opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Revival of Iron and Steel Plant in Karnataka
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Prajwal Revanna

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF INVESTMENT AND PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT (DIPAM)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1670

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023 Magha 24, 1944 (Saka)

## Revival of Iron and Steel Plant in Karnataka

## 1670.  SHRI PRAJWAL REVANNA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to revive the Visheveswaraiah Iron and Steel Plant (VISL), Bhadravathi in the State of Karnataka and if so, the details thereof along  with  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  in  this  regard  and  the  recent policy decisions taken by the Government not to privatise/close the VISL unit;
- (b) whether the  Government has decided to annul  the Expression of  Interest  (EoI) and  terminate  the  transaction  of  strategic  disinvestment  of  VISL  due  to  lack expression of interest from private players, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  revive  the  VISL  by  inducing  more investment and further attach it with parent units of SAIL and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE (DR. BHAGWAT KISHANRAO KARAD)

(a)  to  (c):  In  pursuance  of  the  'in-principle'  approval  of  the  CCEA  for  strategic disinvestment of Visveswaraya Iron & Steel Plant (VISP), Bhadravathi, a unit of   SAIL, the  Expression  of  Interest  (EoI)  was  invited  in  2019.  EoIs  had  been  received  from bidders. Subsequently, due to inability expressed by the shortlisted bidders to participate further in the transaction for strategic disinvestment, the EoI for strategic disinvestment had been annulled. On account of old machinery, sub-optimal size, continuous losses and shut down of blast furnace for a long time, it has been decided to initiate the process for closure of this unit.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1669 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Centrally Sponsored Environment Projects
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Beesetti  Venkata Satyavathi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1669

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## Centrally Sponsored Environment Projects

## 1669.   DR. BEESETTI  VNENKATA  SATYAVATHI:

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

- (a) the  number  of  centrally  sponsored  environment  projects  launched  in  Andhra  Pradesh during the last three years:
- (b) the current status and the amount of assistance extended under each of the projects;
- (c) whether there are any new projects proposed to be launched in the State; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons thereof ?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)&(b)  Ministry of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  (MoEF&CC)  provides financial  assistance  to  States  under  the  centrally  sponsored  environment  scheme 'Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (CNRE)' on a cost sharing basis between the Center and State. Proposals for financial assistance under this scheme, received from State Governments, are considered in MoEF&CC as per the applicable guidelines. On approval, funds are released to the State Governments as per extant expenditure  guidelines.  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh  has  not  received  financial assistance under CNRE scheme in last three years.
- (c) There are no project proposals from Government of Andhra Pradesh under CNRE scheme under consideration in MoEF&CC at present.
- (d) Does not arise, in view of (c).

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1667 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1667 ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## RASHTRIYA UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN

## 1667.   SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  reviewed  the  Rashtriya  Uchchatar  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (RUSA) programme across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  details  of  budget  allocation  towards  the  RUSA  and  the  funds  allocated  to  educational institutions during each of the last five years, State-wise;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to provide support to higher learning institutions to recover from infrastructural, financial and material losses due to the pandemic; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (Dr. SUBHAS SARKAR)

- (a)  &  (b):  The  evaluation  of the first  phase  of the  scheme of Rashtriya  Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was conducted by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in 2017 and the evaluation of the 2 nd phase of the scheme was conducted by NITI Aayog in 2020.  Both the evaluation reports had recommended  continuation  of  the  scheme.  Furthermore,  regular  review  meetings  are  held  with State/UT governments to monitor the progress of the scheme.
- (c)  to  (e):  The  year-wise  Budget  Estimate,  Revised  Estimates  and  Release  under  the  Scheme  since 2018-2019 is as below:

(Rupees in Crores)

| Year    |      BE |      RE | Central Grants Released   |
|---------|---------|---------|---------------------------|
| 2018-19 | 1400    | 1500    | 1393.00                   |
| 2019-20 | 2100    | 1380    | 1277.82                   |
| 2020-21 |  300    |  166    | 165.20                    |
| 2021-22 | 3000    |  793.26 | 242.34                    |
| 2022-23 | 2042.95 |  360.67 | 290.37 (as on 01.02.2023) |

