opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2645 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Byndoor-Kannur Passenger Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Kumbakudi Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2645 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## BYNDOOR-KANNUR PASSENGER TRAIN

2645. SHRI KUMBAKUDI SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  petition  seeking  to  reinstate  the Byndoor-Kannur passenger train (06605/06606) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  reasons  for  poor  patronage  for  the suspended Byndoor-Kannur passenger train (06605/06606) service was due to the unscientific  timing  schedule,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has received several requests seeking to change the unscientific timing schedule of the Byndoor-Kannur passenger train (06605/ 06606);
- (d) if so, the action taken by the Government on the matter;
- (e) whether the Government is willing to re-instate the Byndoor-Kannur passenger train (06605/06606) and extend the service further to Mangalore Central; and
- (f)  if  so,  the  timeline  for  implementation  of  the  service  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (f)  56665/56666  Kasaragod-Mookambika  Road  Byndoor  Passenger  had been introduced w.e.f 09.02.2015 and was discontinued w.e.f 12.05.2017 owing to poor patronage. Representations, including that from the Hon'ble Members of  Parliament  for  restoration/change  in  timings  of  56665/56666  KasaragodMookambika  Road  Byndoor  Passenger  have  been  received.  The  same  have been examined but not found feasible for implementation, at present.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Space Race
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: S. Jagathrakshakan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2644

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 04, 2021

## SPACE RACE

2644.  SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India still lags behind in the space race  when compared to the US, China and Russia;
- (b) if  so,  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  India become a competitive space market and also to ensure that the benefits of the space programme reach the poorest;
- (c) whether the Government provides a level-playing field to private companies  in  satellites,  launches  and  space-based  services; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Space  programme  offers  variety  of  services  beneficial  to  any country in various domains of its development work. Therefore, the thrust and importance of selected space programme depends on the priority of that particular country. India has its
- (c)
- own  priority  in  selected  domains  of  space  programme  and  is
- doing relatively good in its space programmes.
- (b) There are several steps taken by Government of India to create a space industry ecosystem in India as mentioned below:
-  A  national  level  autonomous  Nodal  Agency  namely  Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)  is  being  established  under  Department  of  Space (DOS)  for  promoting,  handholding,  authorising  and  licensing private players to carry out Space Activities.
-  Access to DOS facilities and expertise are extended to private entities to support their space activities.
-  Announcement of Opportunities were done offering challenges in new domains of space technology.
-  Government of India is encouraging the transfer of technologies developed in the field of space to Indian industries.
-  Apart from this, Government of India is bringing in new sector policies and guidelines and also revising existing policies.
-  With the space  sector reforms, private sector including academic institutions, start-ups and industries is expected to participate in end-to-end  space  activities  to  expand  the national space economy, generate more employment opportunities and create better manufacturing facilities.
- Yes Sir.
- (d) The  space  sector  reforms  were  made  with  the  intention  to provide level playing field for private companies and enable them to carry out end-to-end space activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2637 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Intermediaries rules
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: P.R. Natarajan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2637

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## INTERMEDIARIES RULES

## 2637.   SHRI NATARAJAN P.R:

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

- (a) whether the Government has recognized the need of drafting intermediaries rules and guidelines in the recent past;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the action taken/being taken in this regard; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a) to  (c):  Government  has  already  notified  the  Information  Technology  (Intermediary Guidelines  and  Digital  Media  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021  on  25 th February,  2021 superseding  the  erstwhile  Information  Technology  (Intermediaries  Guidelines)  Rules, 2011. These Rules are aimed at bringing accountability of these intermediaries to their users

The  Rules  have  been  notified  after  considering  comments  and  suggestions  received during public consultation and stakeholders' meetings and also prescribe additional due diligence to be followed by significant social media intermediaries.

