opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1320 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Inclusion of more Commodities in existing PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Rajan Baburao  Vichare

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1320

## To BE ANSWERED ON 14TH DECEMBER, 2022

## INCLUSION OF MORE COMMODITIES IN EXISTING PDS

## 1320. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to increase the net coverage on economic criteria to the Public Distribution System (PDS) in
- the State of Maharashtra similar to that of Below Poverty Line (BPL);
- (b) whether the Government has any proposal to provide additional resources to the State of Maharashtra to make the PDS upto the universal standard;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any measures to include more commodities in the existing PDS; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a): The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is now governed as per provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA): The Act provides for coverage of about 76.32% of the rural and 45.34% of the urban population of the Maharashtra for receiving highly subsidized foodgrains under TPDS, which at Census 2011 comes to about 700.17 Iakh persons. No proposal to increase the coverage under the Act is presently under consideration of the Government:
- (b): No such proposal is under consideration of the Government:
- (c)& (d): Under the Act, the term "foodgrains" is defined as wheat or coarse grains or any combination thereof conforming to such quality norms as may be determined, by order, by the Central Government from time to time: No proposal to include more commodities under the NFSA is under consideration of the Government: rice,
Lok Sabha Question No. 1319 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Industrial Corridors in Chhattisgarh
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Gomati Sai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1319. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 14 TH  DECEMBER, 2022.

## INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS IN CHHATTISGARH

## 1319.  SHRIMATI GOMATI SAI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) the  district-wise  status  of  land  acquisition  for  various  industrial  corridors  in Chhattisgarh;
- (b) the total area required for each industrial corridor; and
- (c) the  details  of  the  area  of  land  acquired  and  proposed  to  be  acquired  by  the Government?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री सोम प्रकाश ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

Industry is a state subject and responsibility for development of industrial infrastructure primarily rests with the State Governments. Government of development  of  industrial infrastructure. Under National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, 32 nodes/projects have been identified in 11 Industrial Corridors. None of these nodes/projects is located in Chhattisgarh. However , Ministry of Road Transport  and  Highways  (M/oRTH)  has  undertaken  the  development  of Economic Corridor from Raipur to Visakhapatnam having a length of 464 Kms  of  which  124  Kms  falls  under  State  of  Chhattisgarh  covering  four districts  namely  Raipur,  Dhamtari,  Kanker  and  Kondagaon.  Total  land required for the Economic Corridor is 822.57 Ha of which 497 Ha of land is

- (a) to (c): India also undertakes  certain  projects for in possession.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1318 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Bharat Gaurav Scheme
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: V. Kalanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1318 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## BHARAT GAURAV SCHEME

## 1318.     DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)    the salient features of the Bharat Gaurav Scheme;
- (b) the details of the funds sanctioned, allocated and utilized under this scheme within Tamil Nadu so far;
- (c) the details of the target set in this regard;
- (d)    whether the Government has commenced the operations of the service under this scheme within Tamil Nadu;
- (e) if so, the details thereof;
- (f) whether the Government has planned to  commence  more services under this scheme within Tamil Nadu; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)   Indian Railways have issued the 'Bharat Gaurav Trains' policy on 23.11.2021 with an objective to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places through theme based tourist circuit trains. The salient features of this policy are as follows:
- Registration and placement of rake request by service providers in online portal.

- Rake security deposit of ₹ 1 Crore per rake.
- Individuals, Partnership firm, company, Society, Trust, Joint ventures and consortium are eligible.
- ●
- A rake comprising a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 20 coaches.
- Applicable  charges  viz.  Right  to  Use  charges,  Haulage  charges, stabling charges notified and to be paid by service provider.
- ●
- Theme based refurbishments/minor modifications permitted.
- Indian  Railways  to  retain  ownership  of  the  coaches  and  provide operational assistance including coach maintenance and stabling facilities.
- Service provider to have full freedom to decide itinerary, themes, package cost.
- Service provider to offer a comprehensive package with facility of rail  transportation,  accommodation,  meals,  local  road  transport, sightseeing etc.
- Branding and advertisement rights are permitted.
- (b)  and  (c)  No  fund  is  envisaged  to  be  allocated  for  Bharat  Gaurav Trains scheme as this is based on  revenue generating model.

