CONCESSION IN HOME LOAN INTEREST RATES - CLSS - PMAY(U)

CONCESSION IN HOME LOAN INTEREST RATES - CLSS -  PMAY(U)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 919
ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 06, 2020

CONCESSION IN HOME LOAN INTEREST RATES

DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR
SHRI SADASHIV KISAN LOKHANDE

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether any concession in interest rates on home loans is being provided at Central level to purchase/construct houses in Maharashtra; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of people benefited in this regard in Maharashtra during the last three years?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Government is implementing a Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) as one of the components of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) [PMAY(U)] to provide interest subsidy for housing loans to eligible beneficiaries. The main featuresof CLSS are at Annexure - I. During the last three years 1,46,638 households have availed benefits under CLSS in Maharashtra.

Annexure - I

Annexure for Lok SabhaUnstarred Question No 919 for 06.02.2020

S.No.	Particulars	EWS/LIG	MIG-I	MIG- II
1.	Household Income (Rs. Per Annum)	Up to.3,00,000/- for EWS and between 3,00,001 to6,00,000 for LIG	Between 600,001 upto 12,00,000	Between 12,00,001 upto 18,00,000
2.	Interest Subsidy (% p.a)	6.5%	4%	3%
3.	Maximum loan tenure (in years)	20	20	20
4.	Eligible Housing Loan Amount for Interest Subsidy (Rs.)	6,00,000*	9,00,000*	12,00,000*
5.	Dwelling Unit Carpet Area (Sq.mtr)	30#/60#	Up to 160	Up to 200
6.	Discount Rate for Net Present Value (NPV) calculation for interest subsidy	9%	9%	9%
7.	Upfront Amount for Subsidy (approximately in Rs.)	2,67,280	2,35,000	2,30,000

*Loans beyond this limit will be at non-subsidised rates.

The beneficiary, at his/her his discretion can build a house of larger area but interest subsidy would be limited to first Rs. 6 lakh only

Source : loksabha questions

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

09 DEC 2019

Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), 20.84 crore loan accounts totalling an amount of Rs 10.24 lac crore have been sanctioned upto 01.11.2019. As per the findings of  the PMMY survey conducted by Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, around 5 crore persons (3.1 crore self-employed and 1.95 crore  hired workers) were working in establishments for which MUDRA  loans were availed between April, 2015 to March, 2018. The findings of the survey reveal that these loans enabled beneficiaries to sustain the economic activities they were engaged in.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

No proposal in the Government to fix the retirement age of Central Government employees as 60 years or 33 years of service

No proposal in the Government to fix the retirement age of Central Government employees as 60 years or 33 years of service

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1234
TO BE ANSWERED ON 25th NOVEMBER, 2019

Question by SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU & ANSWER by MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

1. Question: whether it is true that the Economic Survey presented this year recommends an increase in retirement age for employees to 70 years;
Answer: The Economic Survey 2018-19 did not recommend an increase the retirement age for employees to 70 years. It merely highlighted the experience of other major countries.

Also check: Central Government employees who have put in 33 years service or attained the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier, shall retire on superannuation

2. Question: if so, the details of the recommendation along with its status;
Answer: Does not arise.

3. Question: whether it is true that the Ministry is planning to bring a new proposal of 33 years of service or 60 years whichever is less for Central Government employees instead of implementing the above recommendation; and
Answer: Presently, there is no proposal in the Government to fix the retirement age of Government employees as 60 years or 33 years of service, whichever is earlier.

