Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports 2015
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports
1. Environment, Forest & Climate Change
Subject of the Report: Environmental Issues of the Nilgiris
Name of Ministry: Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
Ooty with its tranquil, serene, and soothing ambience is one of those hill stations that has fascinated all of mankind since time immemorial. The Nilgiri forests and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Ooty, is home to some of the most valuable species of flora and fauna and is a treasure inlet of precious minerals and other resources.
Over the years, the forests have lost its lush abundant greenery eventually resulting in the reduction of its forest cover. Now, the forests here are primarily seen as sources of natural resources, exploitation of which is sine-qua-non for overall economic development of the country
The report "Environmental Issues of the Nilgiris" studies the environmental issues of Ooty, the basis behind their emergence and their eventual consequences. Some of the environmental issues highlighted and briefly discussed in the report are Pollution, Civic issues, Forest and wildlife issues etc.
The report also sheds light on the need to take earnest steps to protect the forests in order to preserve the scenic beauty of the hill station and also puts forth some crucial steps that have become the need of the hour.
At present, sincere efforts are being made to strike a balance between development and conservation of forests.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/268.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Unprecedented Floods in Srinagar and Warning and Forecasting of Floods and Environmental Issues in Leh, Jammu, and Pathankot
Name of Ministry:: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 23rd July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has for quite some time been dominated by the perpetual rains and massive floods, causing irreversible destruction and has hence become a prominent aspect of the state. Concerned with the unparalleled situation of rains causing floods in the context of climate change in Srinagar and the failure of warning and forecasting floods system, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment & Forests visited the states of Jammu & Kashmir namely Leh, Srinagar, Jammu and Pathankot for some on-field inspection.
The report " Unprecedented Floods in Srinagar and Warning and Forecasting of Floods and Environmental Issues in Leh, Jammu and Pathankot" puts forward the discussion that took place between the MoEF & CC officials and the concerned Central and State Government agencies as well as members of Civil Society/NGOs that sheds light on the precise situation of Floods in the states of Jammu & Kashmir.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/267.pdf
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Subject of the Report: E-Waste and E-Radiation
Name of Ministry: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 23rd July, 2015
Brief Summary:
E-Waste, being the discarded wastes from electrical and electronic equipment, are highly hazardous substances containing toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, Hexavalent Chromium Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE), that can have adverse impacts on human health and environment, if not handled with due care. In light of the rapid rise in the volume of e-waste being generated in the country, proper disposal of e-waste and curbing the effects of e-radiation are issues that draws the undivided attention of the entire world.
The report namely, E-Waste and E-Radiation, discusses the enormity of the issue of E-waste disposal in the Sub-Continent on a broader scale and also takes up the issue of e-radiation emanating from mobile towers and electronic equipments that presents grave danger to not only mankind but also to the fauna species.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/266.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Reported Forecast of a major Earthquake in Uttarakhand
Name of Ministry:: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 23rd July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The Himalayan region witnessed a devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015 of 7.9 magnitude with its epicenter located 77 km NW of Kathmandu in Central Nepal. The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks with the largest of magnitude 7.3 which occurred on May 12, 2015. Three strong aftershocks of magnitude 6.6, 6.9 and 6.2 occurred on April 25, 26 and May 12, 2015 respectively.
This series of Earthquakes have created havoc in the Himalayan Region in the past while also disrupting the livelihoods and the habitats of the wildlife and mankind species.
