opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1477 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Debt of TSPs and 5G Spectrum Auction
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Gaddam Ranjith Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1477 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 TH  FEBRUARY, 2021

## DEBT OF TSPS AND 5G SPECTRUM AUCTION

## 1477.   DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the balance sheet of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) is ridden with debt of more than Rs.8.55 lakh crore and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the TSPs will be able to participate actively in 5G services in view of the aforesaid debt and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to keep 5G spectrum prices at a reasonable level and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the reserved prices of 5G spectrum in the country in comparison with other countries such as China, US and Germany; and
- (e) the status of 5G spectrum auction in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

- (a) An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), vide its report dated 31.08.2017, has estimated that the debt exposure of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) is more than Rs.7.87 Lakh Crore.
- (b) Participation by TSPs in 5G services is expected to be based on various factors such as company's growth plans, technological capacities, capex requirements, assessment of demand and revenue from 5G  etc.  After  considering  the  financial  stress  in  the  telecom  sector,  the  Government  has  taken measures  to  ease  the  financial  burden,  such  as  giving  the  option  to  TSPs  to  defer  payment  of spectrum auction instalments due for 2020-21 and 2021-22, either for one or both years.

(c)  to (e) Reserve prices of spectrum at auction are fixed by the Government after considering the recommendations  of  the  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India  (TRAI).  In  its  recommendations dated 01.08.2018 on Auction of Spectrum, TRAI has stated that 3300-3600 MHz band, also called mid-band, has been identified globally as a 5G band. TRAI has further stated that after analysis of the auction of 3300-3600 MHz band in various countries, due to lack of adequate comparable data points, international  benchmarking  may  not  be  appropriate.  The  Government  has  not  yet  decided  on  the reserve prices for auction of 3300-3600 MHz Band.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1476 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Chinese Investment in Data-reliant Sectors
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shashi Tharoor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  1476

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 10.02.2021

## CHINESE INVESTMENT IN DATA-RELIANT SECTORS

## 1476.    DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Ministry  is  aware  of  the  growing  concerns  of  industry  groups  regarding Chinese investment in Indian firms operating in heavily data reliant sectors;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore;
- (c)  the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  there  is  no  danger  of  the malicious transfer of data;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  willing  to  outline  any  strategy  that  can  protect  national security with respect to data protection while encouraging entrepreneurial activity;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) if not, the reasons therefore?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SANJAY   DHOTRE)

(a) and (b):  Foreign Direct Investment (FD) proposals from China, being a land bordering country,  are  being  examined  in  accordance  with  Press  Note  3(2020)  of  Department  for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and other relevant instructions / guidelines of DPIIT. Thus, such proposals in data reliant sectors such as IT/ITES are being scrutinised in detail as per guidelines issued by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).  Futher,  an  Inter-Ministerial  Committee  (IMC)  has  been  constituted  under  the chairmanship of Home Secretary to examine such FDI proposals taking into consideration relevant factors such as desirability, national security considerations etc.

(c) to (f):  Section 43A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 provides safeguards for sensitive personal information collected by a body corporate. Further, section 72A of the IT Act provides for punishment for disclosure of information in breach of the lawful contract. Further, Government  has  already moved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019  in Parliament which is presently under the consideration of the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Bill  provides safeguards for privacy and security related interests.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1475 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Chabahar-Zaheden Railways Line
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1475 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2021

## CHABAHAR-ZAHEDEN RAILWAYS LINE

## 1475.    SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

- (a) whether   Chabahar-Zaheden   railway   line   was   envisioned   to   be construted in Iran with India's partnership and engagement and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether   the   Government   is   aware   of   the   construction   of   the Chabahar-Zaheden railway line by Iran independently and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether this railway line was pivotal to India's stragetic interest in connecting the country to Afghanistan and Central Asia and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether such construction without India will impact India's interest in the region, especially in reference to Pakistan's Gwadar port and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the action plan of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (e) During the visit of the Prime Minister to Iran in May 2016, a MoU was signed between IRCON International Limited of India and the Construction,   Development   of   Transport   and   Infrastructure   Company (CDTIC) of Iran for the construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway Project.

The   Chabahar-Zahedan   Railway   project,   a   joint   collaboration between   the   Governments   of   India   and   Iran,   is   to   provide   faster connectivity from the Chabahar Port in Iran to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. It will bolster the existing connectivity by road from the Chabahar port to Afghanistan.

India   and   Iran   remain   engaged   on   the   modalities   of   the implementation of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway Project, as well as other developmental projects in Iran.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1474 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Wages Paid to Labourers Employed in Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Deepak Baij

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1474 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2021

## Wages Paid to Labourers Employed in Mines

## 1474.   SHRI DEEPAK BAIJ:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a)        the number of labourers employed in the coal mines located in the State of Chhattisgarh and  various  mines  of  the  country  during  the  last  five  years  and  till  date  including  the  rate  at which they are being paid;

- (b)        whether Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) account of the labourers employed in the coal mines have been opened and the share of the employer and the labourers is being deposited and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)        whether CMPF account of most of the  labourers employed in the mines have not been opened due to which the share of the employer and  the labourers is not being deposited, if so, the details thereof; and

(d)       the details of the action taken against the officers who have not opened CMPF account of the labourers?

