opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1272 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Vacant Posts in Post Offices
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel, Ratansinh Magansinh Rathod

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1272 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 TH  DECEMBER, 2022

## VACANT POSTS IN POST OFFICES

## 1272.   SHRI PATEL HASMUKHBHAI SOMABHAI: SHRI RATANSINH MAGANSINH RATHOD:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether various posts in the Post offices of the country are lying vacant, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps being taken by the Government to fill such posts; and
- (c) the time by which such posts would be filled?

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

- (a) Yes sir. The details of the vacancies in Department of Posts including vacancies in post offices are as under-
- (b) & (c) The  vacancies  occur  due  to  superannuation,  promotion,  resignation,  death  etc. Filling up of vacancies through various modes, viz. direct recruitment, promotion etc., as per the laid down procedure and schedule is a continuous process.

| Category   |   Number of posts vacant |
|------------|--------------------------|
| Group A-   |                      236 |
| Group B-   |                     7743 |
| Group C-   |                    67405 |
| Total-     |                    75384 |

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1271 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Increasing Frequency of Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sadashiv Kisan Lokhande

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1271

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## INCREASING FREQUENCY OF TRAINS

†1271. SHRI SADASHIV KISAN LOKHANDE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken/proposes  to  take  steps  to increase the frequency of train no.22147-22148, train no.12131-12132 and train no.22455-22456 which ply to and from Shirdi to run it on daily basis  and  ensure  provision  of  bed  sheets  in  AC  coaches  and  make facility of pantry available in train no.22455-22456;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether request letters have been received from people's representatives in August, 2022 in this regard;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the progress made in this regard till date?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e) Requests, including from the Hon'ble Member of  Parliament, have been received for increase  in  frequency  of  22147/22148  DadarShirdi  Express(Weekly)  and    12131/12132  Dadar-Shirdi  Express(Triweekly)  to  daily,  provision  of  linen  in  these  trains  and  provision  of pantry car in 22455/22456 Kalka-Shirdi Express(Bi-weekly).

Owing  to  operational  constraints  including  path  constraints, increase  in  frequency  of  these  services  to  daily  is  not  feasible,  at present. However, on a weekly basis 8 (eight) services are catering to the needs of Mumbai-Shirdi sector. Linen, are being provided in the AC Coaches of these train services.

To provide catering facilities to the passengers on-board 22455/22456  Kalka-Shirdi  Express,  presently,  Train  side  vending  on end-to-end  basis  has  been  provided,  which  is  in  addition  to  the  ecatering services available at major stations en-route.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1269 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Infrastructure Projects
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: T.N. Prathapan

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1269. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 14 TH  DECEMBER, 2022.

## INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

## 1269.  SHRI T.N. PRATHAPAN:

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

- (a) whether many Central infrastructure projects in various parts of the country have reported delays in completion and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (b) whether the delay would result in escalation of cost of those projects and the total anticipated increase in cost due to escalation, project-wise; and
- (c) the details of the steps taken by the Government to fix the completion of those projects?

## 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) to (c): The Government has put in place an institutional framework called Project  Monitoring  Group  (PMG) to monitor  infrastructure  projects worth Rs 500 Crore and above. Some of the projects are delayed, inter-alia, due to issues like Land acquisition, Forest clearance, Utility shifting, Right of way permission, Covid induced disruptions, Court cases etc.

The cost escalation can accurately be determined only on completion of a project.

In  order  to  reduce  time  and  cost  overrun, PMG  ensures  effective coordination  among  Central  Ministries  and  Departments  of  State Governments  to  expedite  resolution  of  issues.  As  on  date,  5411 issues, pertaining to 1118 projects, have been resolved.