(d):  Does not arise.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2636 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed Railway Project
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: A. Ganeshamurthi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2636 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## MUMBAI-AHMEDABAD HIGH SPEED RAILWAY PROJECT 2636. SHRI A. GANESHAMURTHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has reviewed the  ongoing  MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail Project that has faced several delays due to the slow pace of land acquisition and the COVID-19 pandemic;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the action taken or proposed to be taken to tide over all these impediments to complete the ongoing Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed Railway project;
- (d) the  revised  deadline  fixed  by  the  Government  to  complete  the project; and
- (e) the  total  budget  earmarked  and  total  amount  spent  on  the project till now?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e):  The  Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project has suffered delay due to adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic and due to poor progress in acquisition  and  handing  over  of  land  in  the State of Maharashtra. The State Government of Maharashtra is being regularly  followed  up  at  all  levels  to  expedite  the  acquisition  of balance land. The revised timeline for completion of the project can be  fixed  after  the  acquisition  of  complete  land  in  the  State  of

- Maharashtra.

Budget  Allocation  for  the  project  in  the  current  year  2021-22  is ` 14,000  Cr  and  expenditure incurred in the current  year till date is ` 2,090  Cr.  The  cumulative  expenditure  on  this  project  till  date  is ` 14,153 Cr.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2635 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Satellite Based Internet of Things Network Connectivity
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Vishnu Dutt Sharma, Arvind Kumar Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2635 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  AUGUST, 2021

## SATELLITE BASED INTERNET OF THINGS NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

## †2635. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA: DR. ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA:

Will  the  Minister  of  COMMUNICATIONS  be  pleased  to  state:  whether  any  specific efforts  are  being  made  by  the  Government  to  provide  satellite  based  Internet  of  Things(IoT) network connectivity through BSNL to enhance the Narrow Band-Internet of Things(NB-IoT) network in the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

Sir,  As  per  current  regulatory  framework,  the  licensed  Telecom  Service  Providers  can render  various  telecommunication  services  including  satellite-based  Internet  of  Things  (IoT) service based on their techno-commercial considerations and scope of license obtained by them.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) does offer Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NBIoT) network connectivity in the country. As on 22nd July, 2021, BSNL has provided 385 NBIoT connections.

****

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2633 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Increase in Cyber Crimes
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Gopal Chinayya Shetty

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2633

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## INCREASE IN CYBER CRIMES

## 2633.   SHRI GOPAL CHINNAYA SHETTY:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  increased  cyber  crimes  related  to  breach  of privacy and fraud and if so, the action taken in this regard;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  propose  to  introduce  any  bill  related  to  data  security  and privacy for digital field; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a): With the rapid growth of the internet coupled with the anonymity, there is a rise in cyber crime across the world. As per the information reported to and tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a total number of 454, 472, 280 and 138 phishing incidents were observed during the year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 (upto June) respectively.  Further, a total of 6, 4, 4 and 4 financial fraud incidents affecting  ATMs,  Cards,  Point  of  sale  (PoS)  systems  and  Unified  Payment  Interface (UPI)  have  been  reported  during  the  year  2018,  2019,  2020  and  2021  (upto  June) respectively.
- (a) and (c): The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The Bill seeks to provide for the protection of personal data of individuals. The Bill is under consideration by the Joint Committee of Parliament.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2629 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Oxygen Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: S. Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2629 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## OXYGEN EXPRESS

2629. MS. S. JOTHIMANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  costs  incurred  in  the  running  of  'Oxygen  Express' trains to transport Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in the country;
- (b) whether the Ministry of Railways meets the costs of the 'Oxygen Express' trains of the State Governments;
- (c) the number of trips made by 'Oxygen Express' trains to transport LMO in the country;
- (d) the amount of LMO supplied by the 'Oxygen Express' trains in the country;
- (e) The number of trips made and the amount of LMO supplied to Tamil Nadu by the 'Oxygen Express' trains; and
- (f) the details of funds spent by the Union Government and the State Government on 'Oxygen Express' trains sent to Tamil Nadu so far?

