opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1547 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Nuclear and Radiation Safety
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: E. T. Mohammed Basheer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1547

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## NUCLEAR AND RADIATION SAFETY

1547.  SHRI E. T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

the details of action plan chalked out/envisaged by the Government to ensure nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security along with upgradation of safety features of old nuclear plants?

## ANSWER

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

Highest priority is accorded to safety in all aspects of nuclear power viz. siting, design, construction,  commissioning  and  operation.  Nuclear  power  plants  are  designed adopting  safety  principles  of  redundancy,  diversity  and  provide  fail-safe  design features following a defence-in-depth approach. This ensures that there are multiple barriers between the source of radioactivity and the environment. The operations are performed adopting well laid out procedures by highly qualified, trained and licensed personnel.  Appropriate  Personal  Protection  Equipment  and  monitoring  aids  are provided to all the personnel working in the nuclear power plants.

A  multi-tier  safety  mechanism  within  Nuclear  Power  Corporation  of  India  Limited (NPCIL)  by  the  regulatory  authority  (Atomic  Energy  Regulatory  Board-  AERB)  is  in place.  Based  on  these  reviews  and  operating  experience  feedback,  necessary upgrades are carried out and the nuclear power plants are maintained at state-of-theart in terms of safety.

Adequate  measures  are  taken  to  ensure  the  security  of  nuclear  power  plants.  All operating  nuclear  power  plants  in  the  country  are  under  security  cover  of  Central Industrial  Security  Force  (CISF)  and integrated security systems including Electronic Surveillance Systems and Access Control mechanisms are in place to deter security breach.  These  systems  are  subjected  to  periodic  audits  &  reviews  and  necessary upgrades are carried out based on the reviews and various inputs received from the central and state security agencies.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1546 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Agricultural Exports
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Ramesh Chander Kaushik, Saikia Dilip

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1546(H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th JULY,2021

## AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

## 1546(H). SHRI RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK: SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािण�य एवं उ�ोग मं�ी ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether export of agriculture and related products  has been adversely affected due to the situation that arose from Corona pandemic;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has formulated any action plan to tackle this situation; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) & (b): The export of agriculture and related products increased by 17.37% during 2020-2021, as  compared  to  2019-20,  in  spite  of  the  disruptions  caused  due  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic. Exceptional increase has been registered in the exports of Wheat (775.03%), Non Basmati Rice (136.30%), Vegetable Oils (254.94%), Other Cereals (238.57%), Oil Meals (90.31%) and Cotton (79.43%).

(c) & (d) : Department of Commerce took various steps to facilitate agricultural exports during the  COVID-19  pandemic.  The  validity  of  various  certifications/  accreditations  was  extended beyond their dates of expiry; control rooms were set up to resolve problems faced by exporters; Export  Inspection  Council  and  other  boards/  authorities  issued online  certificates  for  exports; state  governments  and  district  administrations  were  contacted  to  resolve  specific  bottlenecks faced by the exporters; steps were taken to ensure functioning of testing laboratories, etc. As a result of these initiatives, India was able to tide over the disruptions caused by the pandemic and register a significant increase in export of agriculture and related products.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1545 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Change of Court Jurisdiction
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Anto  Antony, Rajmohan Unnithan, Hibi Eden

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1545

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28.07.2021

## Change of Court Jurisdiction

## 1545. SHRI ANTO ANTONY: SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN: SHRI HIBI EDEN:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government's attention is drawn to a proposal by the Lakshadweep Administration to transfer the legal  jurisdiction from  Kerala High Court to the Karnataka High Court and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  reason  behind  this  move  and  the  response  of  the  Government  in  this regard;
- (c) whether measures are taken to reduce the financial expenses and to increase the  ease  of  the  citizens  of  Lakshadweep  to  approach  the  Karnataka  High Court if the jurisdiction is changed; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a): At present, there is no proposal received from Lakshadweep Administration to transfer the legal jurisdiction from Kerala High Court to Karnataka High Court.
- (b) to (d):   Does not arise in view of reply at (a) above.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1544 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Setting up of Industries in Bihar
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Ajay Kumar Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1544. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28 TH  JULY, 2021.

