opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Block Chain Technology
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 118 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## Block Chain Technology

118. SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  has  brought  out  any  notification  to  use  block  chain technology to issue graduation certificates by universities; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has made any pilot projects for institutes like IIT's etc.; and (d) if so, the status of the pilot project and the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK')

- (a): No, Sir.
- (b): Question does not arise.
- (c): No, Sir.
- (d): Question does not arise
- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 117 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Promotion of Mountain Bike Park
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.117 ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## PROMOTION OF MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

## 117.  SHRI RAJU BISTA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Darjeeling is home to the only mountain bike park in India, attracting many tourists;
- (b) if  so,  the initiatives taken to promote the Mountain bike park situated in Darjeeling, nationally and internationally; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to include Darjeeling Mountain Bike trails under campaign  of Incredible India promotions, considering its uniqueness?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a)  to  (c):    The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  recognized  Adventure Tourism, as a 'Niche' tourism product in order to promote India as a 365 days' destination and attract tourists with specific interest.

The Ministry has issued guidelines for the approval of Adventure  Tour  Operators,  open  to  all  bona-fide  Adventure  Tour Operators.

A Task Force on Adventure Tourism has been set up to act as a forum for resolving issues related to development and promotion of Adventure Tourism in the country.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  formulated  'Indian  Adventure Tourism  Guidelines'  (Version  2.0)  on  Safety  and  Quality  Norms  on Adventure  Tourism  as  Basic  Minimum  Standards  for  Adventure

Tourism  Activities  covering  31  verticals  involving  land,  air  and water in respect of adventure tourism activities. These Guidelines have been forwarded to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for compliance. The Central Financial Assistance is being extended to various State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for development of Tourism Infrastructure in destinations including Adventure Tourism destinations.

The  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  and  Sports,  Govt.  of  India  and Adventure  Tour  Operators  Association  of  India  have  informed  us that  no  such  information  with  respect  to  Mountain  Bike  Park  in Darjeeling  is  available  with  them.  State  Govt.  of  West  Bengal  has not submitted any details regarding Mountain Bike Park in Darjeeling.

Ministry  of  Tourism  promotes  India  as  a  holistic  destination under the Incredible India brand -line . As part of its  on -going activities, the Ministry releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media  campaigns  in  the  international  and  domestic  markets,  to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country . Promotions  are  also  undertaken  through  the  website  and Social Media accounts of the Ministry . In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas disseminate information and undertake  various  promotional  activities  with  the  objective  of showcasing  the  varied  tourist  destinations  and  products  of  the country.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 116 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Promotion of Tourism in Guntur District
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.116 ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN GUNTUR DISTRICT

## 116.  SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of a dead volcano in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) whether the Government is also aware that there is a famous Lakshmi-Narasimha Temple in the said region; and
- (c) if  so,  the  efforts  made  so  far  by  the  Government  to  promote tourism in and around this volcano and temple?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a) & (b): Department  of  Youth  Advancement,  Tourism  &  Culture (T), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh informed us that they are aware about the  belief  among  the  locals  that  there  is  an  inactive  volcano  and Lakshmi - Narasimha Temple in the Guntur District.
- (c): The Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed us that their Endowments Department has provided the basic tourist amenities like toilets, waiting areas, drinking Water arrangements etc.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism has sanctioned an amount of Rs.28.36 Crores  for  Development  of  Amaravati  Town,  Guntur  District  as  a Tourist Destination in the year 2015-16 under PRASHAD scheme.

Ministry  of  Tourism  promotes  India  as  a  holistic  destination under the Incredible India  brand -line . As part of its  on -going activities, the Ministry releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media  campaigns  in  the  international  and  domestic  markets,  to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country . Promotions  are  also  undertaken  through  the  website  and Social Media accounts of the Ministry . In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas disseminate information and undertake  various  promotional  activities  with  the  objective  of showcasing  the  varied  tourist  destinations  and  products  of  the country .