Further the Government has launched the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects to ensure timely completion.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1267 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Assistance from other Countries
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Dulal Chandra Goswami

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION 1267

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## Assistance from other Countries

1267.  SHRI DULAL CHANDRA GOSWAMI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the names of the countries providing assistance to India for meeting its nuclear energy related requirements at present;
- (b) the number of countries with which India has signed agreements for uninterrupted supply of Uranium; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) At  present,  Russia,  Canada,  Kazakhstan  and  Uzbekistan  are  providing assistance to India for meeting its nuclear energy related requirements.
- (b)  &  (c)  Government  has  agreement  with  Government  of  Russian  Federation  for supply of Fuel for Russian Reactors at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) throughout its operation.   India entered into Uranium Purchase Agreement with Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1265 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Research Programme in Space
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1265

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

## RESEARCH PROGRAMMES IN SPACE

1265.  SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  has  set up any plan for  new exploration and research programmes regarding space except Mars and Moon Mission during this year or in the future;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  future  plans  in  this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

****

- (a) Yes,  Sir.  ISRO  has  taken  initiatives  for  feasibility  studies  on missions to Venus as well as Aeronomy studies.
- (b)
- & (c)

Both these missions are being conceptualized. The scientific scopes  are  being  deliberated  nationally  with  participation  of science community.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1262 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Withdrawal of Excess Fare on Sabarimala Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Vellalath Kochukrishnan Nair. Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1262 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## WITHDRAWAL OF EXCESS FARE ON SABARIMALA TRAINS

1262.  SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Railways  charge  excess  fare  on Sabarimala  trains,  for  example,  the  charge  is  Rs.  795  on  Sabarimala trains for Hyderabad-Kottayam in Sleeper Class whereas the normal fare is Rs. 590 on all other trains and if so, facts in this regard;
- (b)  whether  charging  excess  fare  from  pilgrims  who  visit  Sabarimala once in a year for pilgrimage amounts to exploitation;
- (c)  if  so,  whether  the  Railways  is  considering  to  withdraw  the  excess fare and instead provide a small concession; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

( SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1262 BY SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA  ON  14.12.2022  REGARDING  WITHDRAWAL  OF  EXCESS  FARE  ON SABARIMALA TRAINS (a)  to  (d):  Special  trains  based  on  demand  are  introduced  to  facilitate passengers travelling from one location to another. This requires special efforts for running of these trains like sometimes transfer of rakes from one location  to  another,  special  arrangement  for  crew/guards  at  different locations, charting of path, one side demand etc. Therefore fare of special trains including Sabarimala Express has been kept higher and is charged as per policy of 2015 revised from time to time. Unreserved second class of such specials is charged on normal superfast Mail/Express fare. At present, there is no proposal to review the existing fare structure of special trains.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1261 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Shortage of All India Services Officers
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Gautham Sigamani Pon

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1261

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022)

## SHORTAGE OF ALL INDIA SERVICES OFFICERS

## 1261. DR. PON GAUTHAM SIGAMANI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  the  Union  Government  is  facing  acute  shortage  of  All  India Services officers and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  also  true  that  no  senior  rank  officers  have  sought  postings  in  Union Government and if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to meet the shortage of All India Services officers?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b):   The details of sanctioned strength and the officers in position of All India Service officers as on 01.01.2022 are as under:

|   Services |   Sanctioned Strength | Officers in position   |
|------------|-----------------------|------------------------|
|       6789 |                  5317 | IAS                    |
|       4984 |                  4120 | IPS                    |
|       3191 |                  2134 | IFS                    |

(c): To fill up the posts of Deputy Secretaries/Directors/Joint Secretaries/Additional Secretaries/Secretaries  in  various  Departments  and  Ministries  of  Government  of  India  under Central  Staffing  Scheme  (CSS),  the  officers  of  various  participating  services  under  CSS  are considered for empanelment/retention to hold these posts. Out of these officers, those who give their option for deputation are considered for appointments to these posts.

Occurrence  and  filling  up  of  vacancies  is  a  continuous  process.  It  is  the  endeavour  of Central Government to fill up vacant posts expeditiously. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts Examinations for filling up of vacancies on direct recruitment basis in IAS, IPS and IFS every year. To fill up vacancies in Promotion Quota, Selection Committee Meetings are held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with the State Governments.