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

(a):        A total of 390777 labourers/employees are contributing towards Coal Mines Provident Fund  (CMPF)  out  of  which  48431  labourers/employees  are  employed  in  Coal  Mines  in Chhattisgarh. Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO) is getting provident fund and pension contribution @ 12% and 7% respectively each from employer and labourer/employees. During  the  last  five  years,  the  total  enrollment  is  79,909  out  of  which  14,590  are  from Chhattisgarh.  The  outsourcing  companies  engaged  in  mining  activities  in  subsidiaries  of  Coal India  Limited  are  paying  wages  to  their  workers  at  rate  recommended  by  the  High  Power Committee, which is the mid wage prescribed by the Central Government under Minimum Wage Act, 1948 and the wages payable to the lowest category of regular workers at CIL i.e. Category-I of NCWA. HPC wages are higher than the Central Government prescribed minimum wages.

(b):       Yes, Sir. Contribution from all the labourers/employees having CMPF Account Number is under receipt.

(c):       CMPF account number is allotted to workers on receipt of requisite Form duly forwarded by  the  concerned  Authorized  Officer  of  the  Coal  Mines.  As  on  date  all  employee  of  coal companies are covered under CMPF. The labourers engaged through contractors have option to be  covered  under  CMPF  or  EPF.  Account  of  all  employees  covered  under  CMPF  has  been opened whose requisite details has been received in CMPFO from Coal Mines.

(d):      Does not arise in view of answer to Part (c) above.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1473 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Development Projects
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Arvind Ganpat Sawant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1473

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2021

## DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

## 1473. SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

be pleased to state:

- (a) the data of development projects which were under construction before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic;
- (b) whether there has been any progress in these projects since the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic;
- (c)
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  PLANNING (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation compiles data on time and cost overruns of on-going Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing Rs. 150 crore and above, on the basis of information provided by the project implementing agencies on the On-line Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS).  As on 01.04.2020, a total  of  1686  Central  Sector  Infrastructure  Projects  costing  Rs.  150 crore and above were on the monitor of this Ministry.
- (b)
- Yes Sir.

(c) Total expenditure incurred on the on-going Central Sector Infrastructure Projects during the financial year 2020-21 (upto December  2020)  was  Rs  1,17,148.08  crore.  Also  during  the  current financial year, 61 projects have reported completion.

## (d) Does not arise in view of reply given at part (c) above.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: National Digital Literacy Mission
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Meenakashi Lekhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1470

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 10.02.2021

## NATIONAL DIGITAL LITERACY MISSION

## 1470.     SHRIMATI  MEENAKASHI  LEKHI:

Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state:-

- (a) the total number of persons who have been trained through the National Digital Literacy Mission since its launch and the target set by the Government in this regard;
- (b) the total expenditure incurred by the Government on this scheme till date; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  plans  to  extend  the  aforesaid  scheme  and  if  so,  the  details thereof ?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) to (c):  Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had implemented two schemes to increase digital awareness in the country namely 'National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)' and 'Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA)' with a cumulative target of training 52.5 lakh  persons  covering  one  person  per  household  during    2014  to  2016.    Under  these  two schemes, a total of 53.67 lakh beneficiaries were trained.

Further,  MeitY  has  initiated  a  scheme  titled  'Pradhan  Mantri  Gramin  Digital  Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)' to usher in digital  literacy  in  rural  India  by  covering  6  crore  rural households  (one  person  per  household)  in  February  2017  at  a  total  outlay  of  Rs.  2,351.38 crore(approx.).  Under  this  Scheme,  in  order  to  ensure  equitable  geographical  reach,  it  is envisaged to cover each of the 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats across the country.

So far, an amount of  Rs. 1088 crore has been released for implementation of the PMGDISHA scheme.  As on 4 th February 2021, a total of 4.21 crore candidates have been enrolled under PMGDISHA, training has been imparted to 3.44 crore candidates and  out of this more than 2.51 crore candidates have been certified.

The current scheme is being implemented in all States/ UTs of the country. The Government is focusing  on  increasing  the  outreach  of  the  currently  running  scheme  to  cover  all  the  Gram Panchayats of the Country to achieve the remaining targets under the scheme.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1467 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: ISRO Facilties
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Bhagwant Mann, S. Gnanathiraviam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1467

