Details of Air Price Shops (FPS) found involved in irregular practices and action taken against them as reported by Delhi Administration are as follows:--
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 1991 1992 1993
(Jan--June)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. No. of FPS found invol-
ved in irregularities 392 653 187 2. Action taken
(a) FIRs lodged 45 29 8 (b) Suspended 54 86 30 (c) Departmental Action 338 567 157 --------------------------------------------------------------------- State Governments/U. T. Administrations including Delhi Administration have been requested to take stringent action against persons indulging in malpractices affecting the Public Distribution System.
Oil Leakage at Bombay High
28. SHRI G. DEVARAYA NAIK:
SHRI TARA CHAND KHAN DELWAL:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government are aware of the pollution caused in the recent past by the leakage from the Bombay High pipeline; 41 Written Answers
(b)if so, the action taken by the Government in this regared; (c) the details of the preventive measures taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI KAMAL NATH): (a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Based on survey of the oil spill site at Bombay High, directions were issued to oil and Natural Gas Commission on 26th May, 1993 by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board for taking effectives steps immediately to remove oil and clear oil patches and not to discharge any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter into see waters.
In addition, clarifications were sought from Oil and Natural Gas Commission by this Ministry regarding the status of compliance of the conditions stipulated while giving environmental clearance to various off-shore projects in Bombay High region.
(c): The following immediate measures were taken:-
Operations of the concerned offshore platform and the oil wells were shut down;
-The affected pipeline was de-pressurized;
-Multi-support vessels were deployed to disperse oil spill; -Booms and chemical dispersants were used by the Coast Guard for containment,recovery and breaking of oil slick;
-Continuous monitoring of the movement of the oil slick was carried out
Oil and Natural Gas Commission was also directed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to prevent further entry of the oil into the sea waters and to take necessary preventive
42 Written Answers
measures to avoid occurrence of such incidents in future.
Assistance to Madhya Pradesh for Drought and Drinking Water 29.SHRI VIJAY KUMAR YADAV: SHRI SUSHIL CHANDRA VARMA:
Will the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Prime Minister had announced a special aid package to Madhy Pradesh to tackle the drought and drinking water crisis during this visit to the State in April 1993;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c)the amount sanctioned so far on his account; and
(d) the time by which the remaining amount is likely to be sanctioned ?
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI BALARAM JAKHAR):(a)and(b):Dur- ing his visit to some of the drought affected areas of Madhya Pradesh in April, 1993, Prime Minister had announced release of an additional amount of Rs. 100.00 crores under different programmes of Government of India for meeting the drought situation.
(c) and (d): An amount of Rs. 95.00 crores has since been
released to the State Government. Regarding the remaining amount of Rs. 5.00 crores, the project proposals submitted by the State Government to the Ministry of Rural Development under Integrated Wasteland Development Scheme are under consideration.
[Translation]
Pollution Along Coastal Areas
30.SHRI MADANLAL KHURANA SHRI SHRAVAN KUMARPA-
43 Written Answers
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST be pleased to state: (a) whether pollution is increasing along the coastal areas of the country;
(b) whether the Central Pollution Control Board has conducted any study or surey in this regard;
(c)go so,the details and the out come thereof:
(d) the remedial steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI KAMAL NATH): (a) to (c): Yes, Sir. Central Pollution Control Board has conducted a sturdy to assess the damage caused to Marine life along the coastal areas due to pollution. Monitoring of coastal water over the past four years shows an increasing trend of pollution.
The marine ecosystem is intact towards the off shore, but the water quality near the major towns and cities has deteriorated due to the disposal of untreated industrial effluent and sewage.
(d)The action taken to reduce the marine pollution include the following: -
(i)point sources of pollution have been identified;
(ii)Gujarath, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, WestBengal Orissa, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Boards are engaged in securing compliance of standards in coastal waters;
(iii)wherever applicable,the industries municipalities have been directed to construct marine outfalls with a diffuser system; 44 Written Answers
(iv) the Central Government has issed general instructions that no industry factory should be given consent for establishment with in 500 meters from the shoreline.