(d) to  (g)   As per this policy, service providers have full flexibility to decide  the  themes/itineraries  for  operation  of  Bharat  Gaurav  trains. Running  of  Bharat  Gaurav  Trains  by  service  providers  over  Indian Railways  including  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu  is  a  continuous  process and  any  additional  trips  would  depend  on  the  market  demand  and commercial viability.

In  the  Financial  Year  2022-23  (upto  30.11.2022),  total  10  trips  of Bharat  Gaurav  Trains  have  been  operated  from  the  State  of  Tamil Nadu through various service providers.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 1314 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Seat Availability in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Arjun Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1314 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## SEAT AVAILABILITY IN RAILWAYS

†1314. SHRI ARJUN SINGH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  going  to  make  any  plans  relating  to confirmed availability of passenger seat for the convenience of railway passengers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1314 BY SHRI ARJUN SINGH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 14.12.2022 REGARDING SEAT AVAILABILITY IN RAILWAYS

(a) & (b) On Indian Railways, demand pattern of reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean and peak periods. Moreover, trains running on popular routes and with convenient timings are generally well patronized.  However,  other  trains  not  having  one  or  all  these  features  are chosen by passengers for travel only as a second alternative and may not be fully patronized.

Waiting list position of trains is monitored on regular basis and to cater to additional  demand,  load  of  existing  trains  are  augmented,  special  trains  are run,  new  trains  are  introduced,  frequency  of  existing  trains  is  increased  etc. subject to operational feasibility. Schemes like Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme  known  as  VIKALP  and  Upgradation  have  also  been  introduced.  In VIKALP confirmed accommodation in alternate train is provided to the eligible passengers who have opted for the same and in upgradation scheme waiting list  passengers  of  lower  class  are  provided  confirmed  accommodation  in  the higher class if there is a vacant accommodation in higher class and waiting list in lower class.

Taking such steps is a continuous and an on-going process.

(c) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1311 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Geological Heritage Sites
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Khagen Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1311

ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITES

1311. SHRI KHAGEN MURMU: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether the country is inching towards the disappearance of most of the geological heritage sites; (b) if so, the preventive steps taken/being taken by the Government to conserve our geological and natural heritage keeping in mind that the protection of geo-heritage sites requires legislation; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): No, Sir.

- (b) & (c): Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines declares  and  maintains  geological  heritage  sites  in  India.  GSI  has  declared  32 geological heritage sites across 13 States for protection and maintenance.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1307 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Contractual Workers
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Chandrani Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1307

ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## CONTRACTUAL WORKERS

1307. MS. CHANDRANI MURMU:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  contractual  workers  in  various  mines  of  Odisha,  district  and organisation-wise;
- (b)  the  sanctioned  strength  of  company  staff  in  the  mines  and  the  number  of vacancies of sanctioned staff; and
- (c) whether the contractual workers are compensated at par with company workers and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

- (a):  As  per  the  information  provided  by  Indian  Bureau  of  Mines,  the  number  of contractual workers in various mines of Odisha for the year 2021-22 is as under:
- (b): The information related to sanctioned strength of company staff in the mines and the number of vacancies of sanctioned staff is not available.
- (c):  As  per  the  information  provided  by  Ministry  of  Labour  and  Employment,  the contract workers are being paid as per various labour legislation and as per contract agreement.

| S No   | District   | No. of contractual workers   |
|--------|------------|------------------------------|
| 1      | Bargarh    | 196                          |
| 2      | Jajpur     | 3,714                        |
| 3      | Keonjhar   | 13,011                       |
| 4      | Koraput    | 1,029                        |
| 5      | Mayurbhanj | 130                          |
| 6      | Rayagada   | 386                          |
| 7      | Sundargarh | 6,397                        |
| Total  | Total      | 24,863                       |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1306 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: CBTS
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: P. Ravindhranath

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1306 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## CBTS

## 1306. SHRI P. RAVINDHRANATH:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has decided to provide training to ten lakh people under Samarth Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) across the country including the State of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) if so, the details of the total number of people who got training till now including the State of Tamil Nadu;
- (c) whether the Government also provides loan facility for the trainees under this scheme; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the financial implication for the same?

उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज् य मंत्री ( श्रीमती दर्शना जरदोर् )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)

(a) & (b): Ministry  of  Textiles  had  launched  Samarth  (Scheme  for  Capacity  Building  in Textiles Sector)  -  a  demand  driven,  placement  oriented  skilling  programme  in  2017-18  to  2019-20  with  an outlay  of  Rs.  1300  crore with  a  target  to  train  about  10  lakh  beneficiaries  in textile  sector  excluding spinning and weaving in organized sector across the country including Tamil Nadu. The scheme has been extended upto March, 2024, with a revised outlay of Rs. 390 crore.

Out of the training target of 4.17 lakh beneficiaries allocated to various implementing partners, a total  of  1,29,662  including  28,555  beneficiaries  in  Tamil  Nadu  have  been  trained    so  far  under  the Samarth scheme.

- (c) & (d): Under Samarth, there  is  no  provision  of  providing  loan  facility  to  the  trainees  trained under the scheme.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1305 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Private Players in Space Research
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Sougata Ray

(a) & (b)

Yes,  Sir.  Government  has  already  taken  several  steps  towards enhancing  end-to-end  participation  of  private  players  in  space research and technology, with far-reaching reforms in space sector brought  forth  in  2020.  In  this  regard,  a  single  window  agency  -

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1305 PRIVATE PLAYERS IN SPACE RESEARCH

1305.  PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to open the space research and technology to private players;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has ascertained the security problems that are likely to be arise in future; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

****

Indian  National  Space  Promotion  and  Authorization  Centre  [INSPACe], has been created to promote, handhold and authorize space activities  by  private  players.  Sharing  of  technical  facilities  and technological support from ISRO is also enabled through IN-SPACe.

(c) & (d) IN-SPACe  has  been  mandated  to  grant  authorization  for  space activities, keeping in mind safety and security considerations. ****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1301 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Adarsh Station Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Gaddam Ranjith Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1301

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## ADARSH STATION SCHEME IN ANDHRA PRADESH

1301. DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  Lingampalli,  Shankarpalli,  Tandur,  Udir  and  Vikarabad railway stations have been identified to be developed under Adarsh Station Scheme;
- (b) if so, the details of developmental works  that have been undertaken in each of the above stations since implementation of the scheme, station-wise; and
- (c) whether there  are  any  works  yet  to  be  completed  and,  if  so,  the time by which it is likely to be completed ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1301 BY DR. G. RANJITH REDDY   TO BE ANSWERED  IN LOK SABHA ON 14.12.2022 REGARDING ADARSH STATION SCHEME IN ANDHRA PRADESH

- (a):  Yes,  Sir.  Lingampalli,  Shankarpalli,  Tandur  &  Vikarabad  Railway stations  in  Telengana  and  Udgir  Railway  station  in  Maharahstra  have been identified under Adarsh station scheme.
- (b):  Various  passenger  amenities  works  have  been  completed  under Adarsh  Station  scheme  at  Lingampalli,  Tandur,  Vikarabad  Railway Stations:
- (i) Improvement to Façade of station building
- (ii) Waiting room (with bathing facilities) for Upper class with TV
- (iii)
- Cloak room
- (iv) Circulating area with lighting
- (v) Earmarked Parking
- (vi) Foot Over Bridge
- (vii) Water Cooler
- (viii) Adequate  lighting  arrangements  on  platform  and  FOB/circulating are/concourse etc.
- (ix) Ramps  at  entry  to  station  for  Physically  handicapped  and  Sr. citizens
- (x) Separate Parking for Divyang persons
- (xi) Non-slippery walkway from parking lot to station building
- (xii) A divyangjan toilet
- (xiii) Trolly Path/end pathway for inter platform movement of wheelchair for Divyangjan
- (xiv) Wheel chair

