AZADI EXPRESS TO REACH SEALDAH TOMORROW

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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AZADI EXPRESS TO REACH SEALDAH TOMORROW

Kolkata : March 10, 2008

The Azadi Express will reach Sealdah Railway station tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 March). It will be placed at the platform no.5 from 11th March to 14th March 2008. The train-based exhibition which is highlighting the country's long struggle for independence will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. Alongside the train exhibition, DAVP, Kolkata will also put up a mini exhibition which will focus on the freedom fighters of Bengal. Troupes of Song & Drama Division will also perform at the platform.
From Sealdah the Azadi Express will proceed to the historic town Barrackpore which is associated with Martyr Mangal Pandey who revolted against the British rule way back in 1857. The train will be stationed there for three days from 15th March, 2008.
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SP/:/.... spandey/kol.(Loc1_Azadi Express_10March)

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Government of India
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DEATH OF GIRLS DUE TO PREGNANCY AND EARLY MARRIAGE

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

Rajya Sabha

As per the information received from Ministry of Health, the latest survey report of Registrar General of India (RGI-SRS 2001-03) published in the year 2006, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) for India is 301 per 100,000 live births which translates into about 77,000 maternal deaths per year or in other words 211 maternal deaths per day. This was stated by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Renuka Chowdhury in a reply to a question by Smt. Viplove Thankur in Rajya Sabha here today.

She further stated that in order to bring a reduction in MMR, the Government of India is implementing the following key interventions all over the country which include:

- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), for institutional delivery.

- Appointment of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) for every village.

- Operationalising Community Health Centres as First Referral Units (FRU).

- Traiing of MBBS Doctors in Life Saving Anethetc Skills and Emergency Obstetric Care.

- Prevention and treatment of Anemia.

- Organizing of Village Health & Nutrition Day at Anganwadi center.

- Supplementary nutrition to pregnant and lactating women under the ICDS Scheme.

In order to prohibit child marriages, a new legislation 'The Prohibition of 'Child Marriage Act, 2006' has been enforced w.e.f. 1.11.2007. Also, awareness generation and advocacy measures are continuously being undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in this connection, she added.
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NCJ/DT/:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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Government of India
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TEXTILE WORKERS REHABILITATION FUND SCHEMDE

New Delhi : March 10, 2008
LOK SABHA

The Union Government is implementing a scheme Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme(TWRFS) to provide relief to workers of closed textile mills. This information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Asaduddin Owaisi.

The Minister further said that the Scheme has been in operation with effect from 15th September, 1986. It seeks to provide interim relief to textile workers rendered unemployed as a consequence of permanent closure of any particular portion or entire textile units. Assistance under the Scheme is payable to eligible workers only for the purpose of enabling them to settle in another employment. Such assistance is not heritable, transferable or capable of being attached on account of any other liabilities of the worker. The worker's eligibility shall cease if he takes up employment in another registered or licensed undertaking. The rehabilitation assistance will not be curtailed if the worker fixes himself in a self-employment venture. To avail the relief under this Scheme, any worker is eligible provided he/she has been engaged in a closed textile unit on the date of its closure continuously for five years or more and earning a wage equivalent of Rs. 2500 per month or less for the mills closed between 06.06.1985 to 01.04.1993 and Rs.3500 or less thereafter. They should be contributing to provident fund maintained by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner of the State concerned.

He further stated the cooperation and assistance of the State Governments is crucial in smooth functioning of this Scheme. The State Governments collect the details of the workers from the management/official liquidator/provident fund authorities etc. and forward the same to the concerned regional office of the Textile Commissioner. The State Governments also certify the relief claiming application of the individual workers

RM/AS/100308-PQ2-JuteInd-USQ 1531 /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)


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Government of India
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GENERAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

New Delhi : March 10, 2008
LOK SABHA

During the 11th plan Government of India is providing General Health Insurance for Handloom Weavers and Handicraft artisans through the following schemes:

(I) Health Insurance scheme as a component of Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme; and

(II) Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Yojana for Handicraft artisans