## ANSWER

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

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (f)  OF UNSTARRRED  QUESTION  NO.2629  BY  MS.  S.  JOTHIMANI    TO  BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  04.08.2021  REGARDING  OXYGEN EXPRESS (a) to (f): A total of 920 'Oxygen Express' trains (Loaded-499 and Empty- 421) were run by Railways in the country carrying 38420.61 tonnes  of  Liquid  Medical  Oxygen  (LMO)  till  27.07.2021.  Total  102 number of trips carrying 8705.2 tonnes of LMO have been made to Tamil Nadu till 27.07.2021. The details of costs incurred in the running of 'Oxygen Express' is not available as train-wise costing is not done. Chargeable  freight  for  transportation  of  LMO  by  rail  is  very nominal in comparison to the cost incurred by Indian Railways. As  regards  the  costs  incurred  or  funds  spent  by  the  State Governments  including  Tamil  Nadu,  no  such  records  are  available with the Railways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2627 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Industrial Policy 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. 2627. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 4 TH  AUGUST, 2021.

## INDUSTRIAL POLICY FOR J&K

## 2627. SHRI THIRUNAVUKKARASAR SU:

be pleased to state:

## Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether the Union Government has announced a new Industrial Policy for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the policy would help in creation of more employment opportunities and promote tourism in the region;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): Yes Sir.
- (b): The  Department  for  Promotion  of  Industry  and  Internal  Trade  has notified  'New  Central  Sector  Scheme  for  industrial  development  of Jammu  and  Kashmir'  with  financial  outlay  of  Rs.  28,400  crore  on 19/02/2021 and  is  effective  from  01.04.2021  to  31.03.2037.    The scheme is applicable for any eligible industrial (manufacturing) entity or eligible  service  sector  enterprise  other  than  those  run  departmentally by Government, which is registered business enterprise under Goods and Service Tax. The scheme offers four incentives  namely (i) Capital Investment  Incentive,  (ii)  Capital  Interest  subvention,  (iii)  Goods  & Service Tax Linked Incentive (GSTLI) and (iv) Working Capital Interest Subvention.
- (c) & (d): Definitely  the  Scheme  will  help  in  creation  of  more  employment opportunities  and  promotion  of  tourism  in  the  region.  The  estimated direct employment  generation  is  anticipated to be nearly  78000 persons,  however,  the  scheme  has  potential  to  trigger  much  more gainful employment indirectly and also, has potential to further promote tourism activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
- (e): Does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2626 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Railway Projects in Odisha
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Manjulata Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2626 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## RAILWAY PROJECTS IN ODISHA

## 2626. SHRIMATI MANJULATA MANDAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Railways  is  considering  to  sanction  the  missing  link projects  namely  Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani  in  Mayurbhanj  District  and Buramara-Chakulia in Odisha and Jharkhand to provide the much needed connectivity to augment the existing Railway network;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether the Government of Odisha has offered land free of cost for the Odisha portion of the above projects to make them viable considering greater interest of the people and the State?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c):  Proposals of two new lines connectivity namely Buramara Chakulia  (55  km)  and  Bangriposi  -  Gorumahisani  (62  km)  have  been examined.  Buramara - Chakulia new line has been found preferable to Bangriposi  -  Gorumahisani  new  line  due  to  its  better  alignment, passing through populous region and flat terrain.  State Government of

Odisha  has  offered  to  provide  land  free  of  cost  in  both  the  projects alignments for the Odisha portion.

Buramara - Chakulia Road New line project (55 Km) has been identified by  Odisha  Rail  Infrastructure  Development  Limited  (ORIDL)  a  Joint Venture  Company  of  Government  of  Odisha  (51%)  and  Ministry  of Railways  (49%)  for  development.  The  proposal  of  ORIDL  has  been taken up for grant of in-principle approval for taking up pre-investment activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2623 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Rate of Broadband Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2623 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  AUGUST, 2021

## RATE OF BROADBAND SERVICES

## †2623. SHRIMATI RANJANBEN DHANANJAY BHATT:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to reduce the rate of broadband services;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reason therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) to (c) As per the existing tariff regulatory framework, tariff for telecommunication services is  under  forbearance  except  for  leased  circuits,  national  roaming,  rural  fixed  line  services  and mobile number portability. The service providers have the flexibility to design and offer tariff by taking  into  account  several  factors  including, inter-alia, input  costs,  level  of  competition,  their understanding of prevailing market situation and their commercial interest.