Following works completed under Adarsh Station scheme at Shankarpalli and Udgir Railway stations: (i) Improvement to Façade of station building (ii) Waiting room (with bathing facilities) for Upper class with TV (iii) Circulating area with lighting (iv) Earmarked Parking (v) Pay & Use toilets in circulating area/concourse area (vi) High level platform (vii) Foot Over Bridge (viii) Water Cooler (ix) Adequate  lighting  arrangements  on  platform  and  FOB/circulating are/concourse etc. (x) Ramps  at  entry  to  station  for  Physically  handicapped  and  Sr. citizens (xi) Separate Parking for Divyang persons (xii) Non-slippery walkway form parking lot to station building (xiii) Trolly Path/end pathway for inter platform movement of wheelchair for Divyangjan (xiv) Wheel chair (c):    All  the  works  have  been  completed  at  these  stations  under  the

Adarsh Station scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1300 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Private Sector Participation in Space Sector
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Chandeshwar Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1300

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN SPACE SECTOR

1300.  SHRI CHANDESHWAR PRASAD:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has started allowing external agencies to use ISRO facilities across the globe and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the Government  allows  private sector industry; and
- in  space
- (c) if so, the details of the benefits of private sector participation in space industry?

## ANSWER

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

****

- (a) Usage of dedicated ISRO facilities by Non-Government Entities engaged  in  space  activities  is  being  enabled  through  a  single window agency -Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre [IN-SPACe]. Recent facilities used by external agencies include the Sounding Rocket Launch Complex at SHAR by

M/s.  Skyroot  for  its  mission  PRARAMBH  and  the  Vertical  Test Facility  at  Thumba  Equatorial  Rocket  Launching  Station  (TERLS), Thiruvananthapuram by M/s. Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd. for hot testing of its engine - Agnilet.

(b) & (c)

Yes,  Sir.  Government  envisages  enhanced  participation  of  private sector  in  conducting  end-to-end  activities  in  the  space  sector. Participation of private sector including academic institutions, startups  and  industries  in  end-to-end  space  activities  is  expected  to expand  the  national  space  economy,  generate  more  employment opportunities and create a thriving space ecosystem. ****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1290 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Unmanned Level Crossings in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Rajesh Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1290 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## UNMANNED LEVEL CROSSINGS IN UTTAR PRADESH

†1290. SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of unmanned level crossings in the State of Uttar Pradesh;
- (b)  the  details  including  the  number  thereof  especially  in  Sitapur district; and
- (c)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  prevent  accidents  at  the railway level crossings?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c):  All Unmanned level crossing (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) have been eliminated by 31.01.2019. A total of 34 Nos. UMLCs exist in Uttar Pradesh on Meter Gauge /Narrow Gauge (MG/NG) routes. No UMLC is situated in Sitapur District of Uttar Pradesh. The following steps have been taken/ are being taken by Indian Railways to prevent rail accidents at Level Crossings:

-  All  Unmanned  level  crossing  (UMLCs)  on  Broad  Gauge  (BG)  have been eliminated by 31.01.2019.
-  Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) on Narrow & Meter Gauge line are planned  for elimination during Gauge  Conversion  (GC)  of line/project.
-  For eliminating level crossings with high TVUs (Train Vehicle Units) construction  of  ROB,  and,  with  low  TVU  construction  of  RUB,  is being  considered  subject  to  Railways'  priority  and  availability  of funds. (TVU above 1 lakh is considered as high.)
-  Level  Crossings  having  high  Rail/Road  vehicular  traffic  are  either manned or interlocked with signals for enhancing safety.
-  Instructions  are  issued  and  inspection  drives  are  being  launched from  time  to  time  to  ensure  availability  of  basic  infrastructure  at level crossings such as whistle boards, road, warning boards, speed breakers, etc.
-  Further, public awareness campaigns/safety slogans are undertaken to create safety consciousness  amongst  road  users  for  safe passage at level crossings.
- *****