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 113 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: CNG Pumps in Delhi
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Manoj Kumar Tiwari

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 113 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020 CNG Pumps in Delhi

## 113. SHRI MANOJ TIWARI:

## पेट्रोल ियम और प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्री

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the number of CNG pumps set up in Delhi, till date;
- (b)  the number of pumps likely to be installed in near future;

(c)  whether the Government proposes to permit to install the pumps on private land as well; and

- (d)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER पेट्रोल ियम और प्राक ृ तिक गैस मंत्री

(

## श्री धमेन्द्र प्रधान )

## MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

- (a)  &  (b)  :  Indraprastha  Gas  Limited  (IGL),  authorized  entity  for  development  of  CGD Networks in Delhi, has set up 400 CNG stations in Delhi and will set up another 20 number of CNG stations in NCT of Delhi in near future.
- (c)  &  (d)  :    CNG  Stations  are  set  up  based  on  techno  commercial  feasibility,  including  on private land.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 112 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Places Identified as Model Tourist Destinations
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Anurag Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†112 ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## PLACES IDENTIFIED AS MODEL TOURIST DESTINATIONS

## †112. SHRI ANURAG SHARMA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of tourist destinations of the country linked by the Ministry of Tourism with Swachh Bharat, Swachh Smarak and Swachh Paryatan campaign;
- (b) the special facilities being provided to the tourists to develop model monuments; and
- (c) the name of the places identified for model tourist destinations  and the  facilities  being  made  available  at  these destinations in Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a): Under the Swachh Bharat Mission the Ministry of Tourism has identified  180  Tourist  sites  for  organizing  Swachhta  Action  Plan (SAP) activities during the year 2019-20 to  create  Swachhta Awareness amongst the tourists, students of schools / colleges and stakeholders across the country. Besides, Swachhta Pakhwada and Swachhta-Hi-Seva  activities  have  also  been  undertaken  by  the Ministry of Tourism at several locations across the country.
- (b) & (c): As per information received from Archaeological Survey of India, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, there are thirteen monuments that have been identified as Adarsh Monuments for providing tourist facilities which are as follows:

1.  Taj  Mahal,  Agra  2.  Fatehpur  Sikri,  Agra  3.  Agra  Fort,  Agra  4. Itmad-ud-Duala,  Agra  5.  Akbar's  Tomb,  Sikandra,  Agra  6.  Rani Jhansi's  Palace,  Jhansi  7.  Residency,  Lucknow  8.  Kalinjar  Fort, Banda  9.  Ancient  Buddhist  Remains  and  site,  Sravasti  10.  Site, Stupa and Monastery of the Sakyas, Piparva, Siddharthnagar 11. Lal Khan  Tomb,  Rajghat,  Varanasi  12.  Ancient  Buddhist  Remains  and site, Kushinagar 13. Ancient Buddhist Remains, Sarnath, Varanasi.

Facilities like drinking water, toilet, interpretation centre, wifi,  illumination,  ramps, pathways, publication sale counter etc. are provided  at  the  World  Heritage  and  Ticketed  monuments.  Further, existing facilities are upgraded as per requirement and its upgradation is a continuous process.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 111 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Unemployment Rate
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Pritam Gopinath Munde

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 111 TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 RD   FEBRUARY, 2020

## UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

111.  SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU PRITAM GOPINATHRAO MUNDE:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there are concerns over the high unemployment rate in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the facts thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Union  Government  is  likely  to  come  out  with  a  fresh  National Employment  Policy  (NEP)  amid  concerns  over  the  high  unemployment  rate  in the country;
- (d)
- if so, the facts thereof;
- (e) whether there is a need to bring clarity on what should be the outcome of the policy otherwise all plans will remain just that-plans; and
- (f) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government to bring clarity on the outcome of the policy?

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

- (a)  &  (b):  As  per  the  results  of  annual  Periodic  Labour  Force  Survey  (PLFS) conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during 2017-18, the estimated unemployment rate for the  persons aged 15 years and above on usual status (principal status + subsidiary status) basis to the extent available  in the country was 6.0%.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government.  Government  has  taken  various  steps  for  generating  employment  in the  country  like  encouraging  private  sector  of  economy,  fast-tracking  various projects  involving  substantial  investment  and  increasing  public  expenditure  on various schemes.

- (c) to (f): An  Inter-Ministerial  Committee  was  constituted  to  draft  the National Employment  Policy  and  consultations  were held  with  various stakeholders  in Ministries,  State  Governments,  Trade  Unions,  Industry Associations, ILO etc. for inputs to the Policy.