This information was information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Asaduddin Owaisi.
The Minister further stated that under the present Health Insurance Scheme for Handloom Weavers, the following critical illnesses such as Cancer, paralysis, Myocardial Infarction, Bypass surgery, Kidney failure, stroke, TB are not covered.
The matter regarding covering critical illnesses under the Health Insurance Scheme was taken up during the discussions held for implementing the Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme. However, since inclusion of critical illnesses would enhance the premium under the Health Insurance Scheme, it was felt that the above illnesses can be covered under a new scheme to be launched by the Life Insurance Corporation at a lower premium. This matter was discussed with the LIC for reducing the premium. A new product at a lower premium covering the above critical illnesses is under consideration by the LIC, the Minister added.
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RM/AS/100308-PQ1- GHIS- USQ 1512 /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)
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Government of India
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DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS AWACS

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

Defence Research and Development Organisation is pursuing development of Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) at a cost of Rs. 1,800 cr with a probable date of completion in the year 2011. Development and manufacture of indigenous Radar is included in AWACS programme.

The possibilities of marketing Indian technology for surveillance equipment in world markets have not been assessed.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony in a written reply to Shri Naveen Jindal in Lok Sabha today.

INDUCTION OF ADVANCED JET TRAINER IN IAF

Government have approved induction of 66 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft from M/s BAE Systems of the United Kingdom. Twenty four of these aircraft will be supplied by BAE Systems in flyaway condition and the remaining 42 aircraft will be licensed manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
10 AJTs supplied by BAE Systems have been inducted so far. Out of remaining 14 AJTs in flyaway condition, 13 aircraft are expected to be inducted by July 2008 and one aircraft is expected to be delivered in December 2009. The 42 aircraft being licensed manufactured will be delivered by HAL in a staggered manner from March 2008 onwards.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony in a written reply to Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivajirao and others in Lok Sabha today.

NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL A concept plan for the National War Memorial, which envisages its location at India Gate Complex, has been presented before the regulatory bodies namely, Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), the Central Vista Committee (CVC) and the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC). Ministry of Urban Development has also been approached to assign the land around 'Chhatri' in the India Gate Complex to Ministry of Defence for proceeding in the matter.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri M M Pallam Raju in a written reply to Shri Ravi Prakash Verma and others in Lok Sabha today.

samir / VK /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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Government of India
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ANTONY TO INAUGURATE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAR CONFERENCE 2008
New Delhi : March 10, 2008

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony will inaugurate the two-day International Maritime Search and Rescue Conference (IMSARCON 2008) here tomorrow. India acceded to the International Maritime Organisation Convention on Search and Rescue in 2001. The accession provided the much needed impetus for regional and international cooperation in SAR operations. The Indian Coast Guard is designated as the nodal agency for Maritime Search and Rescue in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) under the convention. It has been entrusted with the onerous task of ensuring the security of the Maritime Zones of India with a view to protect maritime and other national interests in such zones.

Given India's strategic location, it is but natural that India plays a lead role in the Indian Ocean region. Consequently, the Indian Coast Guard has been playing a vital role in ensuring "Safety of Life at Sea" not only in the vast Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) that extends over four million square kilometers, but also in adjoining Search and Rescue Regions whenever requested for assistance by the neighbouring countries. Close cooperation with our littoral neighbours is therefore essential for efficient coordination of Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR). The Indian Coast Guard's interaction has been formally institutionalised with Japan, Maldives, and South Korea. Further, a working relationship has been established with Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam.

PK / RAJ /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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Government of India
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EXPORT OF BAMBOO AND CANE PRODUCTS
New Delhi : March 10, 2008

RAJYA SABHA

Bamboo and cane products of the North-Eastern Region are being exported to different countries like Australia, Belgium, Canada, USA, Germany, Denmark, France, UK, etc., by several exporters from India. The main products exported are: amboo bags, Bamboo flowers, Bamboo furniture, Mats, Musical instruments, Bamboo frames, Sport items, Cane sticks and other Handicraft items. The quantum of exports of bamboo and cane products from India in the last four years are:

Year 2003-04 Rs.12.39 crore

Year 2004-05 Rs.14.18 crore

Year 2005-06 Rs.17.28 crore

Year 2006-07 Rs.24.85 crore

Different agencies of the Government of India provide training to the artisans involved in the manufacture of bamboo and cane products in the North-East.

