opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Stoppage at Shreemadhopur
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sumedhanand Saraswati

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1572

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## STOPPAGE AT SHREEMADHOPUR

†1572.  SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  a  Jan  Shatabdi  express  train  runs  between  Delhi  to  Ajmer  via Shrimadhopur and Ringas;
- (b) if so, whether this train had its stoppage at Shrimadhopur station earlier;
- (c) whether this train has a stoppage at Shrimadhopur Station at present;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether a stoppage at Shrimadhopur Station is proposed for this train in future; and
- (f) if so, the time by which it is likely to be done?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (f)  To  prevent  the  spread  of  COVID-19  pandemic,  Indian  Railways discontinued  all  regular  passengers  carrying  train  w.e.f.  23rd  March,  2020. Presently, only special trains, keeping in view the concerns and suggestions of State Governments and health advisories are being operated.

Prior  to  discontinuation  of  regular  passenger  train  services,  12065/66  Delhi Sarai  Rohilla-Ajmer  Jan  Shatabdi  Express  had  been  operating  via  Shri Madhopur  and  Ringas.  The  train  did  not  have  commercial  stoppage  at  Shri Madhopur.

Presently, Delhi-Ajmer sector is being served by 02065/66 Delhi Sarai Rohillascheduled commercial stoppage at Shri Madhopur.

Ajmer  Special  Jan  Shatabdi  Express  (via  Ringas).  The  train  is  not  having Provision  of  stoppage  of  12065/66  Delhi  Sarai  Rohilla-Ajmer  Jan  Shatabdi Express  at  Shri  Madhopur  had  been  examined  earlier  but  neither  found operationally  feasible  nor  commercially  justified.  In  the  prevailing  situation also, stoppage of    02065/66 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Ajmer Special Jan Shatabdi Express at Shri Madhopur is not feasible. However, provision of stoppages is an ongoing process on Indian Railways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1570 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Atmanirbhar Bharat
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Suresh Pujari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1570 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT

1570. SHRI SURESH PUJARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  has any special plan for the Railways to translate the idea of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Five Trillion Dollar Economy'  envisaged by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and it's reflection in Odisha, particularly the uncovered regions of the State;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government including allocation of funds by  the  Railways  to  the  post-survey  activities,  including  laying  of Railway Lines of Bargarh Nuapara-via-Padampur in Odisha that will connect the State with of Chhatishgarh; and
- (d)  whether the Railways would consider sympathetically the newline between Bargarh in Odisha to Raipur in Chhatishgarh via SoheaBasna  and  Bargarh  to  Raigarg  via  Bhatli-Ambabana  which  will further connect two underdeveloped State of India to take India  a step  further  toward  'Atmanibhar  India'    and  Five-Trillion  Dollar Economy?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWANI VAISHNAW)

- (a) Yes, sir. Indian Railways being the largest transporter in India contributes significantly to the growth of Indian economy. Inspite of

Covid situation,  Railways  freight  loading  has  increased  in  2020-21 as compared to 2019-20.

A large number of coaches, locomotives and wagons are manufactured in Railway Production Units, Workshops, Public Sector Units and Private sector factories in India. The Rolling stock manufactured in 2020-21 is tabulated below:-

| Rolling stock   |   Production 2020-21 |
|-----------------|----------------------|
| Locomotives     |                  764 |
| Coaches         |                 4903 |
| Wagons          |                12521 |

Railways are thus, actively contributing in growth of Indian economy.

As part of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', procurement of material for Indian Railways is being done through 'Public Procurement (Preference to Make  in  India)  Order'  issued  by  Department  for  Promotion  of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India. Import of goods as a percentage of total goods procured has come down drastically from 6.05% in 2012-13 to 1.38 % in 2019-20.

Rolling  Stock  produced  by  Indian  Railways  is  fully  indigenous except  for  some  items  such  as  wheels  &  axles  which  are  partly imported. Efforts are being made to reduce even these imports by setting up additional capacities.