****

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2622 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Rights of Migrant Workers
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2622

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## RIGHTS OF MIGRANT WORKERS

## 2622. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Union Government has taken initiatives to protect human rights of migrant workers in Bahrain, Dubai and in other Gulf countries during corona pandemic and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the number of migrant workers who came back to India during the pandemic?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) The   Government   established   a   robust   institutional   framework towards ensuring the welfare and safety for protection of Indian workers working   abroad   including   Gulf   countries.   The   e-Migrate   system,   PreDeparture   Orientation   Programme,   MADAD   portal,   Indian   Community Welfare Fund, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras Helplines at Indian Missions and Posts, Shelter Homes, etc. are some of the mechanisms to expeditiously assist Indian workers abroad. In addition, the Government signed   Labour   Employment   and   Cooperation   agreements   with   major destination countries, including Gulf countries, and holds Joint Working Group meetings, to ensure redressal of grievances and protection of rights of Indian workers.

During Covid-19 pandemic, the Government engaged counterparts at the Ministerial level to protect the interests of Indian workers, both in livelihood and health.  Our Missions/Posts proactively extended support to Indians in distress by providing assistance from Indian Community Welfare Fund   and   coordinating   with   community   associations   for   Boarding   & Lodging,   Air   passages   and   Emergency   Medical   Care.   Further,   they coordinated the repatriation of Indians stranded abroad under the VBM.

(b) As per estimates, about seven lakh sixteen thousand Indian workers from six Gulf countries returned to India, under Vande Bharat Mission, during the Covid Pandemic.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2621 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Land Acquisition to lay New Lines
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ramakant Bhargava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2621 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2021

## LAND ACQUISITION TO LAY NEW LINES

†2621.  SHRI RAMAKANT BHARGAVA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether work related to land acquisition to lay new lines from Manglia (Indore)  to  Budhani  has  been  launched  by  the  Railway  Development Corporation;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which the action regarding acquisition of land is likely to be started by the Government?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  &  (b):  Indore-Jabalpur  (342  km)  new  line  project  was  included  in  the Budget  2016-17  subject  to  requisite  approvals  from  the  Government. However, this work was finally sanctioned as Indore (Mangaliyagaon)-Budni (205.50  Km)  new  line  project  in  September,  2018  at  a  cost  of ` 3261.82 crore. Project has been entrusted to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for execution.
- (c):  Project involves acquisition of 1502.84 hectare land.  Land acquisition proceedings have been taken up.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2619 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-04
Subject: Coal Mining
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Pashupati Nath Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.- 2619 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04/08/2021

## Coal Mining

## 2619. SHRI PASHUPATI NATH SINGH:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  BCCL  management  in  Dhanbad  and  Bokaro  district  of  Jharkhand  are  not backfilling the closed mines after coal mining which leads to illegal mining of residual coal in these closed mines ;
- (b) whether the burning coal in these closed mines releases poisonous gases which leads to death and also pollutes the environment.;
- (c) if so, the number of mines where backfilling has been done at present;
- (d)  the  details  of  steps  undertaken  by  the  Government  and  the  management  in  this  direction, colliery-wise;
- (e) the number of closed mines abandoned without backfilling at present along with the reasons therefor; and
- (f) the time by which it will be completed along with the region-wise details?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): No mine of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is closed yet as extraction has not been completed in any mine due to presence of multi seam formation. Operations in many mines are however suspended for various reasons and proposed to be reopened in future.
- (b): Not applicable as mines are not closed.
- (c): No mines in BCCL is closed. In case of running mines, progressive back-filling is practiced in 18 mines of BCCL.
- (d): In order to ensure back-filling as per approved Mining and Mine Closure Plan, Government has prescribed guidelines  for deposition of fund regularly in Escrow Account as security money to ensure proper closure of mines after final closure.
- (e): Not applicable as mines are not closed.
- (f): Mines of BCCL will be closed as per approved Mine closure plan.

***