opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Refund from PACL Ltd.
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Subhash Chandra Baheria

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Economic Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5260

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023/ 13 CHAITRA, 1945 (SAKA)

## Refund from PACL Ltd.

## 5260. SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has made any effort to get refund to investors of PACL and if so, the details thereof and the time by when all the investors are likely to get their refund; and
- (b) whether the said efforts of the Government are adequate and if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (b): A Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retd) R M Lodha, on the directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court, for disposing of the properties of PACL Ltd, so that the sale proceeds can be distributed to the investors.

After considering the amount of funds available for distribution with the Committee, it has decided to make payments, with due verifications, to the investors in a phased manner from smaller to higher amount of claims.

The Committee has, till date, effected refunds in respect of 18,43,010 eligible applications having outstanding amount upto Rs. 15,000, amounting to a total of Rs. 831.78 Crore

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5259 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Pending Central Government Projects in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: M. Selvaraj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5259

TO BE ANSWERED ON Monday, April 3, 2023/Chaitra 13, 1945 (Saka)

## Pending Central Government Projects in Tamil Nadu

5259. SHRI M. SELVARAJ:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Central Government projects for Tamil Nadu, which are pending on account of non-release of funds by the Government;
- (b) the time since when these projects are pending along with the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether steps are being taken by the Government to expedite the matter and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): - Central Government projects are executed by Ministries/Departments of the Government either under Central Sector Schemes (CSs) where the Central Government bears the entire expenses or Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) which are co-funded by the State Governments as per scheme guidelines. These projects may either have a pan-India coverage like the Bharatmala project under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), regional coverage, for example the projects executed under PM DevINE in the North Eastern states or state specific coverage, for example setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences or Indian Institute of Technology.

All projects are duly approved by the Competent Authorities and financial support is made available on the basis of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and milestones contained therein which are approved after a detailed appraisal.

Execution and completion of projects on time depends, inter alia, on other nonfinancial aspects as well such as environmental clearances, issues related to land acquisition/transfer and timely release of state share in case of projects executed under CSSs etc.

Government of India has placed special focus on capital expenditure and has allocated a sum of Rs. 13.70 lakh crore for such purposes for FY 2023-24 (BE). Ministries/Department like Railways, MoRTH, Jal Shakti, Telecommunications have been provided substantial enhancement for execution of new and completion of ongoing projects and to ensure that Central Government projects in the country including in the state of Tamil Nadu do not remain incomplete for want of adequate budgetary support.

Information available in the Ministry of Finance as provided by Ministries/Departments have stated that projects under execution including in the state of Tamil Nadu are not pending on account of non-release of funds by the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5257 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Conference on Climate Change
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Rattan Lal Kataria

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5257

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## Conference on Climate Change

## 5257.   SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA

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

- (a) whether a resolution has been adopted in theConference held in Glasgow on Climate Change toget rid of polluting vehicles by 2040 and if so, thedetails thereof; and
- (b) whether  it  is  proposed  to  remove  high  carbonemitting  vehicles  from  the  roads  and increase thenumber of low carbon emitting vehicles in the countryand if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a)  There  was  no  decision  adopted  by  the  Conference  of  the  Parties  to  the  United  Nations Framework  Convention  on  Climate  Change  (UNFCCC)  at  its  26 th session(COP  26)  or Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement at its 3 rd session (CMA 3) at Glasgow, to get rid of polluting vehicles by 2040.
- (b) India has introduced policies promoting faster adoption of electric  mobility.  To  give  an  impetus  to  manufacturingand  adoption  of  Electric  Vehicles (EVs)  in  India,  Government  of  India  is  implementing  the  following  national  flagship schemes:
- (i) The Government notified Phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme for five years commencing from 1 April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore. Under this scheme, incentives are provided  to  buyers  in  the  form  of  an  upfront  reduction  in  the  purchase  price  of  electric vehicles.
- (ii)  Production  Linked  Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  for  Automotive  Sector:  The  Government approved the PLI Scheme in September 2021 for Automotive sector with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores. The scheme provides incentives up to 18% for electric vehicles.
- (iii)  PLI  Scheme  for  Advanced  Chemistry  Cell  (ACC):  The  Government  approved  PLI scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs 18,100 crore in May 2021. The scheme envisages establishment of competitive ACC battery

manufacturing  set  up  in  the  country  for  30  GWh.  Additionally,  5  GWh  of  niche  ACC technologies is also covered under the scheme.

