opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 99 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Economy
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Mala Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 99

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON ECONOMY

*99. SHRIMATI MALA ROY: Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state: (a) the details of how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected India's economic and growth prospects in the last 18 months; (b) the measures being taken to generate employment and kickstart the economy; (c) whether there is any plan to print currency to tide over the crisis; and

- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE FINANCE MINISTER

(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN) (a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 99 BY SHRIMATI MALA ROY DUE FOR ANSWER ON JULY 26, 2021

(a) As per the latest estimates released by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI), India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have contracted by 7.3 per cent during FY 2020-21. This contraction reflects the unparalleled effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the containment measures that were taken to control the pandemic.  The  fundamentals  of  the  economy  remain  strong  as  gradual  scaling  back  of lockdowns,  along  with  the  astute  support  of  Atmanirbhar  Bharat  Mission  has  placed  the economy firmly on the path of recovery from the second half of FY 2020-21.

(b)  In  FY  2020-21,  Government  had  announced  a  special  economic  and  comprehensive package of Rs. 29.87 lakh crore under AtmaNirbhar Bharat (ANB) to combat the impact of the COVID-19  pandemic,  to  revive  economic  growth  and  to  bolster  employment.  Union  Budget 2021-22 has announced number of measures to support broad-based and inclusive economic development including a 34.5 percent increase in capital expenditure and 137 percent increase in health expenditure. Government announced a relief package of Rs. 6.29 lakh crore in June 2021 to strengthen public health and provide impetus for growth and employment measures.

(c) and (d) No Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 96 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Uniformity in Prices of Petrol and Diesel
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Uday Pratap Singh, Rodmal Nagar

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 96 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH  July, 2021

Uniformity in Prices of Petrol and Diesel

## †*96. SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH: SHRI RODMAL NAGAR:

## पेोलयम और ाक ृतक गैस मंी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is formulating any scheme to maintain uniform prices of petrol and diesel across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any policy to bring uniformity in tax system in States so as to control the prices of petroleum products?

## ANSWER

isVªksfy;e vkSj izkÑfrd xSl ea=h ( ी हरदप संह पुर ) MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

## (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a)  to  (c)  of  Lok  Sabha  Starred  Question  No.  96 asked by Shri Uday Pratap Singh and Shri Rodmal Nagar to be answered on 26 th July, 2021 regarding 'Uniformity in Prices of Petrol and Diesel'.

(a)  & (b): No such scheme is  under  consideration  before  the  Government.    The  prices  of petrol and diesel vary from market to market due to various factors like freight rates, VAT, local levies etc.

(c): Article 279 A (5) of the Constitution prescribes that the Goods and Service Tax Council shall  recommend the date on which the goods and services tax be levied on petroleum crude, high speed diesel, motor spirit (commonly known as petrol), natural gas and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), also as per the Section 9(2) of the CGST Act, inclusion of these products in GST will require  recommendation of  the  GST  Council.  So  far,  the  GST  Council  has  not  recommended inclusion of oil and gas under GST.

x-x-x-x-x
Lok Sabha Question No. 94 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Credit Support to MFIs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Nama Nageswara Rao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. *94

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 th  JULY, 2021 / SRAVANA 4, 1943 (SAKA)

## 'Credit Support to MFIs'

* 94: SHRI NAMA NAGESWARA RAO:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) have sought emergency credit line support to  mobilise  funds  to  tide  over  the  crisis  of  lower  collections  due  to  the  business disruptions caused by the Corona pandemic and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to facilitate flow of funds from commercial banks to micro finance institutions;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  identified  any  priority  States  including  Telangana  to increase the coverage of micro finance credit facility in such States;
- (d)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e)  the  extent  to  which  this  initiative  is  likely  to  help  achieve  the  target  of  financial inclusion of the Government?

## ANSWER

## FINANCE MINISTER

## (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

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

******

POSITION: 14

STATEMENT  REFERRED  IN  REPLY  TO  PART  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *94 FOR ANSWER ON 26 th  JULY 2021, TABLED BY SHRI NAMA NAGESWARA RAO REGARDING CREDIT SUPPORT TO MFIs.