The proposed policy  inter-alia, purport to address macro-economic policy issues, sectoral  policy  issues,  labour  policy  issues,  micro  and  small  enterprises'  issues, skill  development  issues,  issues  relating  to  women  and  vulnerable  workers  and incorporate suggestions for improving employment opportunities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 109 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Setting up of Skill Development Centres
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Arvind Dharmapuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 109 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## SETTING UP OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES

## 109. SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI:

## Will  the  Minister  of  SKILL  DEVELOPMENT  AND  ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state :

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  of  establishing  Skill  Development Centres in Headquarters of each district of every State;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the quantum of funds earmarked for each State and district;
- (d) the status of the presently running skill development centres and steps being taken by the Government to upgrade them to meet to the present needs; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI R. K. SINGH)

(a) to (e) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship promotes establishment  of  model  and  aspirational  skill  centres  known  as  Pradhan  Mantri Kaushal Kendra  (PMKK) in every  district  for  imparting  skill  training  throughout  the country in PPP mode. The Ministry through NSDC provides capital expenditure upto 75% of the project investment as well as operational support to each PMKK. PMKK centres are provided loan from NSDC upto 70 lakh to the PPP partner. As such no State/District wise funds are earmarked. As on 17.01.2020, 812 PMKKs have been allocated  in  707  districts  across  the  country;  out  of  allocated  PMKKs,  723  PMKKs have  been  established.  Funds  amounting  to  Rs.  228.6  Cr.  have  been  disbursed towards the establishment of PMKKs. As on 17.01.2020, 11.13 lakh candidates have been trained under these PMKKs across the country.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 108 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Conservation of Ancient Heritage Museums
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Sumedhanand Saraswati

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## CONSERVATION OF ANCIENT HERITAGE MUSEUMS

## †108. SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  other  States  including  Rajasthan  and Haryana in the country hold an important place for the ancient heritage museums;
- (b) if so, the efforts being made to preserve them;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that an ancient museum is situated in Gurukul of Jhajjar district in Haryana State;
- (d) whether  the  Government  wants  the  new  generation  to  be  informed  about  such places; and
- (e) if so, the efforts being made by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM (PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a)to(c): No Sir.  No such information is available in Ministry of Culture.  However, based upon directions of Parliament Standing Committee, Ministry of Culture has written to all the  Chief  Secretaries  of  State  Governments  and  Union  Territories,  requesting  them  to provide a list of existing museums in their State, whether under Government control, or run  by  other  Institutions,  for  assessing  their  importance,  also  explaining  in  brief  the artefacts displayed.  No information has been received from the States of Rajasthan and Haryana as yet.

Based on proposals received from State Government, under the Museum Grant Scheme, Ministry  of  Culture  provides  financial  assistance  for  setting  up  of  new  museums  by  the State  Governments  and  other  registered  Bodies  at  regional,  state  and  district  level  and also to strengthen and modernize the existing museums.

(d)&(e): Yes Sir. Under the Museum Grant Scheme, modernisation of museums envisages setting up of digital displays to attract the youth, better curation, display and lighting, as well as outreach programs to deliver information about museum to the public.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 106 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: World Book Fair 2020
Ministry: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.106

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## World Book Fair, 2020

106.   SHRI MOHANBHAI KALYANJI KUNDARIYA

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- a) whether the National Book Trust in collaboration with India trade Promotion Organization  has  organised  28  edition  of  World  Book  Fair  2020  in  Delhi recently and if so, the details thereof along with the theme of the fair:
- b) the  details  of  number  of  foreign  exhibitors  who  participated  in  the  said event;
- c) the details of amount of funds earmarked for the event
- d) whether  the  fair  acts  as  a  gateway  to  the  intellectual  world  of  South  Asia and if so, the details thereof;
- e) whether  foreign  investors  also  took  part  in  this  book  fair  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- f) the  other  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  produce  and  encourage  the production of good literature?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK')