(iv) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has formulated the Vehicle Scrapping Policy that includes a system of incentives/dis-incentives for creation of an ecosystem to phase out older, unfit polluting vehicles.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5256 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Policy to Support Small Tour Operators during G20 Meetings
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Sunita Duggal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.5256

## ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## POLICY TO SUPPORT SMALL TOUR OPERATORS

## DURING G20 MEETINGS

## 5256.SHRIMATI SUNITA DUGGAL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  measures  to  position  India  as major tourist destination in the current G20 meetings;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has promoted green initiatives to promote responsible tourism in the country during the G20 meetings;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  established  any  policy/support  to ensure small tour operators also get fair share in the tourism demand in wake of G20 presidency of India; and
- (f) if so, details thereof?

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) & (b): Yes,  Sir.    India  is  hosting  more  than  200  meetings  in  55 selected cities throughout the country.  All these cities are prepared for hosting the meetings.  Tourism offerings are being highlighted in run up to these meetings. Excursion of Delegates is also organized to nearby tourist attractions.    Soft  skills  training  of  tour  guides,  taxi  drivers,  hoteliers, travel agents and other stakeholders is being done at these destinations. The infrastructure at these cities are being augmented and upgraded for the G20 meetings. Renovation and upgradation of archaeological monuments, heritage sites on national and international importance sites are being done.
- (c) & (d): Yes,  Sir.    The  Government  has  promoted  green  initiatives  to promote  responsible  tourism  in  the  country  during  the  G20  meetings  in partnership with the States and  Industry.  The  venues  hosting  G20

## ANSWER

meetings  adopt  various  green  initiatives  including  non-use  of  single  use plastic, conservation of water and energy apart from other initiatives. The  Ministry  had  also  launched  a  Scheme  Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  which will focus on sustainable and responsible development of tourist destinations. Greening  of  tourism  sector  for  a  sustainable,  responsible  and  resilient tourism  sector  is  one  of  the  five  key  priorities  of  the  Tourism  Working Group. (e) & (f): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Tourism has been supporting small tour operators  through  capacity  building  and  other  initiatives,  however,  their share in the  tourism demand depends on various other factors including market forces.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 5251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Order for National Flag
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5251

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## ORDER FOR NATIONAL FLAG

## 5251.  SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

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

- (a) whether the Central Government had placed an order for  handloom-national flag with Khadi Gram Udyog for 'Har Ghar  Tiranga' programme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof  and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Central Government had placed an order for  handloom-national flag with any handloom weavers society  other than Khadi Gramin Udyog for the programme;
- (d) if so, the details thereof ; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e):  No Sir.  The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' was a one- time campaign which required mass production of flags at very low cost so that common people of the country could afford to buy the National Flags.  Ministry of Textiles facilitated adequate supply of the National  Flags  for  'Har  Ghar  Tiranga  Campaign'.    Six  companies  volunteered  for production/dispatch  of  National  Flags  to  all  the  States/Union  Territories.  Ministry  of Textiles coordinated the production and dispatch of national Flags from these companies which volunteered, to the States/Union Territories.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5250 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Amendment in Law regarding Preservation of Monuments and Archaeological Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Raksha Nikhil Khadse

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5250

ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## AMENDMENT IN LAW REGARDING PRESERVATION OF MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

## 5250.  SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  amend  the  law  that  provides  for  preservation  of monuments and archaeological sites more flexible and eco-friendlier in the Central Advisory Board on Archaeology which has recently been reconstituted after seven years;
- (b) if so, the details of the issues that needs to be focused/raised;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (d) the details of the reconstituted Board with the list of members appointed and their details?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) The Government has taken a decision to examine the legal issues affecting construction related
- (b) activities around centrally protected monuments and sites in order to allow for infrastructure
- & while at the same time preserving the rich heritage of the country.

