Question : UPGRADATION OF TESTING FACILITIES

(a) whether auto industry is demanding since long for upgrading existing testing facilities;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government had sanctioned more than 70 crores for upgrading the existing testing facilities in Pune and Ahmednagar;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government are considering to provide such facilities in other cities of the country including Hyderabad;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) if not, the reasons therefor;

(h) whether his Ministry has urged the Finance Ministry to allocate whole amount of automobile cess for increasing testing facilities; and

(i) if so, the response of the Finance Ministry and further steps taken or being taken by Government to increase the testing facilities to fight global competition in the automobile industry?

MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI BALASAHEB VIKHE PATIL)

(a) to (g): Keeping in view the comprehensive requirements for upgradation and modernization of the automotive testing facilities in the country, the Government, on their own initiative, have approved a blue print for expansion of these facilities. The blue print involves major upgradation of testing facilities in and around Pune as also setting up of two new testing centres in the north and south of the country. The action on blue print will be initiated after the funding is tied up. In the current year, out of resources made available, the Government, till now, have sanctioned new schemes amounting to Rs.73.96 crores for augmenting testing facilities in Pune and Ahmednagar. New schemes, inter-alia, involve upgradation of homologation laboratory, photometric laboratory, engine R&D facilities and material testing facilities.

(h) &
(i): The Department of Heavy Industry have been taking up with the Ministry of Finance the issue of increased allocation of cess funds commensurate with requirements and to the extent of the cess collection. Consequently, Ministry of Finance has allocated Rs.25 crore from Cess fund during the current financial year for R&D purposes. In addition, a sum of Rs.25 crores has been made available under plan for the same purpose.