4. Question: if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with its status?
Answer: Does not arise

Source: http://loksabhaph.nic.in/

Provisions regarding reservation under the Central Government

Provisions regarding reservation under the Central Government

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Provisions relating to Reservations

20 NOV 2019

The instructions issued by Government on India under Article 16 (4) and 16 (4A) of the Constitution are, mutatis mutandis, followed by the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Financial Institutions including the Public Sector Banks under the Central Government. Implementation of the reservation provisions are insisted upon as a pre-condition to receive grants-in-aid by the voluntary organizations, autonomous bodies /institutions etc. where:-

Also check: MACP FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES - DOPT CONSOLIDATED GUIDELINES

• the recipient body employs more than 20 persons on a regular basis and at least 50% of its recurring expenditure is met from grants-in-aid from Central Government; and
• the body is registered society of a cooperative institution and is in receipt of a general purpose annual grants-in-aid of Rs. 2 lakhs and above from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Ministries/Departments have been directed to include suitable clause in the terms and conditions under which voluntary agencies / organizations etc. are given grants-in-aid by the Government for reservation for SCs/ STs/ OBCs in the posts and services under such organisations or agencies. It has further being provided that while sanctioning further grants, the progress made in employing SCs/ STs/ OBCs should be kept in view.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Fixing salary to Nurses - LOK SABHA QUESTION

Fixing salary to Nurses - LOK SABHA QUESTION

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5672
ANSWERED ON 26TH JULY, 2019

SALARY OF NURSES

SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has issued any directives/guidelines to all the State Governments and Union Territories to fix

the salary of nurses who are working in private sector, if so, the details and current status thereof;

(b) whether the Government has received implementation reports from the concerned State/UT Governments in this regard, if

so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for urgent implementation of the said directives/guidelines?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a): Hon’ble Supreme Court vide judgement dated 29th January, 2016 in Writ Petition (C) No.527/2011 directed Ministry of

Health and Family Welfare to look into the grievances of nurses working in private hospitals/ institutions by forming a committee. Accordingly, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare constituted a committee in February, 2016. The Recommendations of the committee relating to salary and working conditions of nurses working in private hospitals /

institutions have been sent to all States/UTs for making legislation/guidelines in this regard.

(b)& (c): A number of State Governments have already initiated action in the above matter. Health being State subject, it is for the concerned State Governments to make legislation / guidelines for the purpose

Source: Loksabha 

Simplification of the Procedure in CGHS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Simplification of the Procedure in CGHS

19 JUL 2019

CGHS Wellness Centres provide primary health care facilities and, if required, refer the beneficiaries to the Specialists at Government Hospitals/ Private Hospitals empanelled under CGHS. In emergency conditions, no endorsement for any treatment/ investigation is required from CGHS Wellness Centre. However, in non-emergency conditions or unlisted treatment/ tests, endorsement from concerned CGHS Wellness Centre is required.

With a view to facilitate ease of availing consultations from Specialists at empanelled hospitals, Government has permitted elderly CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above to seek consultations from Specialists without any referral and undergo treatment/ investigations without endorsement. Permission is required only for unlisted treatment procedure/ tests in non-emergency conditions.
The guidelines for referral issued vide Office Memorandum No. Z.15025/117/2017/DIR/ CGHS/EHS, dated the 15th January, 2018 have been modified vide Office Memorandum No. Z.15025/117/2017/ DIR/CGHS/EHS, dated the 10th December, 2018 and the following modifications have been made in the interest of sick people, pensioners and serving employees:-

The referral shall be valid for consultations upto 3 times in the same hospital within 30 days.
CGHS beneficiaries have been permitted to consult upto 3 Specialists, if required during a single visit.

III. Investigations advised by Specialist of Private Empanelled Hospitals may be undertaken if they are required in emergency as certified by Specialist without endorsement by CGHS.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, here today.

PIB

Restoration of Old Pension Scheme – Loksabha

Restoration of Old Pension Scheme – Loksabha Q & A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
*****
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:3569
TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 15.07.2019

Restoration of Old Pension Scheme

Rakesh Singh
Rodmal Nagar

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the demand is being made by trade unions/Government employees to restore the old pension scheme for the Central Government employees as the pension amount is lower and uncertain under the new pension scheme which was implemented in the year 2004;
(b) if so, whether the Government is considering the aforesaid demand of the employees; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

The Minister of State (Finance)
(Shri Anurag Singh Thakur)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) and (c) Due to rising and unsustainable pension bill, the Government had made a conscious move to shift from the defined benefit, pay-as-you-go pension scheme to defined contribution pension scheme now called as National Pension System (NPS). The transition also helped in freeing the limited resources of the Government for more productive and socio-economic sectoral development.

