opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2013 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Revenues through Cesses and Surcharges
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Gautham Sigamani Pon

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2013 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY 19 th  DECEMBER, 2022 [AGRAHAYANA 28, 1944 (Saka)]

## 'REVENUES THROUGH CESSES AND SURCHARGES'

## No.2013. Dr. Pon Gautham Sigamani:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several States have urged the Centre to rein in its reliance on raising revenue through cesses and surcharges which reduce their share in the divisible pool of taxes and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b) whether  State  Governments  have  sought  greater  fiscal  support  to  help  revive  the economy  and  reiterated  their  demands  for  extending  the  Goods  and  Services  Tax compensation period and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the share of cesses and surcharges had grown from 10.4 per cent of gross tax revenue in 2011-12 to 26.7 per cent in 2021-22; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

- (a) States voice their views on the matter of levy of cesses and surcharges in various forums including in the Parliament. As per provisions laid under Article 270 of the Constitution of  India  'All  taxes  and  duties  referred  to  in  the  Union  List,  except  the  duties  and  taxes, surcharge on taxes and duties and any cess levied for specific purposes under any law made by  Parliament  shall  be  levied  and  collected  by  the  Government  of  India  and  shall  be distributed between the Union and the States. The aforesaid Constitutional provision forms the basis for cess collection and utilization for Union Government.
- (b) Few  States  have  requested  for  extension  of  payment  of  GST  compensation beyond transition period of five years. As per Section 18 of the Constitution (One Hundred and  First  Amendment)  Act,  2016,  Parliament  shall,  by  law,  on  the  recommendation  of  the Goods and Services Tax Council, provide for compensation to the States for loss of revenue arising on account of implementation of the Goods and Services Tax for a period of five years. Accordingly,  GST  (Compensation  to  States)  Act,  2017  had  been  enacted  by  Parliament. Central Government is committed for payment of GST compensation to States/UTs for five years as per Constitutional provisions.

(c) to (d) The share of cesses and surcharges was 8.16 per cent of gross tax revenue in 2011-12 and 28.08 per cent of gross tax revenue in 2021-22. A major reason is the imposition of  GST Compensation Cess, which is entirely used for payment of  compensation to States and  flows  to  States  as  Grants-in-Aid,  in  their  Receipts  Budget.  Resources  from  the  other cesses are allocated to different schemes and programmes in the Union Budget, which are implemented by States and other implementing agencies.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2011 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Helpline for Immediate Response
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2011

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## Helpline for Immediate Response

## 2011.  SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether to curb illegal trade and poaching of animals and immediate response to forest fire cases the Government has launched a helpline for immediate remedy to these problems and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether some States have already set up their helpline for this purpose; and;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and steps taken or being taken by the Union Government in coordination with other States to use this helpline for immediate action on such cases?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has created a National  Helpline  Toll  free  number  to  report  cases  of  forest  fire, chemical disaster and illegal trade and poaching of wild animals.
- (b) and (c) As  per  reports  available  in  this  Ministry,  States  of  Bihar  and  Gujarat have created helpline number for forest and wildlife related matters. The toll  free  number  created  by  the  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  and Climate Change has been circulated to States/Union Territories and also uploaded on the website for wider publicity

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2008 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: National Rural Bank of India
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Y. S. Avinash Reddy

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Financial Services

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2008

To be answered on the December 19, 2022/28 Agrahayana, 1944 (SAKA)

## National Rural Bank of India

2008:  SHRI Y.S. AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note that there is a demand for the establishment of the  National  Rural  Bank  of  India  in  view  of  the  present  unhealthy  state  of  Regional Rural Banks;
- (b) whether any proposals have been received in this regard from any quarters and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has also endorsed the same view; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the stand of the Government in this regard?

## Answer

## Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (DR. BHAGWAT KARAD)

(a) to (d)  The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance (2003) in their 55 th Report had, inter alia , recommended that Government may consider the setting up of an apex body  viz. National Rural Bank of India (NRBI). Government has been receiving various representations from time to time in this regard.

In the Action Taken Report on the said recommendations, it was, inter alia, stated that the proposal for consolidating the RRBs under a National Rural Bank or NABARD had not found favour with most of the States, who suggested state level amalgamation of RRBs.