## SETTING UP OF INDUSTRIES IN BIHAR

## 1544.  SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  formulate  any  scheme  for  setting  up industries in Bihar including Bhagalpur;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) the  location-wise  number  of  industries  set  up  in  Bhagalpur  during  the  last three years; and
- (e) the status of the industries in operation?

## 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 (e):

Government of India has been continuously endeavoring to put in place measures  for  expanding  industries  in  India.  The  intent  has  been  to enhance  industrialization keeping  in  mind  the  national  interest  and removing  policy  bottlenecks  that  have  been  hindering  the  investment inflows into the country.

However, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)  has  not  currently  developed  any  scheme  for  setting  up  of industries specifically for the state of Bihar. Further, since this Department deals with policy matters related to Industries, it does not maintain any centralized data on the number and location of industries set up in a particular state. The matters related to industrialization of a specific  State  are  dealt  by  that  State  only  as  Industries  is  a  State subject.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1543 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Proposal for New Railway Zone in Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1543 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## PROPOSAL FOR NEW RAILWAY ZONE IN KERALA

1543. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  has decided to sanction railway zone for Kerala State;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons thereto;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  received  a  new  proposal  for  the  railway zone in Kerala State;
- (d)  if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  the  Government is intending  to  bifurcate  or  merge  Trivandrum and Madurai divisions in Southern Railway; and
- (f) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  by  the  Railways  in  this regard?

## 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  UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1543 BY SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 28.07.2021 REGARDING PROPOSAL FOR NEW RAILWAY ZONE IN KERALA (a): No, Sir. (b): New zones on Indian Railways are created keeping in view the factors like size, workload, accessibility, traffic patterns and other operational/administrative requirements consistent with the needs of economy  and  efficiency.  The  proposal  for  creation  of  new  Railway  Zone  in Kerala, when examined from these aspects, has not been found feasible. (c)  & (d):  Requests for formation of a new railway zone in Kerala have been received from time to time from various fora including Government of Kerala and Members of Parliament. (e): No, Sir. (f): Does not arise. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1542 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Approving Indian Vaccines
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil, Sougata Ray

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1542 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## APPROVING INDIAN VACCINE

## 1542. SHRI SHRINIWAS PATIL: PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the   number   of   countries   which   have   approved   inward   travel   of passengers vaccinated with the two Indian manufactured vaccines Covaxin and Covishield respectively;
- (b) the   list   of   countries   not   allowing   inward   travel   by   passengers vaccinated with Covaxin and Covishield vaccine for Covid-19;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any initiative for getting the approvals for the same;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) & (b) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, normal international travel services   remain   suspended.     International   air   travel   is   taking   place through special arrangements, including air bubble and Vande Bharat Mission. Such travel is not directly linked to the possession of vaccination certificates. Further, at present, there is no multilateral protocol on the travel of COVID-19 vaccinated people. Most countries require a negative COVID19   report,   along   with   compliance   with   country   specific   Covid protocols.

(c) to (e) While   there   have   been   multilateral   discussions,   including under the framework of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regarding COVID-19 vaccination certificates, no multilateral arrangements in this regard have been reached so far.  India has been part of ongoing discussions   to   ensure   that   Indian   manufactured   vaccines   are   duly recognised in any multilateral arrangement.  India is also engaging with countries for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1540 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Facial Recognition Technology
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Abhishek Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1540