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2021

## ISRO FACILITIES

1467.  SHRI BHAGWANT MANN: SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

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 in space industry;
- (c) if  so, the details of the benefits of private sector participation in space industry;
- (d) whether the Government has analyzed the issues and concerns aboutnational security for privatizing space activities;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government toovercome this issue;
- (f) whether  the  Government  has  enacted  space  legislations  to defineregulatory, legal and procedural regimes with transparent timelines  for  pursuing  space  activities  by  the  private  space industry; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) Yes  Sir.  ISRO  facilities  are  extended  to  Indian  industries  and academia for testing their space systems. Satellites from M/s. Space Kidz India and M/s. Syzygy Space Technologies have undergone testing at UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO.
- (b)
- Yes Sir.
- (c) Participation  of  private  sector  in  space  activities  in  India  is expected to result in development of cutting edge Technologies, new applications & services. Overall it will make a bigger impact on space economy.
- (d) Yes Sir.
- (e) Government has analysed the issues and concerns about national security while allowing Private companies to participate in space activities and appropriate measures have been taken by means  of  establishing  Indian  National  Space  Promotion  and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe), an independent nodal agency to authorize, monitor and regulate space activities in the country.
- (f)
- & (g) The Government is in the process of defining the same through

the proposed Space Activities Bill and subordinate legislations.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1466 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: New Industrial Development Scheme for J&K
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Su Thirunavukkarasar

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1566. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 10 TH   FEBRUARY, 2021.

## FDI IN E-COMMERCE

## 1566. SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering to bring in changes to FDI investment rules for e-commerce sector in India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government is considering to establish an e-commerce regulator and if  so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यवव द्योग म त्रालयमेंराज् यम त्रर(श्रर सोमप्रकाश) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- (a) & (b): There  is  no  proposal  to  bring  in  changes  to  FDI  investment  rules  for e-commerce sector in India, at present.
- (c): There is no such proposal at present.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1461 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Under Bridges in Karur
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: S. Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1461 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2021

## UNDER BRIDGES IN KARUR

1461.  MS. S. JOTHIMANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Under Bridges constructed near railway stations in Karur district of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  water  logging problem due to Under Bridges constructed which poses risk to lives of people  as  they  have  to  cross  the  bridge  in  neck-deep  water  in  the areas  of  Vellapparai,  Subramaniyapuram,  Gujiliamparai,  Puliampatti, Eriyodu, Vedasanthur, Laxmanapuram Thadikombu pirivu, Vadamadurai, Thanthoni;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  plan  chalked  out  to resolve this issue;
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  construct  Rail  Over Bridge (ROB) in Karur; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a):  One  Road  under  Bridge  (RUB)  near  Lalapet  station  has  been constructed in Karur District.

(b)  &  (c):  During  heavy  rainfall,  problem  of  low  water  logging  was noticed  in  these  under  bridges/RUBs  and  the  same  is  drained  out effectively  with  pumping  arrangements  provided  at  these  locations. These subways are effectively used by public during monsoon. The  following  measures  are  taken  up  to  minimize  the  water logging problem at underbridges based on site conditions:1)  Provision  of  collection  well/sump,  longitudinal  and  cross  drain arrangements. 2) Roof covering in the approaches to Subways. 3) Hump on road side or provision of reverse slope on road to prevent entry of water into subway. 4) Provision of Water pumping arrangement in emergent situations.

(d)  &  (e):  No,  Sir.    Road  Over  Bridges  (ROB)  are  provided  on  cost sharing basis with State Government in lieu of Level crossings having TVU  (Train  Vehicle  Unit)  more  than  1  lakh.  There  are  no  Level crossings with more than 1 Lakh TVU in Karur District.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1460 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-10
Subject: Innovation in Mining
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Sanjeev Kumar Singari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1460

ANSWERED ON 10.02.2021

## INNOVATION IN MINING

## 1460. DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  supported  any  startup  company  to  innovate mechanisms  for  the  benefit  of  mining  companies  and  the  miners  like  drones, wireless communication, survival chambers, robotics and mine safety services; and
- (b) (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the safety mechanisms prescribed by the Government to the mining companies during the past six years?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): The Ministry of Mines has requested the State Governments to utilize drone technology for regulation and monitoring of mining as per guidelines of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).  State Governments have also been requested to collaborate  with   State  Remote  Sensing  Center  or  the  Regional  Remote  Sensing Center or any such agency for utilizing their services for this purpose. However, the regulation  and  monitoring  of  mining  activities  comes  under  the  domain  of  State Governments.  So  far  the  Ministry  of  Mines  has  not  received  any  proposal  for supporting  any  startup  company  to  implement  any  innovative  mechanism  for  the benefit of mining companies and miners.
- (b): The safety mechanism for mines are prescribed by the Directorate General of Mines Safety under Ministry of Labour and Employment. Occupational Safety and Health of persons employed in the mines is ensured by implementing / enforcing the provisions of the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder. The same is achieved through:-
- (i)    Legislative measures, such as inspection & enquiries, improvement Notices & Prohibitory Orders.
- (ii) Developmental  measures such as standard setting, adopting various recommendations of the International Labour Organization Conventions.
- (iii)      Promotional measures such as holding National Conferences on Safety in mines, conducting National Safety Awards (Mines), imparting Vocational Training And Other Training, Observance of Safety Weeks and Safety Campaigns, Holding Rescue  Competition,  promoting  participation  of  worker  in  safety  management, awareness and information dissemination.
- (iv)      Technical measures such as Introduction of Risk Assessment Techniques and preparation of Safety Management Plan aimed at elimination of risks and to ensure safety of workmen, introduction of standard operating procedures to avoid unsafe practices in mines.

****