Question : DIVERSIFICATION PLAN OF B.E.M.L.

(a) whether there is any plan to diversify the activities of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is also a plan to float full-fledged IT company to take up software services;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the project finance and capital requirements for the new ventures have been tied up with the Financial institutions; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE PRODUCTION & SUPPLIES

(SHRI HARIN PATHAK)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) BEML has diversification plans in the field of port equipment, road construction machinery, surface miners and a few defence products.

(c) to (f): Preliminary internal exercises have been undertaken but no formal plan exists.