[English]
Tuition and Other Fees in professional Colleges
31. SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE: Will the Minister of HUMAN
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the government have laid down any norms and guidelines for charging tuition and other fees for admission of students to private professional colleges in the light of rentjudgment of the Supreme Court;
(b)if so,the details.there of and the state response thereto; and (c)the steps taken by the University Grants commission to maintain the academic standard in these institutions?
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI ARJUN SINGH):(a) and (b): In February 1993, in Unni Krishnan case, the Supreme Court has laid down a 'scheme' governing admissions and fees chargeable in private professional institutions. In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme court to implement this'Scheme'draft guidelines were prepared in consultation with the all India Council for Technical Education and circulated to the States to elicit their response. A meeting of the Ministers of the State Government was also held on 17th June, 1993. The representatives of the State Governments genlly endorsed these guidelines. In the light of the discussions in the said Conference, the draft guidlines are under finalisation.
(c) The All India Council for Technical Education is charged with the responsibility of
45 Written Answers
maintaining standards in professional colleges institutions covered by the AICTE Act. These are not direct with in the purview of the University Grants Commission. The UGC is taking steps to issue sitable regulations underthe UG Act in respect of the institutions under its purview to implement the'Scheme'.
[Translation]
Subsidy on Fertilizers
32.SHRI RAJESH KUMAR: SHRI ARJUN CHARAN SETHI:
Will the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:
(a)the amount of subsidy provided to each State by the Union Government during 1992-93 to enable farmers to purchase fertilizers at confessional price;
(b) whether the Government propose to enhance subsidy on fertilizers during the current year;
(c)if so, the details thereof; and
(d)the steps taken or proposed to be take to ensure that subsidy on fertilizers is properly
46 Written Answers
utilised for the benefit of farmers?
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRII BALRAM JAKHAR): (a) A
statement indicating funds released to State/ Union Territories under the scheme for concessional sale of decontrolled fertilizers to the farmers during 1992-93 is attached.
(b) and (c): The scheme is being continued during 1993-94 with a provision of Rs. 756 croreswhich includes Rs. 356 crores for Kharif 1993 and Rs. 400 crores for Rabi 1993-94. A concession of Rs. 340/per tonne has been extended to the sale of SSP also in addition to Rs.
1000/-per .tone each on indigenous DAP and MOP and Rs. 435-999/- pertonne on indigenous Complexes.
(d) The scheme is being implemented through the respective State/Union Territory governments. Detailed guidelines for implementation of the scheme during Kharif 1993 have been issued. In addition meetings have been held with the States/ Union Territories in different regions for effective iimplementation of the scheme. The deptt. of Agri. & CoCoon. is in constant touch with the States/Union Territoreis in this regard and the progress of implementtion is being monitored regularly.
INDICATING FUNDS RELEASED TO STATES /UNION TERRITORIES FOR CONCESSIONAL SALE OF FERTILIZERS TO THE FARMASDURING
1992-93
(Rs in lakhs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. Name of State/Union Territory Fund released No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Andhra Pradesh 2668.00 2. Kamataka 1753.00 3. Kerala 984.00 4. Tamil Nadu 3432.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 47-48 Written Answers
(Rs in lakhs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. Name of State/Union Territory Fund released No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Pondichery 55.00 6. Andaman & Nicobar Island 0.46 7. Gujarat 1469.00 8. Madhya Pradesh 1825.00 9. Maharashtra 1682.00 10. Rajasthan 1469.00 11. Goa 9.00 12. Dadra & Nagar Haveli 2.00 13. Daman & Diu 0.40 14. Haryana 2013.00 15. Himachal Pradesh 35.00 16. Jammu & Kashmir 101.00 17. Punjab 4431.00 18. Uttar Pradesh 6539.00 19. Delhi 11.00 20. Bihar 2172.00 21. Orissa 436.00 22. West Bengal 2807.00 23. Assam. 46.00 24. Arunachal Pradesh 1.00 25. Manipur 2.66 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 49-50 Written Answers
(Rs in lakhs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. Name of State/Union Territory Fund released No.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 26. Meghalya 3.00 27. Mizoram 1.66 28. Nagaland 2.18 29. Sikkim 3.50 30. Tripura 19.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------- [English]
Study Centres for Vedas
*33. DR. AMITLAL KALIDAS PATEL: Will the Minister of HUMAN