## (a) to (e):

Representations have been received by Government from industry stakeholders regarding requirement of liquidity support by NBFC-MFIs, especially smaller ones following the second wave of the pandemic. In recognition of the business disruptions caused by the pandemic and the resultant liquidity stress being felt by MFIs on account of lower loan collections, rise in credit delinquencies, drying up of funds for making fresh disbursements and meeting operational expenses, Government, have announced a scheme, namely, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro Finance Institutions (CGSMFI). This scheme provides Credit Guarantee of 75% of default amount  for  a  maximum  period  of  three  years,  for  loans  given  by  lenders  to  Non-Banking Financial Companies- Micro Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).  The  guarantee  cover  under  the  scheme  is  being  provided  by  National  Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd. (NCGTC).

This  scheme has been designed to  encourage  lenders  to provide  liquidity  to  NBFC-MFIs/ MFIs to enable such NBFC-MFIs/ MFIs to provide credit facility at lower rates to an estimated 25 lakh small borrowers, thereby supporting the Government's endeavour towards financial inclusion.

The CGSMFI facility is applicable across all states including the State of Telangana.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 93 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: GST on Hand Sanitiser
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Gaddam Ranjith Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

*****

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.*93

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY THE 26 TH  JULY, 2021 SRAVANA 4, 1943 (SAKA)

## GST ON HAND SANITISER

- *93. DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  true  that  the  Tax  Department  is  classifying  hand  sanitiser  as 'disinfectant'  and  not  as  'medicament'  thereby  imposing  18  per  cent  Goods  and Services Tax (GST) thereon;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is not true that hand sanitiser manufacturers are pleading that since it is crucial for fighting against COVID-19, this should be equivalent to 'medicament';
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the constraints which the Ministry has to face for considering hand sanitiser as 'medicament', at least, during pandemic period?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF FINANCE (Ms. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a), (b), (c) (d) and (e) : A statement is placed on the Table of the House.

*****

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED QUESTION NO.93 RAISED BY DR. G. RANJITH REDDY FOR 26 TH  JULY, 2021 ON GST ON HAND SANITISER

(a) and (b): Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN), as used globally, is the basis of classification of goods in GST and Customs (for international trade). As per the HSN Classification reference, for Covid-19 medical supplies, prepared jointly by the World Customs Organization and World Health Organization, 'Hand sanitizers' have  been  classified  HS  sub-heading  3808  94,  describing  it  as  -  'A  liquid  or  gel generally  used  to  decrease  infectious  agents  on  the  hands ， alcohol-based  type'. Therefore,  'Hand  Sanitizers'  are  globally  classified  under  this  sub-heading  as disinfectant. The corresponding entry in Indian Tariff, at 8-digit level, is at tariff item 3808 94 00. (c) and (d) There  have  been  certain  representations  from  industry  bodies  to consider Hand Sanitizer as 'medicament' as well as to consider reduction of rate of GST from 18%. However, GST Council has not recommended any change to the present classification that is based on globally followed HSN system. (e)

On the recommendations of the GST Council, in its 44 th  meeting held on 12 th June, 2021, for Covid relief, the GST rate on Hand Sanitizer has been reduced from 18% to 5% with effect from 14 th  June and upto 30 th  September, 2021.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 90 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Reduction in ESI Contribution
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Feroze Varun Gandhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 90 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## REDUCTION IN ESI CONTRIBUTION

*90.  SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

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

- (a)whether  the  Employees'  State  Insurance  Corporation  has  reduced the ESI contribution by employees and employers;
- (b)if so, the number of employers benefitted by the financial increase;
- (c)whether  the  healthcare  benefits  under  the  scheme  have  changed due to the change in the contribution rate; and (d)if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV)

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

*                                                     ******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a)  TO  (d)  OF  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 90 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021 ASKED BY SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI REGARDING 'REDUCTION IN

ESI CONTRIBUTION'

(a) to (d): The  monthly  contribution  payable  to  Employees'  State Insurance  Corporation  (ESIC)  has  been  reduced  with  effect  from 01.07.2019  from  6.5%  to  4%  on  monthly  wages.      The  rate  of contribution  for  employers'  share  has  been  reduced  from  4.75%  to 3.25%  and  employees'  share  from  1.75%  to  0.75  of  monthly  wages without compromising any of the benefits which are available to the employees and their family members under the ESI Scheme.