****

- a) Yes  Sir,  The  New  Delhi  World  Book  Fair  (NDWBF),  2020  was  organised during 4-12 January, 2020 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The theme of the Fair was "Gandhi: Writers Writer".
- b) In all 13 foreign exhibitors/publishers participated in NDWBF, 2020 from U.K., Saudi  Arabia,  Spain,  Germany,  Iran,  France,  Poland,  U.A.E.,  China,  Nepal, Sri Lanka and Egypt.
- c) The funds earmarked for the event was Rs. 1484.00 lakh.
- d) In so far as South Asia is concerned, two countries viz. Sri Lanka and Nepal regularly participate in the NDWBF. Accordingly, National Book Trust (NBT), India has published the title Sri Lanka: A Land in Search of itself under the series  'Afro Asian countries'.  Around  30  titles in  Nepali  language have also been published by NBT for children to promote the language.
- e) No, Sir.
- f) Some of the important steps taken by the Government in collaboration with NBT are as follows:
7. (i) on the occasion of the celebration of 550 th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev  Ji,  NBT  has  published  4  titles  in  Punjabi  language  to  promote  the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev JI.
8. (ii) on the occasion of celebration of 150 th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi the title Gandhi "Warrior of Non-violence' has been published.
9. (iii) Publication of various books in 50 Indian languages including tribal as well as dialects with a view to provide good literature to children in the mother tongue.
10. (iv) Publication of around 300 books in Braille script done for the benefit of visually challenged in 5 languages including English.
11. (v) Introducing new series like Nav Lekhan Mala, Mahila Protsahan Yojana, Veer Gatha, Women Pioneers etc with a view to provide a window to new writers especially with respect to books on and by women.
Lok Sabha Question No. 104 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Impact of Demonetisation
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: K. Subbarayan

## 104. SHRI SUBBARAYAN K.:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- ( a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  of  a  research  paper  published  in  National  Bureau  of Economic Research,  USA authored by the Chief Economist  at  IMF  and  others  wherein  it  is stated  that  the  demonetisation  caused  a  2-3  percentage  point  reduction  in  jobs  and  economic activity in India; and
- (b) if so, the details of their findings along with the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) & (b): From time to time, independent economists, research agencies, international organizations and other experts bring out their own assessment of the economy, which the Government of India is aware of and takes note of, for appropriate policy actions.

The economic growth of a country depends on a number of factors including structural, external, fiscal and monetary factors. No direct data is available to measure the effect of demonetisation.

******

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 104

ANSWERED ON 03.02. 2020

## IMPACT OF DEMONETISATION
Lok Sabha Question No. 102 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Complaints against Travel Agents
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Kirron  Kher

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.102 ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## COMPLAINTS AGAINST TRAVEL AGENTS

## 102.  SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any complaints regarding Indian travel agents and companies cheating/ overcharging  tourists  from  other  countries  during  the  past three years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the action taken against such travel agents and companies in the past three years;
- (c) whether the Government has established a dedicated helpline to provide assistance to tourists from other countries; and
- (d) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  keep  a  check  on  the fraudulent activities by Indian travel companies?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) & (b): Complaints regarding cheating/ overcharging of tourists  and  other  issues  relating  to  service  providers  including travel agents are received in the Ministry on an ongoing basis either from the complainants or through the Centralized Public Grievance Redress  and  Monitoring  Systems  (CPGRAMS)  portal.  On  receipt  of such complaints, the matter is taken up with the concerned service providers seeking clarification to facilitate resolution of the issues. In  case  instances  of  exploitation  of  tourists  are  brought  to  the notice of the Ministry of Tourism, the grievance is taken up with the concerned  State  Government/  Union  Territory  (UT)  Administration since service providers are required to be registered/licensed under local rules/acts of the concerned State/UT. The complainant is also advised to approach the appropriate forum, such as consumer court, for redressal on case to case basis. (c): Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  24x7  Multi  Lingual Tourist  Info-Helpline  on  the  toll  free  number  1800111363  or  on  a short code 1363 in 12 Languages including 10 international languages,  Hindi  &  English  to  provide  support  service  in  terms  of information relating to Travel in India and offer appropriate guidance to tourists in distress while travelling in India.

(d): To  ensure  standardized  services  for  tourists,  the  Ministry  of Tourism, Government of India gives approval to different categories of service providers in the Travel Industry including Tour Operators/Travel Agents/Tourist Transport Operators, etc. in accordance  with  the  guidelines  issued  by  the  Ministry  for  each category. This is purely a voluntary scheme and it is not mandatory for  the  service  providers  to  seek  approval  of  the  Ministry  for conducting  business.  In  case  of  complaints  of  serious  nature against the approved service providers, the Ministry of Tourism may take  action  against  them,  which  may  include  withdrawal  of  the approval/re-approval granted.

*******