- (b) Railway is a Pan India organization and  does not draw plans based upon State boundaries.
- (c) Works are processed for sanction based on operational requirement,  technical  feasibility,  commercial  viability,  financial justification and resource availability .
- (d) At present, there is no such proposal. However, Bargarh road is connected with both Raipur and Raigarh by the existing lines.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1568 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Passenger Train between Motumari and Vishnupuram
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Uttam Kumar Nalamada Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1568 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## PASSENGER TRAIN BETWEEN MOTUMARI AND VISHNUPURAM

1568. SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY NALAMADA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Ministry  has  any  plans  of  starting  passenger trains  on  the  line  between  Motumari  and  Vishnupuram  in Telangana;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the reasons due to which passenger trains on this line have not been started yet?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) Motumari-Vishnupuram section is not fit for passenger train  operations.    As  such,  introduction  of  passenger  train services on the section is not operationally feasible.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: IT Intermediary Rules
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Feroze Varun Gandhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1567

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## IT INTERMEDIARY RULES

## 1567     SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

Will the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to review the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021 to align it with judicial precedents and global practices and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether intermediaries are shielded from any liability for the content uploaded on their platform by third party;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government is planning to address the issues related to safe harbor protection to intermediaries and the right to free speech of users and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) : The  Information  Technology  (Intermediary  Guidelines  and  Digital  Media  Ethics  Code) Rules 2021 notified on 25 th February 2021, have been formulated to ensure accountability to users and  their  safety.  The  Rules  also  prescribe  the  additional  due  diligence  to  be  followed  by significant  social  media  intermediaries.  These  Rules  are  as  a  result  of  public  consultation, comments and suggestions received during stakeholders' meetings and supercede the erstwhile Information  Technology  (Intermediaries  Guidelines)  Rules,  2011.  There  is  no  proposal  with Ministry to review the Rules.
- (b) and (c): Section 79(1) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 grants intermediaries exemption from liability with regard to any third party content uploaded on their platforms. This exemption is subject to the provisions of sections 79(2) and 79(3) of the Act and compliance with the Rules.
- (d): Section 79 of the IT Act already provides safe harbor protection to intermediaries. Freedom of speech and expression is a constitutionally guaranteed right to citizens under Article 19(1) with restraints as stated in Article 19(2). These fundamental rights cannot be infringed by anybody.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Use of Vacant Land in Rajasthan
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Kanakmal Katara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1565 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## USE OF VACANT LAND IN RAJASTHAN

## †1565.     SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the unused land belonging to Railways in the country including tribal areas of Banswada and Dungarpur of Rajasthan;
- (b) whether there is any scheme for the commercial use of unutilized land and if so, the names of institutions allotted land for commercial utilization by the Railway's so far;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) has been entrusted to do the same?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a):        Out  of  total  land  of  4.81  lakh  hectare,  Indian  Railways  has  about 0.51 lakh hectares of vacant land (not surplus) which is mostly in the form of narrow strips along tracks.  However, there is no unused land available in tribal areas of Banswara and Dungarpur of Rajasthan.

(b) to (d):    Yes, Sir. Vacant Railway land not required by Railways for its immediate future  operational  needs  is  also  leased  through  open,

transparent and competitive bidding for commercial/property development  in  interim  period  wherever  feasible  through  Rail  Land Development Authority (RLDA), in order to mobilize additional financial resources. As on date, 110 sites measuring 336.29 Hectare (approximately) have been entrusted to RLDA.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1563 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Quality and Speed of Internet Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Arvind Kumar Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1563 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th   JULY, 2021

## QUALITY AND SPEED OF INTERNET SERVICES

## 1563.   DR. ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  country  ranks  131  out  of  138  in  the  global  mobile  internet  speed  ranking  as  per  a report published in September 2020 and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (b) whether the Government proposes to take any effort to improve internet speed and quality in view of the said report and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Department  of  Telecommunications  has  not  published  any  such  ranking  report.  No authentic information is available with the Department on the global mobile internet speed ranking.

However,  there  are  many  mobile  apps  providers  which  measure  internet  speed.  According  to White Paper on Measurement of Wireless Data Speeds published by Telecom  Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in February 2018, the measurement methodology adopted by different app providers may differ  and  there  is  possibility  of  variations  in  the  measured  values  or  reported  values  of  internet  speed. Different measurement methodology adopted and processing approaches may give different results.