As on 31.03.2020, the number of employers covered under ESI scheme are 12,36,565 and number of employees and their family members are 13.24 crore.  All the covered employers and employees have benefitted from the decrease in rate of contribution.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 88 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Quality Educational Institutes
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Rakesh Singh

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.: *88 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 26.07.2021

## Quality Educational Institutes

- †*88. SHRI RAKESH SINGH: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the country lacks world-class educational institutes; (b) whether foreign students rarely come to India to study and the the Indian students prefer to study abroad; (c)  whether  the  Universities  and  educational  institutes  in  the  country  lack  basic  facilities, resources and teachers; and (d)  if  so,  the  corrective  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide
- quality higher education in the country?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

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

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *88 FOR 26.07.2021 ASKED BY HON'BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT SHRI RAKESH SINGH REGARDING QUALITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES

(a)  No,  Sir.  The  Government  is  committed  to  improvement  of  quality  education  and institutions  in  the  country  and  has  established  a  large  number  of  premier  institutions  and Institutions  of  National  Importance  which  includes  the  Indian  Institutes  of  Management, Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research, National Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Information Technology and Central Universities.  Further,  twelve  institutions  have  been  approved  as  Institutions  of  Eminence (IoE) under the scheme 'World Class Institutions' launched in the year 2017 to have world class academic & research facilities. In the recently released QS World University Rankings2022,  9  IoEs  have  secured  rank  in  top  1000  of  global  educational  institutions.  Apart  from this, 26 other institutions i.e. total (9+26) 35 have also featured in the QS World University Rankings-2022 as against 29 last year. (b)  As  per  the  All  India  Survey  on  Higher  Education  (AISHE),  the  number  of  foreign students enrolled in higher education has increased from 42,293 from 164 countries (201415) to 49,348 from 168 countries (2019-20). (c)  &  (d)  No,  Sir.  University  Grants  Commission  as  a  part  of  its  mandate  determines  and maintains  standards  of  teaching,  examination  and  research  in  universities  and  issues  rules,

- regulations and guidelines from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 87 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Economic Growth
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu

- *87. SHRI T.R. BAALU:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  country's  GDP  growth  is  likely  to  be  below  the  expected  10  per  cent  during 2021-22; (b) if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address this issue; (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  ignoring  inflation  risk  for  long  could  increase longer-term economic costs; and

- (d) if so, the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE FINANCE MINISTER (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

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

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 87

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## ECONOMIC GROWTH

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 87 BY SHRI T.R. BAALU DUE FOR ANSWER ON JULY 26, 2021

(a) Union Budget 2021-22 estimated India's nominal GDP growth at 14.4 percent in FY 2021-22. The impact of the second wave is expected to be muted given localised containment measures and rapid upscaling of the vaccination drive. RBI, in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) resolution of June 4, 2021, has projected India's real GDP to grow at 9.5 per cent in FY 2021-22 after accounting for the impact of the second wave as compared to its earlier projection of 10.5

percent. (b)  In  FY  2020-21,  Government  had  announced  a  special  economic  and  comprehensive package of Rs. 29.87 lakh crore under AtmaNirbhar Bharat (ANB) to combat the impact of the COVID-19  pandemic,  to  revive  economic  growth  and  to  bolster  employment.  Union  Budget 2021-22 has announced number of measures to support broad-based and inclusive economic development including a 34.5 percent increase in capital expenditure and 137 percent increase in health expenditure. Government announced a relief package of Rs. 6.29 lakh crore in June 2021 to strengthen public health and provide impetus for growth and employment measures. (c) & (d) Government of India has undertaken a judicious mix of both supply side and demand side measures in a calibrated manner to balance growth-inflation dynamics and support long lasting growth. As per RBI's Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) June 4, 2021 resolution, the inflationary  pressures  are  expected  to  be  mitigated  by  a  normal  south-west  monsoon, comfortable  buffer  stocks,  recent  supply  side  interventions  in  pulses  and  oilseeds  market, declining caseload of COVID-19 and gradual easing of movement restriction across states.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 86 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Schemes for Children with Learning Disabilities
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Diya Kumari

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

## LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 86 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## Schemes for Children with Learning Disabilities

## *86. MS. DIYA KUMARI:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country that have adequate provisions for children with learning disabilities, State-wise;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  measures  to  introduce  Centrally Sponsored  Special  Schools  or  Schemes  for  Children  with  Learning  Disabilities; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

- (a) to (c)  : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY (A) TO (C) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 86 FOR 26.07.2021 ASKED BY MS. DIYA KUMARI, HON'BLE MP REGARDING 'SCHEMES FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES'.