This information was given by the Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Mahabir Prasad in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
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MG/SR/:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)




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Government of India
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NALCO PAYS 45% INTERIM DIVIDEND

NALCO TO ACHIEVE NAVRATNA STATUS SOON

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has announced an interim dividend of 45% on a paid-up capital of Rs. 644.31 crore, amounting to Rs. 289.94 crore for the financial year 2007-08.

The dividend cheque for Rs. 252.67 crore on the 87.15% shares held by the Government of India was handed over to Shri Sis Ram Ola, Union Minister of Mines, by Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD, NALCO in New Delhi today, in the presence of Shri J.P. Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and other senior officials of the Ministry and NALCO.

The balance amount of Rs. 37.27 crores has been disbursed to other shareholders of the Company like banks, financial institutions and individual shareholders.

The Minister expressed happiness at the increasing profits being incurred by NALCO. He announced that NALCO would soon become a Navratna Company and thus ruled out any talks about the investment of the Company. He stressed that NALCO would remain a PSU and expressed hope that in the future would continue to achieve increasing profits and pay richer dividends to the Government.

MC/GK /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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Government of India
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NPPA TO MONITOR 10 PER CENT PERMISSIBLE RISE IN PRICES BASED ON REDUCED MRP FOLLOWING EXCISE CUT

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) have issued guidelines regarding reduction in prices of non scheduled formulation packs consequent to reduction in excise duty from 16% to 8% and the rate of abatement from 42.5% to 35.5% notified by the Ministry of Finance, (Department of Revenue) on 01.03.2008. This is to ensure that the benefit of the excise duty reduction announced in the Union Budget for 2008-09 is passed on to the Consumers. A copy of the guideline issued by NPPA is reproduced below:-

“Consequent upon the reduction in the rate of excise duty on medicines from 16% to 8% notified by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue vide Notification No.4/2008 Central (Excise) dated on 01.03.2008 and the rate of abatement from 42.5% to 35.5% vide Notification No.14/2008-Central Excise (N.T.) dated 01.03.2008, all manufacturers and marketing companies of formulation packs are advised to ensure that the benefit of this excise duty reduction and the reduced rate of abatement is passed on to consumers through reduced Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Prices of all non scheduled packs must accordingly be reduced downwards by 4.58% except in those categories of non scheduled formulation packs where no excise duty has been actually paid to the Government and therefore no excise duty shall be chargeable in the MRP of such non scheduled packs. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) expects that the above reduction in MRP would be complied with by way of reduced MRP and that necessary revised price lists would be submitted to NPPA forthwith.

NPPA shall accordingly monitor the limit of 10% increase in prices per annum of non scheduled packs based on the reduced MRP for all such -packs where the batch of the formulation pack has been cleared by the manufacturer through the competent excise authorities on or after 1st March, 2008 in terms of above mentioned notifications of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) both dated 01.03.2008.”

DNM/CC /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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PROTECTION OF MAJULI RIVER ISLAND

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

The Prime Minister reviewed the action taken by the Government to counteract the erosion of the Majuli Island in the Brahmaputra River on 29th October, 2007 at New Delhi. In the meeting, the reasons for erosion of Majuli Island due to Brahmaputra river and the actions needed to address the issue were reviewed. It was also indicated that there had been a gradual but steady erosion of the Island which has led to the reduction in Vaishnavite monasteries to 22 at present. The Brahmaputra Board has undertaken the measures for protection of Majuli Island from flood and erosion. Upto January, 2008, the following expenditure has been incurred by Brahmaputra Board from the Central grants:

1. Protection of Majuli - Immediate measure :- 5.92 crores.

2. Protection of Majuli - Phase-I:- 27.90 crores.

In addition to the above, Brahmaputra Board has placed a requirement of Rs. 7.94 crores for meeting the expenditure towards the payment against the completed works related to Majuli protection during the current year. The funds to the Brahmaputra Board are provided during the current financial year under the scheme "River Management Activities and works related to Border Rivers" through which the expenditure on Majuli Protection works is also met. During the current year (2007-08), an amount of Rs. 32.50 crore has been released to Brahmaputra Board under the scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in response to a question by Shri M.K. Subba in the Lok Sabha today.