TRAI has been monitoring the performance of service providers against the benchmark for various Quality of Service parameters laid down by TRAI by way of Quality of Service regulations issued from time  to  time,  through  Quarterly  Performance  Monitoring  Reports(PMRs)  prescribing  the  benchmarks submitted  by  service  providers.  The  performance  is  reported  license  area-wise  and  the  performance  is accessed for the license service area as a whole.

As  per  PMR  reports  all  the  service  providers  have  met  the  benchmarks  related  to  Broadband speed,  Packet  Loss  &  Network  Latency  in  the  periods  Quarter  Ending  March-2020,  June-2020  and September-2020(except  Digital  Satellite  Connect  Pvt.  Ltd.  in  Maharashtra  (download  speed)  in  March, 2020). The PMRs are published in public domain on TRAI websites.

As the parameters are accessed over the entire license service area on an average basis, there can be few areas or few days where some users might be experiencing poor quality although ISP's have met the benchmarks.

Further,  TRAI  has  been  obtaining  crowd-sourced  Data  about  download  and  upload  speed  for different  service  providers  for  different  wireless  technologies  through  crowd  sourcing  using  the  TRAI MySpeed App and the reports are available to the public on TRAI website-'MySpeed' Portal. The portal is interactive and presents the information in a visual manner.

The Government always endeavours to improve the Quality of Services and speed of internet.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1558 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Privatisation of Catering and Reservation System
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Mimi Chakraborty

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1558 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## PRIVATISATION OF CATERING AND RESERVATION SYSTEM

1558. MS. MIMI CHAKRABORTY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Railway  Board  proposes  to  stop  catering,  tourism  and ticketing  operations  in  the  country  and  privatise  the  process  through IRCTC;
- (b)  whether  it  is  also  a  fact  that  Government  proposes  to  lease  the railway reservation counters through open bidding system; and (c) if so, the reasons therefor and the details of the proposal?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a):  No,  Sir.  Provision  of  catering  services  in  trains  is  being  made  by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) through Pantry Cars,  Train  Side  Vending  and  Static  Units  available  at  stations.  In addition,  travelling  passengers  have  the  facility  to  order  food  of  their choice through e-Catering services for which branded and reputed food suppliers and aggregators have been empanelled by IRCTC.

Regarding tourism, Indian Railways (IR), in association with IRCTC and State Tourism Development Corporations, operates various tourism products,  ranging  from  budget  to  luxury  segments  such  as  Bharat Darshan/ Aastha Circuit/ Pilgrim Specials, Buddhist Circuit Trains, Maharajas'  Express,  Deccan  Odyssey,  Palace  on  Wheels  and  Golden Chariot.

Regarding ticketing operations, IR, with a view to facilitate passengers  to  procure  reserved  as  well  as  unreserved  tickets,  make arrangements to dispense the same through various modes e.g. Unreserved  Ticketing  System  (UTS)  counters,  Passenger  Reservation System  (PRS)  counters,  Automatic  Ticket  Vending  Machines  (ATVMs), UTSONMOBILE  App,  authorized  ticketing agents of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sewak  (JTBS),  Yatri  Ticket  Suvidha  Kendra  (YTSK),  Station  Ticket Booking  Agents  (STBA)  Halt  Agents,  etc.  Decision  to  provide  ticketing through  Railways  own  machinery   or  through  private  agencies  is  taken keeping  in  view  the  volume  of  passenger,  passenger  convenience, Railways  financial  interests,  etc.  which  is  a  continuous   and  ongoing process.

(b) and (c): No, Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1551 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Kishanganj-Jalalgarh New Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Mohammad Jawed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1551 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## KISHANGANJ-JALALGARH NEW RAIL LINE

1551.   DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the sanctioned amount for the Kishanganj-Jalalgarh New Railway Line project under the Northeast Frontier Railway Zone;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  fixed  any  time  frame  for  the completion of the said project;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1551 BY DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 28.07.2021 REGARDING KISHANGANJJALALGARH NEW RAIL LINE

(a) to (d):   Kishanganj - Jalalgarh (50.871 km) New Line project was sanctioned in 2008-09 with a cost of ` 283 crore.  An  expenditure  of ` 12.825 crore has been incurred upto March, 2021.