(c)

- (d) The notification constituting the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology was published in the Gazette of India vide Number 129 dated 19 th May 2022 and No.38 dated 02 nd February 2023.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5246 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Training to Male and Female under PMKVY in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Dinesh Lal "Nirahua" Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 5246

ANSWERED ON - 03/04/2023

## TRAINING TO MALE AND FEMALE UNDER PMKVY IN UTTAR PRADESH

## † 5246. SHRI DINESH LAL YADAV 'NIRAHUA':

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

- (a) the  number  of  male  and  female  youths  nominated  from  Uttar  Pradesh  for  skill development training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) during the last three years;
- (b) the number of male and female youths who have got employments or jobs after training during the last three years in the State;
- (c) the fund allocated and spent for the said scheme during the last three years;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to set up Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras in the Azamgarh, a backward district of Uttar Pradesh;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a) Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), 5.64 lakh male candidates and 4.00  lakh  female  candidates  had  been  trained  in  the  State  of  Uttar  Pradesh  during  the  last three years (2019-20 to 2021-22).
- (b) Under  PMKVY,  skill  training  was  imparted  to  candidates  through  short  term  training and recognition of prior learning (RPL). Certified candidates under STT were facilitated for job opportunities, while RPL was not linked with placements as it recognized the existing skills of candidates. Under STT component of PMKVY, 71,047 certified male candidates and 60,599 certified female candidates were reported placed in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the last three years (2019-20 to 2021-22).
- (c) Under  Centrally  Sponsored  Centrally  Managed  (CSCM)  component  of  PMKVY,  Rs. 422.49 crore had been utilized in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the last three years (201920 to  2021-22).  Under Centrally Sponsored  State Managed (CSSM) component of PMKVY, 62.95 crore and Rs. 59.03 Crore had been released and utilized respectively in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the last three years (2019-20 to 2020-21).
- (d) to (f) Two (2) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra have been established in the Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5244 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Excavation at Telhara
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Kaushalendra Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5244

ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## EXCAVATION AT TELHARA

## 5244. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  statues  of  Lord  Buddha,  inscriptions  including  monastery  seals  written  in  Pali language have been found during the excavation at Telhara located in archaeological site of Nalanda;
- (b) whether the Mahavihara University destroyed in 1198 AD was built in the first century;
- (c) whether any resolution has been passed by the Government to set up an Indian Heritage and Conservation Institute;
- (d) if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  restart  the  excavation  at  Telhara,  an  important archaeological  site,  so  that  the  future  generations  can  have  access  to  authentic  information about their glorious history; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the excavation is likely to be restarted?

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

## (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) Yes, Sir. During  the excavation at Telhara conducted  by  Bihar  State  Department  of Archaeology, the statues of Bodhisattva and seals associated with monastery having inscriptions in Sanskrit languages using Nagari script have been found.
- (b) During the course of excavation, the structural remains datable from 1 st century to 12 th - 13 th centuries have been found.
- (c) There is no such proposal under consideration.
- (d) & The  Directorate  of  Archaeology,  Government  of  Bihar  has  submitted  a  proposal  to  conduct archaeological excavation during the field season 2022-23.

(e)

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5242 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Legalization of Crypto Currency
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Khagen Murmu, Ravindra Kushawaha, Ravindra Kushawaha, Ravi Kishan Shukla, Subrata Pathak, Mahabali Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5242 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## Legalization of Crypto Currency

5242. SHRI KHAGEN MURMU: SHRI RAVINDRA KUSHWAHA: SHRI RAVI KISHAN: SHRI SUBRAT PATHAK:

SHRI MAHABALI SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is planning to legalize crypto currency in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the kind of impact crypto currency will have on the common people and especially youth?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): Crypto  assets  are  currently  unregulated  in  India.  Crypto  Assets  are  by definition borderless and require international collaboration to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Therefore, any legislation for regulation or for banning can be effective only with significant international collaboration on evaluation of the risks and benefits and evolution of common taxonomy and standards.