SK/BS /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)








Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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WASTAGE OF WATER

New Delhi : March 10, 2008

LOK SABHA

The average annual precipitation is estimated as 4000 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) in the country. After accounting for the natural process evaporation etc. The average annual water availability in the country is assessed as 1869 BCM. It is estimated that owing to topographic, hydrological and other constraints, the utilizable water is 1123 BCM which comprises of 690 BCM of surface water and 433 BCM of replenishable ground water resources. 629 BCM of water is being utilized for diverse purposes. Rest of the water could be considered to be flowing down to sea. The assessment of available water resources has been made river basin-wise.

With a view to, optimally utilize the available resources, several measures for development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Governments which include creation of storages, restoration of water bodies, rain water harvesting, artificial recharge to ground water and adoption of better management practices etc. Storage capacity of about 225 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) has been created so far. As per present assessment, the total estimated storage capacity of the various projects under construction is about 64 BCM. Further, the State Governments have identified various other schemes for investigation and planning and the estimated storage for such schemes is about 108 BCM. State Governments conceive, plan and implement major, medium and minor schemes (both surface and ground water) for utilization of water resources.

Government of India is providing central assistance to the State Governments through various schemes/programmes, such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP); Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme; National Project for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture etc. The Ministry of Water Resources encourages conservation of water including measures such as traditional water conservation practices, rainwater harvesting and recharge to ground water and adoption of better management practices.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in response to a question by Chaudhary Bijendra Singh in the Lok Sabha today.

SK/BS /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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IRRIGATION PROJECTS
New Delhi : March 10, 2008
LOK SABHA

As per the Report of Working Group on Water Resources for the XI Five Year Plan, the unapproved projects in the X Plan comprising of 90 major, 136 medium and 74 Extension, Renovation & Modernization (ERM) projects are likely to spill over into XI Plan. The latest estimated cost of these projects is assessed as Rs.122060.24 crore and expenditure incurred on these projects up to X Plan is assessed as Rs.41127.75 crore.

Irrigation being State subject, the planning, execution and funding of irrigation projects is within the purview of the concerned State Governments. The Central Appraising Agencies (CAA) considers only those projects which are submitted by the State Government for appraisal to CAA. However, funding for expeditious completion of these projects being provided under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme is not provided to unapproved projects.

The time taken for completion of appraisal process for the project proposals received by CAA depends on the promptness with which the State Governments complies with the observations of the Central Appraising Agencies.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in response to a question by Shri Ramesh Dube in the Lok Sabha today.

SK/BS /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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DESILTING OF WATER BODIES
New Delhi : March 10, 2008

LOK SABHA

Desilting of water bodies is required to be carried out by various agencies, particularly, the State Governments as part of regular operation and maintenance. The Ministry of Water Resources has not taken up any specific programme or scheme for "Desilting of Water Bodies". However, removal of deposited material in tanks or other water bodies or lakes etc. is taken up as site specific measure in respect of water bodies or lakes included under the scheme of the Ministry of Water Resources for "Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture" and "National Lake Conservation Plan" of Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India approved project proposals in respect of 1098 water bodies for 26 districts in 15 States under Pilot Scheme for Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies directly linked to Agriculture. Besides, the World Bank Loan Agreement has been signed with Tamil Nadu for Rs. 2182 crore to restore 5763 water bodies. Loan agreements in respect of the project in Andhra Pradesh for Rs. 835 crore for restoration of 3000 water bodies and the project in Karnataka for Rs. 259 crore for restoration of 1225 water bodies have also been signed with the World Bank. The components of the scheme, inter-alia, include activities related to desilting.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has informed that out of the proposals received so far, the Ministry has sanctioned projects for conservation of 52 lakes at a total estimated cost of Rs. 687.52 crore which generally include desilting as one of the components.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in response to a question by Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao and Dr. K. Thanaraju in the Lok Sabha today.