In light of the above situation in Uttarakhand, the report "Reported Forecast of a major Earthquake in Uttarakhand" reviews the initiatives taken to improve the situation in Uttarakhand and to augment the dense seismic network with real time connectivity.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/265.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Environmental Issues in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam
Name of Ministry:: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 21st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report "Environmental Issues in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam" glances briefly at two metropolitan cities, namely, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam and studies deeply the issue of Pollution and Environmental degradation, which is fast becoming prominent in the world today but its adverse effects are greater in the metropolitan cities and many of the Tier-II cities. The report also assesses the pollution levels while studying the pollution index of the two coastal cities.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/264.pdf
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Subject of the Report: High Level Committee Report to Review Various Acts
Ministry: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 21st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report 'High Level Committee Report to Review Various Acts' provides a brief appraisal by the High Level Committee (HLC), chaired by former Cabinet Secretary, Shri TSR Subramanium of the various acts protecting the country's environment, that were administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It also suggests appropriate amendments to bring them in line with their respective objectives.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/263.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Effects of Pollution on Taj
Name of Ministry: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 21st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal of India, is a monument of national heritage, one that fills every Indian with a sense of indomitable pride. Being a magnificent piece of architecture, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
Over the years, even while the aura radiating from this great monument has remained in its former glory, there has been some evidence of the discoloration that has become a noticeable feature.
A recent study by two scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (Kanpur) published in the journal; Environmental Science & Technology of American Chemical Society claimed that the prime reason behind the discoloration of the Taj Mahal is the generation of particulate carbon and dust deposition from combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. Widespread concern rose in the hearts of the people as soon as the results of the study were reported in the media.
With this backdrop, the report 'Effects of Pollution on Taj' is a detailed study of the causes leading to the emergence of pollution and its adverse impacts that has become the prime driving force behind the degeneration of this iconic national Monument.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20S%20and%20T,%20Env.%20and%20Forests/262.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Pollution in Tier-II Cities of Punjab - Ludhiana and Amritsar
Name of Ministry:: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Date of Presentation: 21st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report 'Pollution in Tier-II Cities of Punjab - Ludhiana and Amritsar' studies in detail the issue ohf Pollution in the Tier-2 cities of the country, namely Ludhiana and Amritsar. It assesses the prime factors governing the pollution levels in the two cities, features central to its origin, causes, and the consequences surrounding the issue.
The levels of Pollution have been widespread and growing at an alarming rate. In this scenario, it has become evident to take the necessary steps to curb it. The report also provides suggestions and recommendations borne during the discussion on the issue.
2. Commerce
Subject of the Report: Rubber Industry in India
Name of Ministry: Commerce
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
Rubber, being an important strategic industrial raw material is significant in every aspect of a human's life. India is a major rubber producing as well as rubber consuming nation around the world. Being generously endowed with the climatic conditions congenial for rubber cultivation and having come a long way as a manufacturing base for rubber goods including tyre and tube industry, India has thus become the leading employment generator in the Rubber industry.
Of late, there has been an excruciating decline in rubber production and stress on all the stakeholders involved in rubber cultivation. Further, there has been an intense debate that the Government has resorted to over protection of the interests of rubber growers resulting in high cost of raw materials to the rubber goods industry while the other side claims that the Government has allowed unchecked and excess rubber import causing pressure on rubber prices and has thereby overlooked the interests of rubber growers.
The Committee is of considered opinion that to reap the full benefits of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, there should be a complementary ‘Grow in India’ campaign where the manufacturing sector and the agricultural sector will complement each other. The need of the hour is consensus and not conflict. The Committee feels that it’s high time that the Rubber Industry should seize the opportunity lying ahead and work on the constraints affecting the optimal growth and development thereof. This is what is reflected in the report "Rubber Industry in India".
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Commerce/119.pdf
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3. Home Affairs
Subject of the Report: Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in the 178th Report on Disaster Management in the Country.
Name of the Ministry: Home Affairs
Date of Presentation: 31st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report " Action Taken by Government on the recommendations/observations contained in the 178th Report on Disaster Management in the Country" is an Action Taken Report of the Committee that deals with the action taken by the
Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendations contained in the One Hundred and
Seventy Eighth Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee
on Home Affairs on the Disaster Management that was presented to the Parliament on 19th February, 2015.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Home%20Affairs/188.pdf
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4. Transport, Tourism and Culture
Subject of the Report: The National Waterways Bill, 2015
Name of the Ministry: Transport, Tourism, and Culture
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Transport, Tourism and Culture, having been authorised by the Committee to present on its behalf, do hereby present this Two Hundred Twenty Third Report on The National Waterways Bill, 2015*. The National Waterways Bill, 2015 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the 05th May, 2015.