RBI has been cautioning users, holders and traders of Virtual Currencies (VCs) that dealing in  VCs  is  associated with  potential economic,  financial, operational, legal,  customer protection and security related risks.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5241 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Environmental Clearance to Construction of Additional Civil Terminal
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Rajkumar Chahar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5241

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## Environmental Clearance to Construction of Additional Civil Terminal

## 5241. SHRI RAJ KUMAR CHAHAR:

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

- (a) whether  the  Environmental  Clearance  (EC)  for  the  project  of  construction  of  the Additional Civil Terminal at Agra has not been cleared/given;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the order dated 11 December, 2019, passed by the  Supreme  Court  in  Writ  Petition  (c)  No.  13381  of  1984  whereby  the  Airport Authority of India was permitted to construct an additional terminal; and
- (d) if so, whether any need survived for EC for the above project and the reasons EC was not granted despite the above order?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):  The proposal for grant of environmental clearance to construction of Additional Civil Terminal (Built Up Area 82,305 sq. m) located at Agra Airport (Near Air Force Base), Uttar Pradesh was considered and recommended by the Environment Appraisal Committee in its 37 th meeting held on 17.01.2019 subject to the condition that the project proponent shall obtain necessary permission from Taj Trapezium Zone Authority (TTZA) before commencement of work. However, Hon'ble Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No.13381 of  1984  in  the  matter  of  M.C  Mehta Vs. Union  of  India  &  Ors.  passed  an  order  dated 22.03.2018 for maintaining the Status Quo in Taj Trapezium Zone.  Hon'ble Supreme Court in  IA  No.153974/2021  and  91982/2022  passed  an  order  dated  17.01.2023  wherein  it  was mentioned, ' It  is  thus,  submitted that the prerequisites for grant of permissions to increase the airport traffic we are satisfied and permission may be granted so that the project takes off.'

Airports  Authority  of  India  vide  its  letter  dated  09.03.2023  furnished  copies  of  Hon'ble Supreme Court Order 17.01.2023 and necessary permission from TTZA for construction of additional civil terminal. Environmental Clearance is granted after appraisal by the sectoral Environmental Appraisal Committee.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 5240 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-04-03
Subject: Free Tourist Visa for Foreigners
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Queen Oja

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5240 ANSWERED ON 03.04.2023

## FREE TOURIST VISA FOR FOREIGNERS

## 5240. SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  fact  that,  after  the  pandemic  of  Covid-19,  the Government  has  started  free  tourist  visa  for  foreign  nationals and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of countries whose nationals can avail this scheme;
- (c) whether  five  lakh  free  visas  have  been  sanctioned  for  foreign nationals which will be a loss of foreign currency;
- (d) whether the Government has any scheme to recover the loss and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

- if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) and (b): Government of India on 28 th  June, 2021 announced grant of First Five Lakh Tourist Visas without charging Visa Fee, once, Tourist Visa is restored, which was applicable for both i.e. e-Tourist Visa and Regular Tourist Visa.

Government of India allowed foreign nationals to enter into India  for tourism purpose on e-Tourist Visa/Tourist Visa through  Charter Flights  (for  group  Tourism  only)  w.e.f. 15 th  October, 2021. Individual foreign  nationals  were  allowed to enter into India for tourism purpose on e-Tourist Visa/Tourist Visa w.e.f. 15 th  November, 2021.

Free  Tourist  Visa  was  applicable  only  to  e-Tourist Visa/ Tourist Visa issued on or after 6 th  October, 2021. The validity of these Tourist Visas was to be 30 days with single  entry.  This scheme was valid till 31 st

March,  2022  or  till  the  issuance  of  first  five  lakh  tourist  visas, whichever is earlier. 1,27,999  Regular  Tourist  Visas  and  2,27,225  e-Tourist  Visas  were issued from 6 th  October, 2021 to 31 st  March, 2022. e-Tourist Visa was initially available for the nationals of 156 countries which  has  now  been  revised  to  166  countries;  whereas,  Regular Tourist Visa was available for most of the countries. (c) to (e): As  the  situation  of  Covid  pandemic  started  improving, Government of India  announced  first  5  lakh  free  tourist  visa  for  the nationals  of  foreign  countries  to  incentivize  them  to  visit  India.  The scheme was applicable till 31 st  March, 2022 or till 5 lakh free visas are issued, whichever is earlier.

*****