The Government has increased the annual intake of  IAS officers to  180 through Civil Services  Examination  (CSE)  till  CSE-2021.  Further,  a  Committee  has  been  constituted  for recommending the intake of Direct Recruit IAS officers every year through CSE from CSE-2022 to CSE-2030. Intake of IPS through CSE has been increased to 200 from CSE-2020. Intake of IFS has been increased to 150 in 2022.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1258 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Access for Steel in Foreign Markets
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1258 FOR ANSWER ON 14.12.2022

## ACCESS FOR STEEL IN FOREIGN MARKETS

1258. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- ( a)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  get  access in  Middle  East  and  Northern Africa  by  focusing  on  United  Arab  Emirates  or  getting  benefit  of  Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) from companies; and (b) the details of the meetings held with leading businessmen of steel production and
- logistic industries of the United Arab Emirates?

## ANSWER

(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)&(b):  The  government  has  taken  several  measures  to  get  enhanced  market access to  Middle  East and  Northern  Africa  and  to  get  benefit  of  India-UAE  CEPA, which, inter-alia, includes the following:-

- I. The Government has taken initiative and explored possibilities of establishment  of  a  'BharatMart'  at  Jabel  Ali  Free  Zone  (JAFZA),  DP  World, Dubai,  to  facilitate  presence  of  Indian  exporters/companies  in  Dubai  to  tap Dubai's re-export potential to Middle East and Northern Africa.
- II. The  Government  has  facilitated  visits  and  participation  of  Export  Promotion Councils  (EPCs)  to  Dubai  in  various  trade  exhibitions  and  for  business exchanges by organizing sector specific buyer-seller Meets.
- III. During  the  recent  visit  to  the  United  Arab  Emirates  during  the  World  Expo 2020,  the  delegation  from  Ministry  of  Steel  held  one-to-one  meetings  and interactive sessions with leading players from steel producers, consumers and logistic industries to explore investment opportunities in the Indian steel sector, to understand the possibilities of collaboration to increase steel trade between both countries, and to make optimum use of the advantages offered under the India-UAE  CEPA  by  highlighting  the  capabilities,  maturity  and  strengths  of Indian steel industry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1257 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Nilambur-Shoranur Umbrella Project
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: M. P. Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1257 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

NILAMBUR-SHORANUR UMBRELLA PROJECT

1257. DR. M.P. ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the progress in the implementation of the platform lengthening project of Cherukara and Pattikkad railway stations in Nilambur - Shoranur route under Palakkad division included in the 2022-23 Umbrella project of the Railways; and

(b)  the  details  of  other  projects  included  in  the  2022-23  Umbrella project of the Railways on this route?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  AND  (b)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1257 BY DR. M.P. ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  14.12.2022 REGARDING NILAMBUR-SHORANUR UMBRELLA PROJECT

(a) Indian Railways reviews the requirement of additional platforms as well as extension of platforms with growth in volume of traffic and other various relevant factors. For platform lengthening project, priority  is  accorded  to  a  higher  category  station  over  a  lower category station while sanctioning the work. Cherukara and Pattikkad  are  Halt  Grade-2  and  Halt  Grade-1  category  railway stations  respectively  on  Nilambur-Shoranur  section  under  Palghat Division. Sanction of work depends upon relative priority of similar works proposed for various stations and the availability of resources and technical feasibility.