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

## 1540.    SHRI ABHISHEK BANERJEE:

## Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

- (a) whether the Government has studied and taken into consideration the privacy concerns of employing the Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) by the public and private sector;
- (b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the Central Government agencies which are currently employing or proposes to employ the said FRT technology; and;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to implement a system integrating Aadhaar with the FRT and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) and (b):  Facial recognition is a way of identifying or confirming an individual's identity using their face. Facial recognition systems can be used to identify people in photos, videos, or in real-time. Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Any solutions employing Facial Recognition Technology should address the privacy concerns.
- (c):  Facial Recognition Technology is distinct from the Face Authentication mechanisms that utilise one-to-one face matching for authentication after obtaining consent of the individual. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is using one-to-one face matching for providing digital marksheets to students through a consent-based framework.
- (d): No, Sir.  UIDAI is only developing the Aadhaar based Face Authentication as which is currently  in  Proof  of  Concept  (PoC)  phase.  Face  authentication  may  be  used  as  one  of  the authentication mechanisms apart from biometric and iris-based authentication procedures with the informed consent of the individual.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1539 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: BSNL Broadband Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1539 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th   JULY, 2021

## BSNL BROADBAND SERVICES

## 1539. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal or scheme for the development and extension of BSNL broadband services;

- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) The  Government  approved  the  revival  plan  for  Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited (BSNL)  on  23.10.2019,  which, inter-alia ,  includes  administrative  allotment  of  spectrum  for providing 4G services with funding through budgetary allocation.

BSNL has floated the Expression of  Interest  (EoI)  on  01.01.2021  for  Proof  of  Concept (PoC) from Indian Companies interested in participating in BSNL's upcoming 4G tender. Letter of Intent (LoI) has been issued to 5 eligible bidders on 01.07.2021.

With the launch of 4G services by BSNL on pan-India basis, BSNL wireless broadband will expand in the country.

BSNL  is  also  providing  fixed  line  broadband  services  on  fibre  and  copper.  BSNL regularly upgrades and strengthens its fixed line broadband network.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1538 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Industrial Nodes in Maharashtra
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Vinayak Bhaurao Raut

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1538. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28 TH  JULY, 2021.

## INDUSTRIAL NODES IN MAHARASHTRA

## 1538.  SHRI VINAYAK RAUT:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) the places identified for  development  as industrial nodes  or cities in Maharashtra under different Industrial Corridors;
- (b) the status of proposed industrial nodes above, their investment and employment potential;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) 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) to (d):

The  status  of  industrial  nodes  identified  in  the  state  of  Maharashtra are  as under:

1. Shendra  Bidkin  Industrial  Area  (SBIA)  under  Delhi  Mumbai  Industrial Corridor (DMIC)

## (a)Shendra Industrial Area

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) i.e. Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited has been incorporated. State Government has transferred the entire 8.39 sq kms of land to the SPV and matching equity of Rs. 602.80 Crore has been released  by  Government  of  India  (GoI)  through  National  Industrial  Corridor Development  and  Implementation  Trust  (NICDIT).  Major  trunk  infrastructure works have been completed.  93 plots have been allotted including allotment of 100 acres to anchor investor i.e., HYOSUNG a South Korean company. An investment of over Rs. 6,500 crore has been attracted in this area. The project was dedicated to the nation by Hon'ble PM on 7 th September 2019.

## (b) Bidkin Industrial Area -

Out of total 32 sq. kms, State Govt. has  transferred land admeasuring 28.8 sq. kms and matching equity of Rs. 2397.20 Crore was also released by GoI through NICDIT. Trunk infrastructure works are nearing completion.

As  per  Development  Plan,  employment  generation  potential  for  SBIA  is approximately 7.5 lakhs (Direct & Indirect).

## 2. Dighi Industrial Area under DMIC:

State Government has confirmed availability of 2,402 Ha (5,935 acres) of land, out  of  which  1,466  Ha  (3,622  acres)  is  in  possession  of  State  Government. Detailed master planning and preliminary engineering for the land parcels have been initiated.

As  per  the  Development  Plan,  employment  generation  potential  for  Dighi Industrial Area is approximately 3.2 lakhs (Direct & Indirect).