Under RUSA there is no specific component for providing support to higher learning institutions to recover from infrastructural,  financial and material losses due to the pandemic.  However,  support  for  infrastructural  needs  is  provided  to  higher  educational  institutions under  various  components  of  RUSA.  The  State-wise  and  Year-wise  Central  Share  released  under RUSA in the last five years is available at https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload\_files/mhrd/files/upload\_document/released\_funds.pdf.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1666 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: National Career Services (NCS)
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Margani Bharat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1666

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH  FEBRUARY, 2023

## NATIONAL CAREER SERVICES (NCS)

## 1666.  SHRI MARGANI BHARAT:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the Government has approved the  establishment of 207 Model Career Centres (MCCs) under the National Career Services (NCS), out of which only 141 are functional and if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the same;
- (b)
- the estimated time by which the remaining MCCs will be operationalised;
- (c) the details of the number of job seekers and employers registered and active on the NCS portal;
- (d) whether the Government has taken any steps to create awareness about the NCS portal and enhance its reach; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a) to (e): The National Career Service (NCS) project is being implemented by the Government to provide a variety of employment related services like job search and  matching,  career  counselling,  vocational  guidance,  information  on  skill development courses etc. through a digital platform [www.ncs.gov.in]. Government  has  approved  establishment  of  207  Model  Career  Centres  (MCCs) across the country till 2021-22, and all 207 MCCs are functional.

As on 30.01.2023, 2.88 crore jobseekers have registered on NCS portal since inception out of which, 1.12 crore jobseekers have logged in and/or searched for job on the NCS portal in last one year.  Further, 7.82 lakh employers are active on NCS portal.

In  order  to  increase  awareness  and  enhance  reach  of  NCS  portal  various activities have been undertaken.  Regular social media posts are released about the  availability  of  services  on  NCS  portal.    Awareness  campaign  are  regularly carried out about the availability of sector-wise as well as State-wise vacancies on NCS  portal  through  regular  social  media  posts.  NCS  monthly  e-newsletters  are released to create awareness about new development and activities of NCS.  The Model  Career  Centres  established  at  the  States/UTs  regularly  conducts  various outreach  activities  viz.  workshops,  awareness/  orientation  programmes  for  the stakeholders.  Besides, NCS Portal has partnered with many private job portals for enriching the NCS vacancy database.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1663 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Development of Sports under Skill India Initiative
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Rajendra Agrawal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1663

ANSWERED ON - 13/02/2023

## DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS UNDER SKILL INDIA INITIATIVE

1663. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has taken any initiative for development of sports under the Skill India initiative;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is in collaboration with academic institutions, vocational centres and industry to facilitate skilling initiatives;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to set up skill training centre dedicated to sports in Meerut (known for sports and sporting equipments); and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a)    Under  Skill  India  Mission,  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  is implementing its flagship scheme  Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)  to delivershort term skills in various sectors including Sports. Further, MSDE through National Skill Development  Corporation  (NSDC)  formed  the  Sports,  Physical  Education,  Fitness  &  Leisure Skills  Council  (SPEFL-SC),  an  industry  led  body,  for  focused  attention  to  the  development  of sports under the Skill India Initiative.
- (b)    Under  PMKVY,  since  inception  till  31.12.2022,  more  than  91,000  candidates  have  been trained/oriented under Sports sector in various job roles namely Primary Years Physical Activity Facilitator, Sports Masseur, Fitness Trainer, Community Sports Coach, Unarmed Self-Defence Instructor,  Personal  Fitness  Trainer,  Group  Fitness  Trainer,  Strength  and Conditioning  Coach, Lifeguard Pool, Lifeguard Open Water, Swimming Instructor, etc.
- (c)   To facilitate skilling initiatives, MSDE in co-ordination with Ministry of Education launched the  Skill  Hubs  Initiative  (SHI)  as  a  pilot  project  under  PMKVY  in  January  2022.  SHI  aims  at creating shared infrastructure, aligning with the needs of the local economy and addressing the needs of all  target  segments  for  vocational  training.  It  focuses  on  introduction  of  skill  training programme in the education ecosystem as envisioned in the National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020).