SK/BS /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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WATER MANAGEMENT
New Delhi : March 10, 2008

LOK SABHA

The paper of International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on "Biofuels and Implications for Agricultural Water Use: Blue Impacts of Green Energy" has explored the land and water implications of increased biofuel production globally and with special focus on China and India. The report concludes that, although of minor concern at global level, local and regional impacts could be substantial. However, nowhere in the paper, it has been mentioned that the vigorous use of biofuel plant can vanish the water resources in the country.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in response to a question by Shri Chandra Mani Tripathi and Dr. Laxminarayan Pandey in the Lok Sabha today.

SK/BS /:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR PROMOTION OF JUTE INDUSTRY
New Delhi : March 10, 2008


LOK SABHA
The Government has announced a special package to promote the Jute Industry in the country. This information was information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry of Textiles has launched the Jute Technology Mission (JTM), w.e.f. 2007-08 for a period of five years to promote the jute industry in the country. An amount of Rs 355.55 Crores has been allocated for the implementation of the schemes for the Mini Mission I to IV of the Jute Technology Mission during Eleventh Plan Period. The schemes of the Mini Mission I & II are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the schemes of the Mini Mission-III & IV are being implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. The fund allocation to all four Mini Missions are as given below:

Missions Implementing Agency Outlay
(Rs crores)
MM-I Deptt of Agricultural Research & Education 70.5
MM-II Deptt of Agriculture & Cooperation 49.90
MM-III Ministry of Textiles 38.60
MM-IV Ministry of Textiles 260.00

Ministry of Textiles, through Mini Mission-III and Mini Mission-IV is executing schemes for Development of Marketing Infrastructure in Jute, Schemes for Modernisation of Jute Mills, and Schemes for Promotion of Jute Diversification, the Minister added.
The Minister further stated that apart from the Jute Technology Mission Schemes, the Government of India provides support to Jute Industry through reservation of packing certain commodities in Jute. During the year 2007-08, foodgrains and sugar were reserved 100%. In addition, Jute Manufactures Development Council through collection of Jute Cess, assists the Industry in Export and Marketing of Jute Products and explore avenues for new markets.
RM/AS/100308-PQ2-JuteInd-USQ 1487/:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)



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INDIAN TROOPS IN UN PEACE KEEPING FORCE
New Delhi : March 10, 2008


/LOK SABHA/
The Indian Armed Forces personnel are deployed in six UN Peace Keeping Missions viz., Congo, Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Sudan, Golan Heights and Ivory Coast, at present.
A total of 8887 Indian Armed Forces' personnel are presently deployed in UN Peacekeeping operations and UN Headquarters, New York. The terms and conditions of the personnel deployed in these missions are governed by the orders/instructions issued by the UN and Government of India including Memorandum of Understanding / Letter of Assist signed between UN and Government of India. Each peacekeeping mission is governed by UN mandate which is reviewed from time to time.
This information was given by Defence Minister A K Antony in a written reply to Shri Rewati Raman Singh in Lok Sabha today.
HIKE IN DEFENCE ALLOCATION
A total Defence Outlay of Rs. 105600 crores has been sought for the financial year 2008-2009.
The details of utilization of allocated outlay during the last two years are as follows:-
Year RE Actual Utilization Reasons for variation
(Rs. In crores)
2005-2006 81700 80548.98 Due to non fructification of certain capital schemes there was a minor variation between the RE allocations and actual utilization
2006-2007 86000 85494.64 The variation is insignificant (0.58% of RE).


This information was given by Defence Minister A K Antony in a written reply to Shri Jasubhai Dhanabhai Barad and Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao in Lok Sabha today.
samir / VK/:/.....spandey-dk/kol...(Rel2_10Mar)


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INTER STATE DAM PROJECTS

New Delhi : March 10, 2008


LOK SABHA


There are five inter-state projects under AIBP as per details given below:

Sl. No.
Name of the Project States involved

1.
Bansagar