There is no proposal to replace the NPS with old pension scheme in respect of Central Government employees recruited on or after 01.01.2004.

******

Source: Loksabha

Withdrawal of Minimum Balance Penalty by Banks

Ministry of Finance

Withdrawal of Minimum Balance Penalty by Banks

16 JUL 2019

According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, banks do not have any Minimum Balance requirement for Basic Savings Bank Deposit accounts (BSBD), including accounts opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana (PMJDY). As on March 2019, there were 57.3 crore BSBD accounts across the country including 35.27 crore (61.6%) Jan-Dhan accounts. Hence, for these accounts there are no charges for not maintaining minimum balance. BSBD accounts are considered normal banking services available to all and it offers certain basic minimum facilities free of charge.

For accounts other than BSBD accounts, as per RBI’s Master Circular on “Customer Service in Banks” dated July 1, 2015, banks are permitted to fix service charges on various services rendered by them, as per their Board approved policy, while ensuring that the charges are reasonable and not out of line with the average cost of providing these services. Further, banks have been advised to identify basic services and the principles to be adopted/ followed by them for ensuring reasonableness in fixing such charges. Banks are also advised to take steps to ensure that customers are made aware of the service charges upfront and changes in the service charges are implemented only with the prior notice to the customers.

This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

30,85,205 Persons Enrolled in Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan PM-SYM as on July 10, 2019

30,85,205 Persons Enrolled in Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan PM-SYM as on July 10, 2019

Ministry of Labour & Employment

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan

30,85,205 Persons Enrolled in PM-SYM as on July 10, 2019

15 JUL 2019

Government of India in February 2019 launched the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension Scheme, for the benefit of unorganised workers, as per the eligibility. The scheme assures minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- to the beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years. Under the Scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides the equal matching contribution. This scheme is implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India. Enrolment under the Scheme was started with effect from 15-02-2019. As on date 10.07.2019, the total person enrolled under PM-SYM are 30,85,205.

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Cadre Restructuring of physiotherapists

Cadre Restructuring of physiotherapists

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Cadre Restructuring of physiotherapists

12 JUL 2019

A committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. D. Athani, Principal Consultant, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family welfare on cadre restructuring of Physiotherapists of four Central Government Hospitals of Delhi i.e. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram ManoharLohia Hospital, Smt. SuchetaKriplani Hospital and Kalawati Saran Children Hospital. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Committee are as under:

•     To review the structure of Physiotherapy Cadre in Safdarjung Hospital, Dr, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and SSK and Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital along with the feeder cadre, so as to harmonise the functional need with the legitimate career expectations of its members.
•     To assess the magnitude of stagnation in various grade and suggest remedial measure, both short term and long term and to reduce promotional blocks and at the same time prevent gaps from building up.
•     To suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of service and capacity building of the staff.
•     To take view and suggestion of the stakeholders i.e. participation Hospitals, its Union and Members of the service for cadre review.
•     To Examine any issue as referred to it by the Hospitals.
•     To review the Physiotherapy Cadre in these Hospitals keeping in view of the increased work load.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), ShAshwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

PIB

Health Insurance Scheme for CGHS Beneficiaries

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Health Insurance Scheme for CGHS Beneficiaries

12 JUL 2019

The Sixth Central Pay Commission in its report had recommended the introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme for central government employees and pensioners and their dependent family members on pan India basis. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has framed the draft health Insurance Scheme. OPD facilities are not covered under the proposed scheme. The draft scheme has been sent to the Department of Expenditure, Government of India, for appraisal and approval of the financial feasibility of the scheme.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

PIB

“Compulsorily Retirement” who are inactive or have charges of corruption – Loksabha

“Compulsorily Retirement” who are inactive or have charges of corruption – Loksabha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1806

(TO BE ANSWERED ON: 03.07.2019)

COMPULSORILY RETIREMENT

1806. Sisir Kumar Adhikari
Kalyan Banerjee

Will the Minister of PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Government proposes “compulsorily retirement” to Government employees who are inactive or have charges of corruption;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact that such retirements are also going to rule for the persons who are above 50 years of age; and
(d) the details of benefits and other allowances to be given to such persons thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) & (b): The provisions under Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rules, 1972 and Rule 16(3) (Amended) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) [AIS (DCRB)] Rules, 1958, have laid down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of Government servants, which is a continuous process.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The same retirement benefits are admissible to these persons as are applicable to officers upon retirement on normal age of superannuation.