Moreover,  creation  of  NRBI  might  lead  to  a  structure  which  would  also  dilute  the regional character of RRBs.

With a view to minimize overhead expenses, optimize the use of technology, enhance the  capital  base  and  the  area  of  operation,  amalgamation  process  of  RRBs  was  initiated during the year 2004-05.  Consequently, the number of RRBs has reduced from 196 during 2004 to 43 at present.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2007 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Low Conviction Rate in Tiger Trafficking
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: P. C. Mohan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2007

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## Low Conviction Rate in Tiger Trafficking

## 2007.  SHRI P.C. MOHAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the incarceration rate of people suspected/confirmed in Tiger trafficking in the country is low and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  increase  the  rate  of  conviction  in  tiger trafficking cases?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) No,  Sir.    The  cases  related  to  hunting  /  poaching  /  trafficking  of  wild  animals including  tigers  are  dealt  by  the  law  enforcement  agencies  of  State  and  Central Government  and  offenders  are  punished  as  per  enabling  provisions  of  Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, read with the relevant provisions of other Acts.
- (b) The steps taken by the Government to increase the conviction rate in wildlife offences including tiger trafficking cases:
- (i) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established  by  the Government of  India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest  and  Climate  Change  to  combat  organized  crime  in  the  country.    The WCCB works in co-ordination with State Government, Central  Government agencies and International agencies to curb illegal trade/ trafficking/ hunting of wild animals and their parts.
- (ii) Training programs and workshops for officers / personnel's of Forest/ Police/ Customs/ Judiciary and other Government agencies regarding sensitization for Wildlife  (Protection)  Act,  1972  including  trade,  trafficking  and  hunting  of wild  animals  are  regularly  organized,  besides  funding  support  is  provided under  the  ongoing  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of  Project  Tiger  for  raising Special  Tiger  Protection  Force,  homeguards,  ex-army  personnel  apart  from workforce comprising of local people for protection related activities in tiger reserves.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2006 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Development of 100 Experiential Museums
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Gomati Sai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2006 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## Development of 100 Experiential Museums

†2006. SHRIMATI GOMATI SAI :

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government proposes to develop 100 experiential museums to promote tourism in the country;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether any such museum is situated in Chhattisgarh;
- (d)  if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  the details of such historical places as a part of five year plan which have been selected as "authentic reconstruction" places; and
- (f)  the details of the proposed Indian Cultural Institute and Rashtriya Kala Pradarshan Kendra's composition and function?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM and DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a)&(b) In-principle approval was given for setting up of 15 Virtual Experiential Museums (VEMs) at different locations across the country. List of locations for these Virtual Experiential Museums may be seen at Annexure - I .
- (c)&(d) No,  Sir.
- (e) Nil.
- (f) There are no such Institute namely Indian Cultural Institute and Rashtriya Kala Pradarshan Kendra are proposed by this Ministry.

*****

## Annexure - I

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A &B) OF LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2006  FOR 19.12.2022

The  following  places/locations  were  identified  for  setting  up  15  Virtual  Experiential  Museums (VEMs) depending upon the availability of site and other factors :

- i. Varanasi, UP
- ii. Hampi, Karnataka
- iii.  Ajanta, Maharashtra
- iv.  Red Fort, Delhi
- v. Humayun Tomb, Delhi
- vi.  Agra, UP (Agra Fort or some other place)
- vii.  Attari Border, Punjab
- viii. Ahmedabad, Gujarat (Heritage City)
- ix.  Mumbai, Maharashtra (Elephanta Caves or some other place)
- x. Kolkata, West Bengal (Currency Building or some other place)
- xi.  Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- xii.  Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
- xiii. Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
- xiv.  VEM on Libraries in Belvedere House, Kolkata, West Bengal
- xv. VEM on Buddhism at Nalanda or some other place
- xvi.  VEM on Tribes of North East (Shillong or Guwahati or any other place)
- xvii. VEM on Temples (Konark/Tirupati/Puri/any other place)
Lok Sabha Question No. 2005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Status of Kitchen-cum-Stores in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: Education
Asked by: M V V Satyanarayana

S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-2005 ANSWERED ON- 19.12.2022