Further,  under  PMKVY,  short  term  training  has  been  imparted  through  accredited  and affiliated  training  centres  (TCs)  in  various  National  Skills  Qualification  Framework  (NSQF) aligned job roles which are industry driven curriculum designed by Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).

(d)& (e)Presently, MSDE is not considering setting up of dedicated skill training centre for sports in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1662 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Announcing Ram Setu as National Heritage
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Sanjay Sadashivrao Mandlik, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Sambhajirao Mane Dhairyasheel, Sudheer Gupta, Shrirang Appa Barne, Prataprao  Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1662

ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## ANNOUNCING RAM SETU AS NATIONAL HERITAGE

## 1662.   SHRI SANJAY SADASHIVRAO MANDLIK:

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE:

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE:

SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the proposal for announcing Ram Setu as a national heritage is pending with the Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the delay;
- (c) the time by which the announcement of Ram Setu as a national heritage is likely to be made;
- (d) whether  the  NASA  has  also  proved  the  existence  of  Ram  Setu  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (e) the  number  of  heritage  sites  freed  from  encroachments  during  each  of  the  last  three years; and
- (f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for removal of encroachments?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The matter is pending with the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and hence subjudice.

to

(d)

- (e) During  the  last  three  years,  sixty  three  structures  have  been  removed  from  Sun  temple, Konark (Odisha) and Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad (Maharashtra).
- (f) On report of encroachment at any monument/site, police complaints are filed. Show Cause Notice is issued to defaulter for removal of the said encroachment and if it is not removed, demolition order is issued for removal of the said encroachment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1661 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Beautification of Beaches
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Pinaki Misra

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1661 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## Beautification of Beaches

## 1661.   SHRI PINAKI MISRA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any action plan for abatement of pollution and beautification of beaches particularly those close to important cities and places of tourist interest;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken therefor, State-wise; and
- (c) whether any new initiatives have been taken by the Government for proper implementation of the Beach Environment and Aesthetic Management System (BEAMS) Programme, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has piloted Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management System (BEAMS) programme to develop environmentally sound beach infrastructure and management practices, which includes installation  of pollution control facilities, solid waste  management, beach beautification, water quality  surveillances,  bathing  zone  demarcation  and  awareness  programmes  on  environmental education,  etc.  Following  10  beaches  have  beendeveloped  with  the  help  of  coastal  State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.
1. Shivarajpur beach, Gujarat
2. Ghogla beach, Diu
3. Kasarkod beach, Karnataka
4. Padubidri beach, Karnataka
5. Kapapd beach, Kerala
6. Kovalam beach, Tamil Nadu
7. Eden beach, Puducherry
8. Radhanagar beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
9. Rushikonda beach, Andhra Pradesh
10. Golden beach, Odisha

Further, two beaches namely, Sunapur (Odisha) and Tannirbhavi (Karnataka) are being extended support from MoEFCC for development of environmentally sound beach infrastructure.

These initiatives have been taken as pilot projects so that State Governments can replicates the success  of  these  projects  in  their  respective  State  Governments  of  Odisha,  Gujarat  and  Tamil Nadu  have  been  initiated  the  process  for  the  developments  of  environmentally  sound  beach infrastructure for 1, 4 and 10 beaches respectively.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1655 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Privatisation of PSBs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: M. K. Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1655

To be answered on the February 13, 2023/Magha 24, 1944 (Saka)

## Privatisation of PSBs

## 1655. SHRI M.K. RAGHAVAN:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to privatise the Public Sector Banks, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government plans to introduce five day working for banks in India considering that massive number of persons today have moved to digital banking, if so, the details thereof;