*****

Source: LokSabha

Performance of Nehru Yuva Kendras

Performance of Nehru Yuva Kendras

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Performance of Nehru Yuva Kendras

04 JUL 2019

The work performance of Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) is satisfactory as the physical target achievement w.r.t implementation of Core Programmes during the financial year 2018-19 was 95%. More than 42,05,933 youth from all sections of the society got opportunity to take part in NYKS programmes and activities. Youth were given opportunity to participate in Adventure Camps, National Integration Camps, Life Skill Education, Inter State Youth Exchange Programme (Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat) and other Youth Exchange Programmes supported by Ministry of Home Affairs viz. Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, North East Youth Exchange Programme and Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programmes. Through these programmes, the leadership qualities have been enhanced. In addition Youth were engaged in Swachh Bharat Summer Internship Programme, Celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Celebration of International Day of Yoga, Mission Indradhanush, Preventive Health Care, Voluntary Blood Donation, Environment and water conservation, Awareness & Education about social and financial inclusion schemes of Central Government, Campaign against use of Alcohol and substance abuse, Relief Camps during Disaster, etc.

Following steps have been taken to improve the work performance of NYKS in the Country:

1.     Data base of Youth Clubs has been created on NYKS website: www.nyks.nic.in along with details of members. This is in public domain.
2.     Payments including monthly honorarium to all National Youth Volunteers (NYVs) are made through PFMS.
3.     Number of districts has been increased from 29 districts to 58 Districts where United Nation Volunteers(UNVs) are taking up the project “Strengthening of NYKS and NSS”.
4.     NYKS has commenced recruitment drive against various categories of posts revived/re-created with the approval of Ministry of Finance. Filling up of these posts and induction of young people in NYKS will improve the performance.

Presently Nehru Yuva Kendras are functioning in 623 Districts of the country. Ministry is again taking up the issue of opening NYKs offices in 83 districts where NYKS is not present.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) forYouth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Child Care Allowance for Divyang Women

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Child Care Allowance for Divyang Women

26 JUN 2019

Consequent upon implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the rates of special allowance for women with disabilities have been increased from Rs.1500 per month to Rs.3000 per month for child care which shall be payable from the time of child’s birth till the child is two years old. This special allowance shall be payable for a maximum of two eldest surviving children and would be automatically raised by 25% every time the Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure goes up by 50%. It is effective from 1st July, 2017 and applicable to all Central Government disabled woman employees, irrespective of their place of posting.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

NPS: Contribution of 10 percent to National Pension System to make the retirement income scheme

NPS: Contribution of 10 percent to National Pension System to make the retirement income scheme

NPS

Contribution of 10 percent to National Pension System to make the retirement income scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 366
ANSWERED ON: 24.06.2019

National Pension System

Raksha Nikhil Khadse
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to enhance the contribution which is presently at 10 percent to National Pension System (NPS) to make the retirement income scheme more attractive;
b) if so, whether the Government has notified this change;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the date proposed for the notification of the new scheme?

ANSWER
Finance Minister

(a) to (c) Government has increased the mandatory contribution by Central Government from 10% to 14% of the basic pay+DA for all the Central Government employees covered under National Pension System Tier-I. The employees’ contribution rate would remain at the existing 10% of the basic pay+DA. This has been notified vide Gazette Notification No. 1/3/2016 PR dated 31.01.2019, and has come into force with effect from 01.04.2019.

d) Does not arise in view of reply given to parts (a) to (c).

Source: Lok Sabha

Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners?

Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners?