## 3. Satara node under Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC) -

In March 2021, State Government of Maharashtra has confirmed the availability of  5,000  Ha  land  at  Satara  for  development  of  industrial  node.   Out  of  which 314.06  Ha  land  is  in  possession  of  State  Government.  Tender  document  for selection of consultant for Detailed Master Planning and Preliminary Engineering has been issued.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1537 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Curative Petitions
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1537

## TO BE ANSWERED ONWEDNESDAY, THE 28.07.2021

## Curative Petitions

## 1537.  SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  maintains  a  record  of  the  number  of  review  and curative petitions allowed in the Supreme Court; and
- (b) if so, the total number of review and curative petitions allowed in the Supreme Court per year since 2010?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a)&  (b):No,  Sir.  However,  Supreme  Court  of  India  has  informed  that  the following number of Review and Curative Petitions were allowed since 2010, as per data available in Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS), as on 22.07.2021:

| Case Type                |   Allowed |
|--------------------------|-----------|
| Review Petition (C)      |        92 |
| Review Petition (Crl.)   |        48 |
| Curative Petition (C)    |         0 |
| Curative Petition (Crl.) |         3 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1535 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Panipat-Meerut Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sanjay Bhatia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1535 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## PANIPAT-MEERUT RAILWAY LINE

†1535.   SHRI SANJAY BHATIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Panipat Meerut Railway line is pending for the last 30 years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  reasons  for  non-action  on  Panipat-Meerut  railway  line  so  far whereas Meerut Cantonment is one of the largest Cantonment in India and  our  soldiers  while  travelling  from  Meerut  Cantt  to  Ambala  Cantt, Pathankot Cantt and Jammu & Kashmir have to travel via Delhi due to which  they  face  some  sort  of  inconvenience  and  also  the  people travelling from Panipat, Kurukshetra, Karnal to Haridwar have to travel via Delhi or Ambala in over-loaded buses and trains;
- (d) the  time  by  which  the  work  on  Panipat-Meerut  railways  is  likely  to commence;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) if not, the reasons therefor ?

## 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 UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1535 BY SHRI SANJAY BHATIA ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 28.07.2021 REGARDING PANIPAT-MEERUT RAILWAY LINE (a)  to  (c)  :  Meerut  Cantt.  is  well  connected  directly  to  Ambala  Cantt, Pathankot  Cantt.  and  Jammu  &  Kashmir  via  double  line  Railway  Track. Existing route via Saharanpur is the shortest route and will remain to be shortest  even  after  construction  of  Meerut  -  Panipat  line.    Surveys  for Meerut-Panipat new line have been carried out in past in 1999, 2009 and 2011.  However,  project  could  not  be  taken  forward  being  financially unviable. In  view  of  persistent  demand  for  this  line,  the  work  of  Meerut-Panipat (104.4  km)  new  rail  line  has  been  included  in  Budget  2016-17  subject  to requisite Government approvals. Three possible alignments were examined in consultation with Public Representatives and State Government  officials.    The  alignment  has  been  finalized  and  accordingly preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been taken up.  Further consideration  is  possible  once  DPR  is  received  and  results  thereon  are firmed up. (d) to (f) :  Do not arise, as the project is not sanctioned.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Satellite Broadband Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Raghu Ramakrishna Raju Kanumuru

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1531 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th   JULY, 2021

## SATELLITE BROADBAND SERVICES

## 1531. SHRI KANUMURU RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is contemplating on introducing Satellite Broadband Service in the country;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether private players have been roped in to provide this Satellite Broadband Service to the customers and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the time by which the said service is likely to be made available?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Telecom Service Providers/Internet Service Providers are free to use any technology including satellites for rendering broadband service based on their techno-commercial considerations. GSAT-11 and GSAT-19, the High Throughput Satellites of ISRO, are already in use for broadband connectivity under BharatNet programme.

- (c) Private  players  are  allowed  to  render  their  satellite  based  broadband  service  subject  to compliance with Satcom Policy of Department of Space.

(d) The  broadband  service  through  satellite  is  already  being  provided  to  Gram  Panchayats under BharatNet programme.

******