- (c) whether wage revision talks for banks have been initiated by the Government, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether  the  Government  has  arrived  at  performance  related  pay  system  for  public  sector  general insurance companies, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government plans to engage in wage revision talks with public sector general insurance companies which is pending since 2022, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (DR. BHAGWAT KARAD)

(a): In the Union Budget for the financial year (FY) 202122, Government's intent to take up privatisation of two Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and approval of a policy of strategic disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) was announced. As per the highlights of the policy, the objectives of the policy include enablement of growth  of  public  sector  enterprises  through  infusion  of  private  capital,  thereby  contributing  to  economic growth and new jobs, and financing of social sector and development programmes of the Government.

(b):  Subsequent  to  10 th Bipartite  settlement/7 th Joint  note  between  Indian  Banks'  Association  (IBA)  and Workmen Unions/Officer Associations, Government, in exercise of powers conferred by section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, vide notification dated 20.8.2015 had declared the second and the fourth Saturdays of every month as public holiday for banks in India.

(c): Wages in PSBs are settled every five years through bipartite settlement/joint note between the IBA (which negotiate  on  behalf  of  bank  managements  on  their  specific  mandate)  and  unions/associations  of  bank employees.

In this regard, Government of India vide letter dated 20.1.2023 has advised all PSBs that they may initiate the negotiation process for next wage revision.

(d) and (e): In terms of section 17A of the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972, wages in public sector general insurance companies (PSGICs) were revised vide notification dated 14.10.2022 leading to an average increase of 12.05% in the wage bill for the period starting from 1.8.2017, wherein it has been stated, inter alia , that the next wage revision in the form of variable pay based on the performance of the company is due from August 2022.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1652 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Status of RMSA in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Goddeti Madhavi

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1652 ANSWERED ON 13/02/2023

## Status of RMSA in Andhra Pradesh

## 1652. SHRIMATI GODDETI MADHAVI:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the present status of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) the details of funds allocated and utilised by the State under the said scheme in the last three years;
- (c) the details of the number of school buildings constructed under RMSA in last three years; and
- (d) the details of the targets set and achieved under the said scheme in the last three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUBHAS SARKAR)

- (a) In  the  year  2018-19,  the  Department  of  School  Education  &  Literacy,  Ministry  of Education has launched Samagra Shiksha - an integrated scheme for School Education which envisages the 'school' as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to Senior Secondary levels and subsumes the erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha  Abhiyan  (SSA),  Rashtriya  Madhyamik  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (RMSA)  &  Teacher Education (TE).
- (b) The  details  of  funds  allocated  and  utilized  under  Secondary  Education  in  Andhra Pradesh in the last three years are tabulated below:

(Rs. in lakhs)

| Financial Year   | Central Allocation   | Expenditure including State Share   |
|------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Financial Year   | Secondary Education  | Secondary Education                 |
| 2019-20          | 33219.35             | 21824.05                            |
| 2020-21          | 36209.09             | 11963.23                            |
| 2021-22          | 36209.09             | 29962.09                            |

- (c) & (d)  In last three years (2020-21 to 2022-23), no new schools have been sanctioned to the  State  of  Andhra  Pradesh  at  Secondary  level  under  Samagra  Shiksha. However, the cumulative details from 2012 of the targets and achievement of the school building at Secondary level is as given below:

| Item of Construction         | Sanctioned                   | Completed                    | In-progress                  | Not started                  |
|------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Secondary Level (Cumulative) | Secondary Level (Cumulative) | Secondary Level (Cumulative) | Secondary Level (Cumulative) | Secondary Level (Cumulative) |
| New School Buildings         | 54                           | 22*                          | 28                           | 4                            |

Source: SSA, MOE.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1649 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Protection of Rock Art Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: S. Jagathrakshakan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1649 ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## PROTECTION OF ROCK ART SITES

## 1649.   SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to take steps to protect several rock art sites along the Vindhya ranges in order to give our country another World Heritage Site;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No such proposal is under consideration at present.
- (b) Question does not arise.
- (c) No proposal is received as such.

*****