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO: 23
ANSWERED ON: 24.06.2019

EPF Pension

N.K. Premachandran
Will the Minister of

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a)whether the Government has received report from the Committee appointed for study of the issues of EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof;
(b)the details of the recommendations of the said Committee;
(c)whether the Government has initiated action for implementation of the recommendations of the said Committee and if so, the details thereof;
(d)whether the Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof; and
(e)whether the Government also proposes to stop the realisation of amount from the pension on account of commutation of pension after realising the commuted amount and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

---

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 23 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.06.2019 BY
SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN REGARDING EPF PENSION.

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Committee appointed for Evaluation and Review of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, headed by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment has submitted the report on 21st December, 2018. The report inter-alia has given observations/ recommendations on the following issues:

• Increase of Minimum Monthly Member Pension
• Period over which the Average Pensionable Salary is calculated
• Restoration of commuted value of pension
• Re-introduction of the provision for commutation of pension
• Restoration of the provision of Return of Capital
• Linking the monthly pension with cost of living index
• Issues of payment of pension on higher/actual wages to employees of exempted establishments.

As far as pension on higher wages is concerned, the issue is sub-judice.

(c): The consultation process on the recommendations/observations on the Committee’s report has been initiated with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Central Board of Trustees (CBT). CBT is a tripartite body representing trade unions, employers besides representatives of Central and State Governments.

(d): The decision on increase of minimum pension for EPF is dependent on the outcome of the consultation process and has impact on Budgetary resources of the Government as the Committee has recommended that increase in pension has to come from the Budgetary resources.

(e): No decision has been taken to restore the commuted value of pension, as it has implications on sustainability of the funds under Employees’ Pension Scheme, maintained by EPFO.

Source: LOK SABHA

Modernisation of Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence
Modernisation of Armed Forces

13 FEB 2019

Modernisation of the Armed Forces is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges. Government attaches the highest priority to ensure that the Armed Forces are sufficiently equipped to meet any operational requirement. This is achieved through induction of new equipment and technological upgradation of capabilities. The equipment requirements of the Armed Forces are planned and progressed through a detailed process which includes 15 Year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), a five year Service-wise Capability Acquisition Plan, a two year roll-on Annual Acquisition Plan and deliberations by the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Raksha Mantri.

During the last three years and in the current year (upto October, 2018), 188 contracts have been signed for capital procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Radars, Aircraft, Rockets, Artillery Guns, Helicopters, Missiles, Ballistic Helmets, Bullet Proof Jackets, Weapons, Simulators, Electronic Fuzes and Ammunition. Budget Allocation and Expenditure under Capital Budget Head are given below:-

(Rs. in crore)

Year	Budget Estimates	Expenditure
2016-17	78586.68	78735.46
2017-18	86488.01	90438.39
2018-19 (upto November, 2018)	93982.13	66415.51

Allocated budget is optimally utilized to avoid gap between the need and the availability of funds.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Queries in Amendment of LTC Scheme

Queries in Amendment of LTC Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3491

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.01.2019)

AMENDMENT IN LTC SCHEME

3491. SHRI P. NAGARAJAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has any proposal to amend/revise the existing rules and regulations to visit tourist destinations under LTC scheme for the Central Government employees;

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) whether the Union Government has also any proposal to grant at least 15% of the total LTC fare amount to partly defray the expenses spent for accommodation and local transport arrangements while availing ‘All India Tour’ to the eligible Central Government employees;

(d) if so, the details thereof ; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER  OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY  OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) No Madam.

(b) Not applicable in view of (a) above.

(c) to (e): No Madam. There is no such proposal at present.

98.38 Lakh Employees benefitted through PMRPY

Ministry of Labour & Employment
98.38 Lakh Employees benefitted through PMRPY

07 JAN 2019

Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) was launched on 9th August, 2016 with the objective to incentivise employers for creation of employment. Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer's full contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) w.e.f. 01.04.2018 for a period of three years to the new employees and to the existing beneficiaries for their remaining period of three years through EPFO.  The terminal date for registration of beneficiary through establishment is 31st March, 2019.The scheme is targeted for employees earning upto Rs. 15,000 per month. This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, these workers will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. Number of Employees and Establishments benefitted as on 31.12.2018 is 98.38 lakh and 1.21 lakh respectively. State-wise employees, establishment benefited and amount of subsidy disbursed is at Annexure.

