opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Upgradation of NHs
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: T. R. Paarivendhar

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to undertake upgradation of various National Highways(NHs) in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the total number of National Highways in the State of Tamil Nadu likely  to  be  covered  under  this  proposal  along  with  financial implication involved; and
- (d) the time by which the said upgradation of NHs in Tamil Nadu is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) & (b) Yes, Ministry has proposed to undertake the upgradation of 44069 km National Highways in the next 3 years at an estimated cost  of  Rs.  8.32  lakh  Crore  under  National  Infrastructure  Pipeline
- Projects (NIP) in the country.
- (c)  &  (d)  In  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu,  Ministry  has  proposed  to undertake  the  development  of  2549  km  National  Highways  in  the next 3 years at an estimated cost of about Rs. 72,861 Crore.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1788 ANSWERED ON 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2021

## UPGRADATION OF NHs

1788.  DR. T.R.PAARIVENDHAR

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 1787 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Direct Flights from Overseas
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Bhagwant Mann

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTIPNNO. : 1787 (To be answered on the 11 February 2021)

## DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM OVERSEAS

1787.

SHRI BHAGWANT MANN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state;-

- (a) whether the Government is considering to introduce more direct flights from overseas to all the States across the country;
- whether Air India has been asked to chalk out schedule of flights tolfrom the States; and

## ANSWER

Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(a) to (d): Due to COVID-19 pandemic; there are restrictions on international flight operations to/from India. However, India has formalized Air Bubble arrangements with 24 countries as on 20.01.2021, These Air Bubble arrangements provide access directly or through transit facility to more than 100 countries. Under the ambit of these Air Bubble arrangements, all designated airlines including Air India are free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate. It is, therefore; upon the airlines to provide air services to specific places with whichever type %f aircraft they decide, depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability:

- (b) if the details thereof; SO,
- (d) if s0, the details thereof?
Lok Sabha Question No. 1784 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Construction of New Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Tirath Singh Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED

: 1784 (To be answered on the 11 February 2021)

## CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIRPORTS

1784. SHRI TIRATH SINGH RAWAT

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- districts of Uttarakhand including the other Himalayan States;
- (c) whether there is any scheme for the development and extension of air stripslairports in the mountain region of Uttarakhand; and
- (b) whether there is any scheme to develop and promote new regional airlines in the country especially in the said districts of Uttarakhand;
- (d) if s0, the details thereof 'including the total funds allocated therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(0) to (d): Ministry of Civil Aviation Iaunched Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 21-10-2016 to stimulate regional air driven scheme The interested airlines based on their assessment Of demand on particular routes submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN from time to. time: An airport which i$ included in the awarded routes 0f Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) and requires upgradationidevelopment for commencement 0 UDAN operations is developed under Revival 0 unserved and underserved airports scheme including Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal for revival 0f existing unserved underserved airports / airstrips %f the State Governments, Airports A uthority of India; Public Sector Water Aerodromes in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh; And in the States %f Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim; Arunachal Pradesh; Assam and West Bengal for operationalization of UDAN flights.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Fit India Cyclothon
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Anil Firojiya, Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1782 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2021

## Fit India Cyclothon

†1782. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA: SHRI MOHANBHAI KALYANJI KUNDARIYA: SHRI DIPSINH SHANKARSINH RATHOD:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details and the objectives of the 'Fit India Cyclothon';
- (b) whether the Government has constituted any team to take stock of the condition of all the stadiums and sports of the country;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { SHRI KIREN RIJIJU }