The Bill seeks to make provisions for the existing five national waterways and declaration of 101 new inland waterways spread among 24 States to be National Waterways and also to provide for the regulation and development of the said waterways for the purpose of shipping and navigation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Transport,%20Tourism%20and%20Culture/223.pdf
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5. Agriculture
Subject of the Report: Fifteenth Report on the Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the Second Report of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-15) on "Demands for Grants (2014-15)" pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agricultural Research and Education)
Name of the Ministry: Agriculture
Date of Presentation: 11th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
The Report titled 'Fifteenth Report on the Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the Second Report of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-15) on "Demands for Grants 2014-15)" pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agricultural Research and Education)' of the Committee on Agriculture deals with the action taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Second Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-2015) on “Demands for Grants (2014-15) pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agricultural Research and Education).
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Agriculture/16_Agriculture_15.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Thirteenth Report on the Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the Third Report of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-15) on "Demands for Grants (2014-15)" pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation)
Name of the Ministry: Agriculture
Date of Presentation: 11th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
This Report titled ''Thirteenth Report on the Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the Third Report of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-15) on "Demands for Grants (2014-15)" pertaining to the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation)'' Published by the Committee on Agriculture deals with the actions taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Third Report of the Committee on Agriculture (2014-15) on ‘Demands for Grants (2014-15)' of the Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Agriculture and Cooperation).
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Agriculture/16_Agriculture_13.pdf
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6. Chemicals & Fertilizers
Subject of the Report: Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the First Report of the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2014-2015) of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
(Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)
Name of the Ministry: Chemicals & Fertilizers
Date of Presentation: 22nd July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report 'Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the First Report of the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2014-2015) of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals)' presents the Tenth Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Action Taken by the Government on the observations/recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (2014-2015) on Demands for Grants (2014-2015) of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals).
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Chemicals%20&%20Fertilizers/16_Chemicals_And_Fertilizers_10.pdf
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7. Coal & Steel
Subject of the Report: Safety, Health and Education Facilities for Inhabitants/Workers in Coal/Lignite Mining Areas" relating to the Ministry of Coal
Name of the Ministry: Coal & Steel
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
The issue of Safety, Health and Education facilities for inhabitants/workers in Coal/Lignite Mining areas holds great significance in the world today owing to the fact that a large number of workers/inhabitants are engaged in the mining fields making it one of the world's largest primary commercial energy requirement sector. it is therefore, imperative that the safety standards be maintained to ensure the safety of workers.
It is equally important to have a robust and effective safety monitoring mechanism for prevention of accidents and preparedness to handle any eventualities. Safety and Health of workers deployed in Coal/Lignite Mines therefore need to be accorded utmost priority. Thus, in the report "Safety, Health, and Education Facilities for Inhabitants/Workers in Coal/Lignite Mining Areas" relating to the Ministry of Coal, a holistic review of the present system of safety monitoring mechanism through a revisit of the fundamental provisions made in various statutes pertaining to the issue has been presented.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Coal%20&%20Steel/16_Coal_And_Steel_14.pdf
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8. Energy
Subject of the Report: 8th Report on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report (16th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Power for the year 2014-15
Name of the Ministry: Power
Date of Presentation: 11th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
This Report "8th Report on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report (16th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Power for the year 2014-15" of the Standing Committee on Energy deals with the action taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Power for the year 2014-15.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Energy/16_Energy_8.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Energy Conservation
Name of the Ministry: Power
Date of Presentation: 11th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
In view of the importance of energy efficiency and energy conservation, and of the cost-effective potential to implement it, the Parliamentary Standing Committee in their report "Energy Conservation" on Energy has assessed the present situation and challenges in this sector. It also incorporates the discussions held with a wide range of stakeholders such as Ministries/Departments; regulators; State Governments; utilities; industry bodies; manufacturers, etc., and seeking their views on opportunities and challenges to accelerate energy efficiency and energy conservation activities.