## STATUS OF KITCHEN-CUM-STORES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

## 2005.   SHRI M.V.V. SATYANARAYANA:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  between  2006-07  and  2019-20  out  of  the  44316  kitchen-cum-stores sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh only 19051 have been completed between 2006-07 and 20192020;
- (b) the reasons for this delay and the time by which these are likely to be completed;
- (c) the status of the 1327 kitchen-cum-stores that were in progress and the time by which they would be completed; and
- (d) whether there has been any cost overrun in the construction and if so, the quantum of amount involved therein?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SMT. ANNPURNA DEVI)

- (a) to (d): Under PM POSHAN Scheme (earlier known as Mid Day Meal Scheme), the Central Government  started  providing  100%  Central  Assistance  for  construction  of  kitchen-cumstores (KcS) at a flat rate of Rs. 60,000/- per unit since 2006-07. The norms for kitchen-cumstores  were  revised  from  the  month  of  December,  2009  and  the  cost  of  construction  of kitchen-cum-stores was determined on the basis of plinth area norms and the State Schedule of Rates prevalent in the States and UTs. All the States and UTs including Andhra Pradesh have also been advised to expedite the construction of KcS.

As informed by State Government of Andhra Pradesh, so far 20,114 kitchen-cum-stores have been constructed and 264 are in progress.  Further, it has also been informed by the State Government that 9233 kitchen-cum-stores were sanctioned with estimated cost of Rs.  20759.17  lakh  under  the  'Nadu  Nedu  Scheme'  (exclusively  a  State  Development Programme) with their own resources.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Inclusion of Temples of Uttar Pradesh in PRASHAD Scheme
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Jadon Chandra Sen, Keshari Devi Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## †2003

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## INCLUSION OF TEMPLES OF UTTAR PRADESH IN PRASHAD SCHEME

†2003

.DR. CHANDRA SEN JADON:

SHRIMATI KESHARI DEVI PATEL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the devotees from Uttar Pradesh and other places visit the famous Bandh Wale/Lete Huye Hanuman Mandir situated in Prayagraj and Firozabad;
- (b) whether the Government has included or proposes to include this temple under PRASHAD yojana;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) the number of temples situated in Uttar Pradesh included/proposed to be included under PRASHAD Yojana by the Government and the details thereof; and
- (f) the number and details of temples included under PRASHAD Yojana from Prayagraj?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

- (a) to (d): No  project  proposal  from  the  State  Government  of  Uttar Pradesh  has  been  received  in  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  for  inclusion  of Bandh Wale / Lete Huye Hanuman Mandir or any other temple situated in Prayagraj and Firozabad  under PRASHAD Scheme.
- (e): On the  requests/proposals  received  from  the  State  Government  of Uttar  Pradesh following projects have been sanctioned under  PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism:

|   Sl. No. | Name of the Project                                              | Year    |   Approved cost (Rs. In Cr.) |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|------------------------------|
|         1 | Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II) | 2014-15 |                        10.98 |
|         2 | Construction of Tourist Facilitation                             | 2014-15 |                         9.36 |

|    | Centre at Vrindavan, Distt. Mathura                                |         |       |
|----|--------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|-------|
|  3 | Development of Varanasi - Phase - I                                | 2015-16 | 20.4  |
|  4 | Cruse Tourism in River Ganga, Varanasi                             | 2017-18 |  9.02 |
|  5 | Development of Varanasi Under PRASHAD Scheme - Phase II            | 2017-18 | 44.6  |
|  6 | Development of Infrastructure facilities at Govardhan, Mathura, UP | 2018-19 | 39.74 |

(f): No, Sir. ********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2002 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Preservation of Temples in Karnataka
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Nalin Kumar Kateel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 2002 ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## PRESERVATION OF TEMPLES IN KARNATAKA

## 2002.  SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  amount  spent  on  conservation,  restoration  and  preservation  of  Centrally  Protected Monuments;
- (b) whether the temples under the jurisdiction of ASI in the State of Karnataka are in a good state of preservation and if so, the details thereof, temple-wise;
- (c) the details of regular conservation work undertaken by the ASI from time to time during the last three years in Karnataka along with the total expenditure involved therein; and
- (d) whether priests and other staff working at notified temples will be considered as Government employees and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN  REGION (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) The  details  of  expenditure  incurred    on  conservation,  restoration  and  preservation  of Centrally  Protected  Monuments/Sites  in  the  country  during  last  three  years  are  as under:-