- (a)  Fit  India  Movement was launched on 29 th  August, 2019 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister with a view to make fitness an integral part of our daily lives. Since its inception, Fit India Mission has been actively spreading awareness about fitness through various campaigns which inter-alia include a campaign,  namely,  Fit  India  Cyclothon  to  create  awareness  on  fitness through cycling. Fit India Cyclothon can be organised by any Government or private organisation, schools, colleges, universities, individuals, interested groups, residential associations, communities in villages, towns, workplaces, etc.
- (b)  to  (d)  No,  Sir.  The  Government  has  not  constituted  any  team  to  take stock of the condition of all the stadiums and sports of the country. 'Sports' being a State subject, the primary responsibility for promotion and development of sports is that of State/Union Territory Governments. Central Government  only  supplements  the  efforts  of  the  State/  UT  Governments, under its various schemes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1778 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Background of RERA
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gangasandra Siddappa Basavaraj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1778

TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021

## BACKGROUND OF RERA

SHRI 6.S\_BASAVARAJ:

Will Minister of HOUSING URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to the AND state:

- (a) whether the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act had been in the making for more than a decade and if SO, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Act has many infirmities regarding the interests
- of home buyers and if SO, the details thereof;
- (c) whether many State Governments attempted to inflict depthcharges on RERA, a Central Act by enacting their own State laws and refusing to implement RERA;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the number of StateslUTs which have notified the rules or set up regulatory authorities or Appellate Tribunals thereunder?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) & (b) The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was enacted in March, 2016 to ensure regulation and promotion of Real Estate Sector in an efficient and transparent manner and protect the interest of There are no infirmities in RERA regarding the protection of interests of home buyers-

(c)&(d) So far 34 StateslUTs have notified rules under RERA. Implementation of RERA in State of Nagaland is under process. However, the State of West Bengal has enacted its own Legislation, West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act, 2017 (HIRA) instead of notifying rules under RERA. HIRA has been challenged in Hon'ble Supreme Court by a homebuyer's association and the matter is sub judice-

(e) As on &th February, 2021, 34 States/UTs have notified rules under RERA: 30 StateslUTs have set up Real Estate Regulatory Authorities and 26 StateslUTs have set up Real Estate Appellate Tribunals:

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Gross Power Generation by NTPC Group
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Rajan Baburao  Vichare

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1775 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2021

GROSS POWER GENERATION BY NTPC GROUP

†1775. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) whether NTPC Group has recorded increase in gross power generation; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

( SHRI  R.K. SINGH)

- (a) : Yes, Sir.

(b) : NTPC  group  has  recorded  an  increase  of  5.3%  growth  in  gross  power generation (252.28 Billion Units) up to January, 2021 (FY 2020-21) when compared to power generation for the same period (239.69 Billion Units) in the last Financial Year (FY 2019-20).

***********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1774 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Extent of Benefits under PMAY-U
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Sunil Baburao Mendhe

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1774 (To be answered on the ITth February 2021)

## DISINVESTMENT OF AIR INDIA

## 1774. SHRI BENNY BEHANAN

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) the current status of saleldisinvestment of Air India;
- the amount of loss to exchequer for keeping Air India running; and 8 whether the Government has any proposal to protect the future 0f the employees attached to the Air India and if s0, the details thereof?
- (b) the time by which the plan is likely to be completed;

## ANSWER

Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

- (a) and (b): The Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) for inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) for strategic disinvestment Government of India in Air India along with 100% stake in Air India Express Ltd and 50% stake in Air India SATS was issued on 27.01.2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last date for submission of EOI was extended from to time. The Last date for submission of EOI was 14.12.2020. As per the process of the disinvestment; the Expression of Interest in response to PIM any group or entity was to be submitted to the Transaction Advisor Post completion of the evaluation of the EOIs received, the Transaction Advisor will directly intimate the Qualified Interested Bidders in relation to their qualification and the next steps for the proposed transaction. by
- (c): Air India has been incurring continuous losses and has accumulated huge losses. The net loss (after tax) of Air India Limited since FY 2011-12 to FY 2019-20 are aS follows:

| Financial Year 2011-12   |   Net Loss (Rs crores) 7559.74 |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------|
| 2012-13                  |                        5490.16 |
| 2013-14                  |                        6279.6  |
| 2014-15                  |                        5859.91 |
| 2015-16                  |                        3836.78 |
| 2016-17                  |                        6452.89 |

be pleased to state:-

2017-18

5348.18

2018-19

8556.36

7982.83

In order to help Air India in mitigating its continuing losses and to take it back on the of profitability, the Government approved and implemented a Turn Around Plan (TAP) and Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) 0f Air India in 2012. path