Source of Information:
http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Energy/16_Energy_7.pdf
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9. Information Technology
Subject of the Report: Action Taken Report on action taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations of the Committee contained in their Fifty-third Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) on ‘Norms for setting up of telecom towers, its harmful effects and setting up of security standards in expansion of telecom facilities’ relating to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Department of Telecommunications).
Name of the Ministry: Communications and Information Technology
Date of Presentation: 13th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
This Report " Action Taken Report on action taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations of the Committee contained in their Fifty-third Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) on ‘Norms for setting up of telecom towers, its harmful effects and setting up of security standards in expansion of telecom facilities’ relating to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Department of Telecommunications)" of the Standing Committee on Information Technology deals with the action taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations of the Committee contained in their Fifty-third Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) on the subject ‘Norms for setting up of telecom towers, its harmful effects and setting up of security standards in expansion of telecom facilities’ relating to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Department of Telecommunications).
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Information%20Technology/16_Information_Technology_13.pdf
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10. Petroleum & Natural Gas
Subject of the Report: Ethanol Blended Petrol and Bio-Diesel Policy
Name of the Ministry: Petroleum & Natural Gas
Date of Presentation: 13th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
Energy is a critical input for the socio-economic development of any country. In India, fossil fuels i.e. Crude Oil and Natural Gas play a dominant role as primary energy resources constituting about 41% of the energy consumption. Over the years, there have been growing environmental concerns that have also raised uncertainty over the use of fossil fuel resources in meeting the future energy demands and have necessitated the search for alternate sources of energy. The present report on "Ethanol Blended Petrol and Bio-Diesel Policy" discusses the alternate sources of energy in light of the growing concern governing the exhaustion of the fossil fuel resources.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Petroleum%20&%20Natural%20Gas/16_Petroleum_And_Natural_Gas_7.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Action Taken Report on DFG (2014-15)
Name of the Ministry: Petroleum & Natural Gas
Date of Presentation: 11th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
This Report ' Action Taken Report on DFG (2014-15)' of the Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas deals with the action taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas (2014-15) on Demand for Grants (2014-15)' of MoPNG.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Petroleum%20&%20Natural%20Gas/16_Petroleum_And_Natural_Gas_6.pdf
11. Rural Development
Subject of the Report: Action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2014-15) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development)
Name of the Ministry: Rural Development
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
The Standing Committee on Rural Development (2014-2015) presents the report titled 'Action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2014-15) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development)' that includes the Tenth Report on the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report of the Standing Committee on Rural
Development (2014-15) (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2014-15) of the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development).
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Rural%20Development/16_Rural_Development_10.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Forty-Second Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) on Implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
Name of the Ministry: Rural Development
Date of Presentation: 12th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report ' Action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Forty-Second Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) on Implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005' presents the Fourteenth Report by the Standing Committee on Rural Development, on the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the Forty-second Report (Fifteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Rural Development (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) on 'Implementation of 'Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005'.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Rural%20Development/16_Rural_Development_14.pdf
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12. Urban Development
Subject of the Report: Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Urban Development on Demands for Grants (2014-2015) ) of the Ministry of Urban Development
Name of the Ministry: Urban Development
Date of Presentation: 31st July, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report titled 'Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the First Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Urban Development on Demands for Grants (2014-2015) ) of the Ministry of Urban Development' presents the Seventh Report (16th Lok Sabha) on the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in the First Report (16th Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Urban Development on “Demands for Grants (2014-2015)" of the Ministry of Urban Development.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Urban%20Development/16_Urban_Development_7.pdf
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Subject of the Report: Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/ Recommendations contained in the Sixth Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Urban Development on Demands for Grants (2015-2016) ) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
Name of the Ministry: Urban Development
Date of Presentation: 10th August, 2015
Brief Summary:
The report ' Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/ Recommendations contained in the Sixth Report (Sixteenth Lok Sabha) of the Standing Committee on Urban Development on Demands for Grants (2015-2016) ) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation' deals with the action taken by the Government on the recommendations contained in their Sixth Report (Sixeenth Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2015-16) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
Source of Information: http://164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/Urban%20Development/16_Urban_Development_8.pdf
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