Annexure

Details from PMRPY Portal from inception till 31-Dec- 2018

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State	No. Of Establishment Benefited During Period 01-Apr-2016 to 31-Dec-2018	No. Of Employees Benefited During Period 01-Apr-2016 to 31-Dec- 2018	Subsidy Amount Disbursed During Period 01-Apr-2016 to 31-Dec-2018
ANDHRA PRADESH	8646	780535	2422534115
ASSAM	365	8258	27780925
BIHAR	737	105355	474851209
CHANDIGARH	3612	155769	548215125
CHHATTISGARH	2473	102987	3591706 24
DELHI	5570	628772	2137927962
GOA	352	15343	42488134
GUJARAT	11763	857175	2748520825< /td>
HARYANA	7067	823757	2633467270</ td>
HIMACHAL PRADESH	2565	110997	340391679
JHARKHAND	1110	46635	133283018</ td>
KARNATAKA	7853	963140	3471298051
KERALA	3567	165120	892195708
MADHYA PRADESH	4548	282474	1040402671
MAHARASHTRA	14193	1746468	547061 2241
ODISHA	2169	110975	358483871
PUNJAB	4760	161869	626154768
RAJASTHAN	7601	376834	1029095730
TAMIL NADU	13527	1177433	3816056107
UTTAR PRADESH	12556	689057	2528746729
UTTARAKHAND	2491	243977	64241631 9
WEST BENGAL	3825	285416	787598144
	121350	9838346	3253169122 5

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Modernisation of Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence

Modernisation of Armed Forces

02 JAN 2019

Budget Estimates, Revised Estimates, Modified Appropriation and Actual Expenditure incurred under Capital Acquisition (Modernisation) Head under Defence Services Estimates (DSE) for the last five years and the current year are tabulated below:-

(Rs. in crore)

Year	Budget Estimates	Revised Estimates	Modified Appropriation	Expenditure
2013- 14	73,444.59	66,406.41	66,201.92	66,850.30
2014- 15	75,148.03	66,151.73	65,706.04	65,862.38
2015- 16	77,406.69	65,400.00	61,699.39	62,235.54
2016- 17#	69,898.51	62,619.36	64,853.86	69,280.16
2017- 18*	69,473.41	68,965.24	68,980.89	72,732.20
2018-19	74,115.99	Not yet finalised.	Not yet finalised.	54,230.94@

(# figure excludes MF, ECHS, DGQA, NCC, RR, DGOF and R&D)
(* figure excludes MF and ECHS)
(@Expenditure in r/o Financial Year 2018-19 is upto November, 2018)

The Final Appropriation has been fully and optimally utilized during the said period. Internal Audit and External Audit of the allocated amount is carried out by CGDA and C&AG respectively.
In May 2001, the Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 26% both subject to licensing.  Further, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry has notified revised FDI policy under which FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.

During the last three years and current year (upto October, 2018) out of total 188 contracts, 121 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Helicopters, Survey vessel, Radar, Ballistic Helmets, Artillery Guns, Simulators, Missiles, Bullet Proof Jackets, Electronic Fuzzes and ammunition.

Government is taking measures for modernization of the Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment and systems. The modernization projects are being progressed as per the approved Capital Acquisition Plans and in terms of the extant Defence Procurement Procedure.

Since the launch of  'Make in  India' in September 2014, several measures have been taken by the Government to promote indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence & aerospace equipment in the country under  'Make in India' by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector.

Government has also promulgated the policy of Strategic Partnership in the Defence Sector which encourages participation of the private sector in manufacture of major defence platforms and equipment in four selected segments viz. Submarines, Fighter Aircraft, Helicopters and Armoured Fighting vehicles / Tanks.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr.Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rameswar Teli and others in Lok Sabha today.

PIB