## (Amount Rs. In Lakhs)

|   S. No. | Year    |   Expenditure |
|----------|---------|---------------|
|        1 | 2019-20 |       43538.8 |
|        2 | 2020-21 |       26083.4 |
|        3 | 2021-22 |       26957.3 |

- (b) & Yes, Sir.  All Centrally Protected Monuments, including temples, are in a good state of preservation. The details of expenditure incurred on conservation work undertaken by

(c) the ASI during the last three years are as under:-

## (Amount Rs. In Lakhs)

|   S. No. | Year    |   Expenditure |
|----------|---------|---------------|
|        1 | 2019-20 |       2855    |
|        2 | 2020-21 |       2076.94 |
|        3 | 2021-22 |       2506.8  |

- (d) No priests is deployed by ASI at notified monuments.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2000 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2000 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2022

## Digital Rupee

## †2000. SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the digital rupee started by the Government as a pilot project;

(b) whether the Government is contemplating to introduce it at international level;

(c) whether the Governement is of the opinion that the cash transaction would reduce in the next three years upon the introduction of digital rupee and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote digital Rupee?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched pilots  in  CBDC in  both  Wholesale and Retail segments. The first pilot in the Digital Rupee, in Wholesale segment (e₹-W), was launched on  November  1,  2022,  with  the  use  case  being  settlement  of  secondary  market  transactions  in government  securities.  Further,  the  first  pilot  of  retail  digital  Rupee  (e₹-R)  was  launched  on December 1, 2022. The pilot is covering select locations in closed user group (CUG) comprising participating customers and merchants.

The e₹-R is in the form of a digital token that represents legal tender. It is being issued in the same denominations that paper currency and coins are currently issued. It is being distributed through financial  intermediaries,  i.e.,  banks.  Users  will  be  able  to  transact  with  e₹-R  through  a  digital wallet offered by the participating banks and stored on mobile phones / devices. The e₹-R offers features of physical cash like trust, safety and settlement finality. As in the case of cash, it will not earn any interest and can be converted to other forms of money, like deposits with banks.

(b) to (d): Bringing  efficiency  in  cross-border  payments  is  an  important  motivation  for introducing  CBDC.  Accordingly,  further  pilots  of  use  cases  of  CBDC  including  cross-border payments,  both  in  wholesale  and  retail  segment,  has  to  be  through  a  phased  implementation strategy  on  the  basis  of  feedback received  during  the  pilots.  Further,  various  features of  Digital Rupee are already being spread among public through media campaigns.

The quantum of cash / bank notes in the economy depends on the requirement for meeting the demand for bank notes due to GDP growth, inflation, replacement of soiled bank notes and growth in non-cash modes of payment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1999 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Foundation Phase of Education
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Annasaheb Shankar Jolle

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1999 ANSWERED ON 19/12/2022

## Foundation Phase of Education

1999. SHRI ANNASAHEB SHANKAR JOLLE:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  framework  for  ''Foundation  Phase  of  Education''  has  been  developed  and  is proposed to be implemented soon;

(b) whether the National Curriculum Framework for the ''Foundation Phase of Education'' and the pilot project of ''Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas'' have been launched across the country; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SMT. ANNPURNA DEVI)

(a) to (c) The  National  Curriculum  Framework  for  Early  Childhood  Care  and  Education (NCFECCE),  called  Foundational  Stage  is  one  of  the  four  National  Curriculum  Frameworks (NCFs).  It  is  the  first  ever  integrated  Curriculum  Framework  for  children  between  ages  3-8  in India. It is a direct outcome of the 5+3+3+4 'curricular and pedagogical' structure that NEP 2020 has  recommended  for  School  Education.  The  NCF  for  Foundational  Stage  (NCFFS)  has  been developed by NCERT through an extensive consultative process with States & UTs upto grass root  level  and  various  institutions  and  organisations.  The  National  Curriculum  Framework  for Foundational Stage and the pilot project of Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas were launched by Hon'ble Education Minister across the country on 20th Oct 2022 at New Delhi.

- Admission  has  been  given  in  the  Balvatika  classes  as  per  priority  specified  in  the admission guidelines and norms of reservation of KVS.
- Curriculum and resource materials prepared by NCERT are being used in these classes.
- Play based activities are predominantly carried out in such classes.

**********