Air India has received an equity infusion of Rs: 30520.23 crore till date from FY 2011-12 which includes financial support as per TAP/FRP and cash support provided in FY 2018-19

The interest of the employees of Air India will be safeguarded in accordance with the guidance of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, Ministry of Finance and same will be reflected in the Share Purchase Agreement to be signed with new owner post disinvestment:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1773 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Omprakash Bhupalsinh alias Pawan Rajenimbalkar, Hemant Patil, Rahul Ramesh Shewale

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1773 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.2.2021

## Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

1773 . SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAWAN RAJENIMBALKAR: SHRI HEMANT SRIRAM PATIL: SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has implemented Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the funds provided by the Government under the said Mission along with its utilisation so far;
- (c) the number of complaints received by the Government for irregularities in implementation of the said Mission so far along with action taken thereon; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government for effective implementation of the said mission in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI (SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)

- (a) Government has approved Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] to be implemented during 2020-21 to 2024-25, with the focus on ODF sustainability and to cover all the villages with Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM).
- (b)     The total budget allocated for the said Mission during 2020-21 is Rs.6,000 crore (Revised Estimates). Out of this, funds amounting to Rs.4298.93 crore have been utilised till 31.01.2021. And, for 2021-22, Rs.9994.10 crore have been allocated for this Mission in the Budget.  Apart from this, during the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22, 15 th Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies amounting to Rs.15187.50 crore and Rs.13,470 crore have been allocated as earmarked funds for rural sanitation activities including maintenance of ODF status.

(c) Sanitation  is  a  State  subject  and  hence  the  responsibility  for  implementation  of  the programme lies with the States.  Government of India provides technical and financial support to supplement the efforts of the State Governments.  Complaints, if any, received are forwarded to the respective State Governments for appropriate corrective measures.

(d) Operational Guidelines for implementation of the programme were issued in May, 2020. A  mobile  app  has  been  developed  to  capture  the  progress  of  the  implementation  and  geotagging  of  assets  created  under  the  programme.    Virtual  workshops  for  orientation  of  the implementing agencies and training programmes have been organised.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1771 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Establishment of MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO,SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Mahendrabhai Kalubhai Munjpara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1771 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2021

## ESTABLISHMENT OF MSMEs

## 1771. DR. MUNJPARA MAHENDRABHAI KALUBHAI:

Will  the  Minister  of  MICRO,  SMALL  AND  MEDIUM  ENTERPRISES  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  establish  any  industry/factory  in Surendranagar district in Gujarat under MSME sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI NITIN GADKARI)

(a) to (c): Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) does not  set  up  any  industry  /  factory.  It  envisions  a  vibrant  MSME  sector  by promoting growth and development of the MSME Sector in cooperation with various  Ministries/Departments,  State  Governments  and  Stakeholders  through providing support to the MSME enterprises.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1768 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Metro Rail Expansion in Delhi-NCR
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ramesh Bidhuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1768

TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021

## METRO RAIL EXPANSION IN DELHI-NCR

SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)
- (c)
- the current status of the fourth phase of metro rail expansion in Delhi-NCR;
- whether the Government proposes to link other places to the
- NCR through metro and rail;
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) Three priority corridors of Delhi Metro Phase-IV projects namely Aerocity to Tughlakabad (ii) RK Ashram to Janakpuri (West) and Mukundpur-Maujpur have been approved in March, 2019 and work on these corridors has commenced: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) has further submitted proposal for the remaining three corridors namely (i) Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block, (ii) Inderlok to
- Indraprastha and (iii) Rithala to Narela:
- (b) & (c) Urban transport is an integral part of urban development, which is a State subject: Planning and development of urban transport including rail is done by respective StatelUnion Territory(UT): Central Government considers financial assistance for metro rail projects depending on feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources as and when posed by the concerned Statelut:

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1763 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Housing in Telangana
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gaddam Ranjith Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## NO. 1763

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021 HOUSING IN TELANGANA

DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that 1.25 Iakh houses were sanctioned to the State of Telangana between 2016 and and if the details thereof;
- (b) whether out the above, only 65,000 houses have been
- completed in the State;
- if so, the details thereof including the status of the remaining houses and the time by which these are likely to be completed
- and handed over to the beneficiaries; and
- (d) the details of houses sanctioned between 2019 and 2021 alongwith the status of the same?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) to (c) Yes sir; in the State Telangana 1,19,465 houses were sanctioned under the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban [PMAY U] between 2016 and 2019. AII these  sanctioned houses have been grounded for construction; of which 74,868 houses have been completed: Houses sanctioned under the scheme are to be completed and delivered to the beneficiaries within the scheme period i.e: by March, 2022.
- (d) Between 2019 and 2021, 52,200 houses have been sanctioned under the scheme for the State of  Telangana: Of these, 52,055 houses have been   grounded for construction and 41,060 houses

*****

- have been completed:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1762 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Housing for All by 2022
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Manoj Kishorbhai Kotak, Gopal Chinayya Shetty

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1762

TO BE ANSWERED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2021

HOUSING FOR ALL BY 2022

NO. 1762.

SHRI MANOJ KOTAK:

SHRI GOPAL CHINNAYA SHETTY:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRSbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has set a target to provide iHousing for AlI"by 2022 under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the number of  affordable houses built and handed-over to urban poor especially in metro cities including Mumbai; and
- the Budget allocation for the Housing for All scheme for the years 2019-20202

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) Yes, Sir.
- (b) The details regarding the number of affordable houses built and handed-over to urban poor especially in metro cities including Mumbai are asunder:
- (c) The allocation for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), for the year 2019-2020 was Rs.21,853.26 crore, including allocation from Extra Budgetary Resources of Rs.15,000.00 crore:

|   S_No. | Metro     | Houses constructed (Nos-)   |
|---------|-----------|-----------------------------|
|       1 | Mumbai    |                             |
|       2 | Kolkata   | 14,787                      |
|       3 | Chennai   | 34,990                      |
|       4 | Hyderabad | 86,333                      |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1759 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-11
Subject: Chess players
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1759 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2021

## Chess Players

1759. Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Government is not including Chess players on the list of awards Khel Ratna, Arjuna or Dronacharya this year despite Chess being booming in India;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  it  is  true  that  the  Government  gives  preference  to Olympics sports in the selection process and if so, the details there of;
- (d) if not, the reasons for not giving any award to the chess players for
- the last seven years; and
- (e)  Whether  the  Government has considered giving chess a separate category like cricket to encourage the chess fraternity, if so, details thereof and if not, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [KIREN RIJIJU]

(a) and (b):   The Government had invited applications for Sports Awards (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyanchand  Award)  for  the  year  2020  from  the  sportspersons  of  all sporting disciplines including chess.

(c) : Sir, it is not true that the Government gives preference to Olympic Sports in the selection procedure for Sports Awards. The sportspersons/ coaches of all the sporting disciplines whether it is an Olympic sport or not is considered for the award as per the schemes.

(d):  Sir,  it  is  not  true  that  Government  has  not  given  any  award  to chess players in last seven years. In the year 2013 Arjuna Award was conferred  to  a  sportsperson  from  chess  discipline.  However,  the discretion to confer an award on any sportsperson irrespective of the sporting  discipline  is  with  the  Selection  Committee  which  is  duly constituted by the Government and on the basis of its recommendations, nominations of various sportspersons are finalized for the Sports Awards.

(e) Sir, there is no such proposal.

*****