(a) : All Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country have the following provision for children with Learning Disabilities:-

- Engaging of service of special educators on part time contract basis.
- Need based procurement of assistive arrangement devices.
- Choice/combination of subjects as per CBSE guidelines.
- Compensation time during examination & facility of scribe.
- Need based remedial intervention.

(b)&(c) :   Under Samagra Shiksha the umbrella scheme of Department of School Education and Literacy  there  is  a  component  of  Inclusive  Education.  This  component  lays  emphasis  on Inclusive  Education  where  Children  with  and  without  Special  Needs  study  together  in  an Inclusive setup from Class I to class XII in all the Government and Government aided schools. All 21 disabilities provided in RPwD Act, 2016 are covered under this component.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 85 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Revenue Loss during Lockdown
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Bhagwant Mann, Vijay Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.85

ANSWERED ON 26.7.2021

## REVENUE LOSS DURING LOCKDOWN

- *85 SHRI BHAGWANT MANN: SHRI VIJYAKUMAR (ALIAS) VIJYA VASANTH:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the UNESCO world heritage sites and ASI protected monuments were closed for a number of days with the imposing of lockdown 2.0 in various parts of the country due to Covid-19 situation;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the amount of revenue loss incurred as a result thereof;
- (d) whether any steps have been taken to improve the facilities for the visiting public in the heritage sites/monuments to increase the footfall, if so, the details thereof, monument-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  increased  the  daily  entry  limit/ticket  sales  in  the monuments; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION

(SHRI G.KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) to (f) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 85 FOR 26.07.2021

- (a)&(b) The  Centrally protected monuments  including Centrally protected  World Heritage  Sites  were  closed  for  a  period  of  61  days  (from  16.4.2021  to 15.6.2021) during lockdown 2.0 in view of Covid-19 situation.
- (c) The estimated loss of revenue due to closing of ticketed monuments in view of imposing of lockdown 2.0 (Covid-19 situation) is Approx. Rs.35.40 crores, the calculation is based on revenue lost due to lack of sales of tickets.
- (d) Providing  basic  facilities/amenities  like  drinking  water,  toilets,  facilities  for physically challenged, pathways, signage, vehicle parking, cloak rooms, etc. at centrally protected monuments/sites including improvement threof is a regular phenomenon, which Archaeological Survey of India(ASI)  undertakes,  as per requirements.    Such  facilities  are  available  at  ASI's  World  Heritage  Sites, centrally  protected  ticketed  monuments  and  other  monuments  visited  by tourists.

The  monument-wise  details  are  available  at https://asi.nic.in/facilities-atmonument/

- (e)&(f) There is no limit on entry of visitors/ticket sales imposed during lockdown 2.0. Where ever the monuments are located SoP of concerned State Government are followed.
Lok Sabha Question No. 83 (STARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Study on Kendriya Vidyalayas
Ministry: Education
Asked by: E. T. Mohammed Basheer

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

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.83 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## Study on Kendriya Vidyalayas

- *83. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:
- Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  a  Commission  to study and report on the revamping of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

- (a) & (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
- ******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.  83 RAISED BY SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER, HON'BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TO BE  ANSWERED  ON  26 th   JULY  2021  REGARDING  STUDY  ON KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS.

(a) & (b) The objectives of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) are to cater to the educational  needs  of  the  children  of  transferable  Central  Government employees including Defence and Para-Military Personnel by providing a common programme of education.   At present, there is no proposal to set  up  a  Commission  for  revamping  of  the  KVs.    However,  the functioning of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) is regularly reviewed and monitored by the Ministry of Education. The performance of the organization is periodically appraised by the Board of Governors and the General Body of the KVS. Annual action plan and medium terms strategic plans are drawn up along with key result areas for monitoring the  performance.  The  performance  of  the  KVS  is  also  reported  to  the Parliament through its Annual  reports and  Audited statements of accounts every year.

******