Thorough  review  of  projects  has  been  carried  out  and  with focused  approach,  throughput  enhancement  projects  have  been prioritized for resource allocation and timely completion of projects. All  out  sincere  efforts  are  made  by Railways for quick  execution of these projects so as to get early returns to Railways.

Presently, Kishanganj - Jalalgarh (50.871 km) new line project is a lesser priority project.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1550 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Impact of New Intermediary Guidelines
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Deepak Baij

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1550

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## IMPACT OF NEW INTERMEDIARY GUIDELINES

## 1550.    SHRI DEEPAK BAIJ:

Will the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government has implemented new Intermediary Guidelines under Information Technology Act, 2000 to allegedly avoid censure of Government's works and policies on social media and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that the said rules will likely impede social media platforms in providing free, fair and unbiased reformation to citizens and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether such rules will violate the fundamental and democratic rights of the citizens and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (d) the details of actions taken under the said rules of IT Act till date?

## ANSWER

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

- (a):  Government  has  notified  the  Information  Technology  (Intermediary  Guidelines  and Digital  Media  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021  on  25 th February,  2021  superseding  the  erstwhile Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. These Rules are as a result of public consultations comments and suggestions received during stakeholders' meetings and are  used  in  bringing  accountability  of  these  intermediaries  to  their  users.  The  Rules  also prescribe additional due diligence to be followed by significant social media intermediaries.
- (b): Freedom of speech and expression is the constitutionally guaranteed right under Article 19(1).
- (c):  Right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21. Neither the IT Act nor the above said Rules contravene any of these fundamental rights.
- (d):  The action is taken by Appropriate Governments and Law Enforcement Agencies.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1548 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Election Campaign COVID-19 pandemic period
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Thirumaa Valavan Thol

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1548

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 28 TH JULY, 2021

## Election Campaign COVID-19 pandemic period

1548. SHRI THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOL:

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

- (a) whether the Election Commission of India had suggested restriction of maximum number of persons to be allowed in the election campaign of any  of  the  General  or  Bye-Elections  during  the  COVID-19  pandemic period;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  assessed/ascertained  the  maximum number of persons who can be allowed in the campaign that may take place during any period of such pandemic;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  & (b): The Election Commission of India has informed that it has issued broad  guidelines  for  conduct  of  General  Elections/Bye-Elections  during COVID-19 on 21 st August, 2020, wherein the following has been provided in respect of the number of persons allowed in election campaign-
- 1)  Door  to  Door  Campaign  -  Subject  to  any  other  restriction(s) including extant COVID-19 guidelines, a group of 5 (five) persons

including  candidates,  excluding  security  personnel,  if  any,  is allowed to do door to door campaigning. 2) Road Shows - The convoy of vehicles should be broken after every 5 (five) vehicles.  The interval between two sets of convoy of vehicles should be half an hour instead of gap of 100 meters. 3) Election Meetings - Public gatherings/rallies may be conducted subject  to  adherence  to  extant  COVID-19  guidelines.  District Election Officer should take following steps for this purpose: (i) District  Election  Officer  should, in  advance,  identify dedicated grounds for public gathering with clearly marked Entry/Exit points. (ii) In all such identified grounds, the District Election Officer should, in advance, put markers to ensure social distancing norms by the attendees. (iii)    Nodal District Health Officer should be involved in the process to ensure that all COVID-19 related guidelines are adhered to by all concern in the district. (iv)  District  Election  Officer  and  District  Superintendent  of Police should ensure that the number of attendees does not exceed the limit prescribed by the State Disaster Management Authority for public gatherings. (c)  to  (e):  As  per  article  324  of  the  Constitution  of  India,  the  Election Commission  of  India  has  been  vested  with  powers  with  respect  to all matters connected with or incidental to the conduct of elections in the country.

*******