- (b)  The other passenger amenities projects included in the 2022-23 umbrella project of the railway on this route are as under:

|   S.No. | Name of sanctioned work                                                                                                                           |   Cost ( ` in Crore) | Stations involved falling under Nilambur-Shoranur section                                                           |
|---------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       1 | Palghat Division - Development of Divyangjan friendly facilities at stations (33 Nos.)                                                            |                 5.28 | Todiyappulam- provision of Hand rails. Vallapuzha - Provision of Hand rails. Shoranur- Provision of Tactile paving. |
|       2 | Palghat Division - Provision for new Platform shelters, passenger amenities like pay and use toilet, water cistern, benches, etc. at 18 stations. |                 2.09 | Shoranur - Provision of pay and use Toilet. Vaniyambalam- Provision of New Platform shelter.                        |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1252 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Mining in Murpar Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Ashok Mahadeorao Nete

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1252 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2022

## Mining in Murpar Mines

†1252. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Murpar mines, Western Coalfields Ltd. (WCL) under Chandrapur district in Maharashtra  has  already  received  environmental  and  forest  clearance  from  Ministry  of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF and CC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any steps to continue underground mining work in Murpar Mines (WCL) like in the past; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b):  The  Murpar  UG  Mine  of  WCL  located  in  Chandrapur  District  has  received Environment Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance (FC) from MoEF &CC. The details of EC and FC secured for Murpar UG are as under:
- (i)   EC has been secured for Murpar Expansion UG Mine (Phase-I) of capacity 0.28 MTPA in a  project  area  of  482.09  Ha  vide  MoEF&CC  letter  No.  J-11015/25/2001-IA.II(M)  dated 23.01.2018.
- (ii)   Total of 248 Ha of Forest land is involved in Murpar Expansion UG Mine (Phase-I). The FC has been obtained vide letter No. 8-35/2000-FC dated 01.06.2001 for this forest land.
- (c) & (d) : In compliance of the Judgement of Hon'ble Supreme Court vide dated 03-06-2022 on the subject issue, since the subject mine falls within the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Tadoba -Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Maharashtra, the mining operations in Murpar Underground Mine have been suspended since 16-08-2022.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-14
Subject: Foodgrains to Jharkhand and J&K
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Jugal Kishore Sharma, Geeta Kora

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

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1251 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14tH

## DECEMBER, 2022

## FOODGRAINS TO JHARKHAND AND J&k

SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA: SHRIMATI GEETA KORA:

t1251.

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

- (a) the details of foodgrains sent by the Government to Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir in the last three years;
- (b) the rate at which this grain is given to the State Government;
- whether the Central Government is contemplating to increase the quantity of foodgrains sent keeping in view the special situation of Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir; and being
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

## ANS WER

- (a): The details of allocation and offtake of foodgrains under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir in the last three years and current year are as under:

## NFSA:

| Year    | Jharkhand   | Jharkhand   | Jammu & Kashmir   | Jammu & Kashmir   |
|---------|-------------|-------------|-------------------|-------------------|
|         | Allocation  | Offtake     | Allocation        | Offtake           |
| 2019-20 | 1739.31     | 1678.83     | 475.75            |                   |
| 2020-21 | 1739.51     | 1760.58     |                   | 450.95            |
| 2021-22 | 1724.90     | 1501.66     | 468.80            | 406.13            |
| 2022-   | 1743.73     | 1047.76     | 468.80            | 231.57            |

Note (*) Offtake upto Oct, 2022

## (In thousand tons)

## PMGKAY :

| Year        | Jharkhand   | Jharkhand   | Jammu & Kashmir   | Jammu & Kashmir   |
|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Year        | Allocation  | Offtake     | Allocation        | Offtake           |
| 2019-20     | 0           |             |                   |                   |
| 2020-21     | 1054.80     | 988.79      | 289.10            | 284.74            |
| 2021-22     | 1450.35     | 1436.32     | 398.26            | 348.12            |
| 2022- 23(#) | 1188.94     | 865.85      | 325.85            | 249.30            |

Note (#) Offtake upto Nov, 2022

- (b): The foodgrains under NFSA are provided at highly  subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for ricelwheatlcoarsegrains respectively:
- (c) & (d): All States/UTs including Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir, have been allocated foodgrains as per their entitlements under National Act (NFSA): request for additional allocation of foodgrains over and above NFSA is processed in accordance with extant instructions. Any

(In thousand tons)