opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2561 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: PMAY-G Scheme in North Eastern States
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2561 ANSWERED ON 05/08/2025

## PMAY-G SCHEME IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

2561. Smt. KamleshJangde:

Smt. Vijaylakshmi Devi:

Shri KhagenMurmu:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the targets set for the North-Eastern States under the Pradhan MantriAwasYojanaGramin (PMAY-G) for the financial year 202425 along with the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  provided  benefits  to  all  the eligible beneficiaries in the said State under the said Scheme, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  extended  the  benefits  of  the scheme to all eligible beneficiaries in the North-Eastern States, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI)

(a) to (c):  In order to achieve the target of 'Housing for All' in rural areas,  the  Ministry  of  Rural  Development  is  implementing  Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana-  Gramin  (PMAY-G)  with  effect  from  1st  April 2016  to  provide  assistance  to  eligible  rural  households  with  an overall  target  to  construct  4.95  crorepucca  houses  with  basic amenities by 2029. The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) for construction of 2 crore additional rural houses during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29.  As  on  31.07.2025,  out  of  the  cumulative  target  of  4.95 crore houses, 4.12 crore houses have been allotted to the States/UTs  out  of  which  3.84  crore  houses have  been  sanctioned and more than 2.81 crore houses have been completed.

Out  of  cumulative  target  of  4.95  crore  houses,  37.77  lakh houses have allotted to the North-Eastern States, out of which 36.59 lakh houses have been sanctioned and 27.32 lakh houses have been completed by the NE States. During the FY 2024-25, the target of 5,59,951 were allocated to Assam, out of 533105 houses have been sanctioned and 77594 houses have been completed by the State.

After  allocating  the  targets  to  Assam,  all  identified  eligible households  from  the  SECC  and  Awaas+  2018  lists  have  been saturated in North Eastern States.

In addition, the Government of India has provided approval for updating  the  Awaas  +  list  for  identifying  additional  eligible  rural households using modified exclusion criteria under the scheme.  In line  with  the  approval  of  the  Government  of  India,  Awaas+  2024 survey is being conducted through Awaas + 2024 Mobile App using eKYC  face  based  authentication  for  identification  of  additional eligible rural households under PMAY-G.Additional eligible households  from  the  Awaas+  2024  survey  shall  be  identified  post completion of survey and verification of data by the states.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Approval for Commercial Cultivation of Herbicide Tolerant Bt Cotton
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V, Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2560

TO BE ANSWERED ON 5 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## APPROVAL FOR COMMERCIAL CULTIVATION OF HERBICIDE TOLERANT BT COTTON

2560. COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government is considering a proposal to issue mandatory approval by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) for the commercial cultivation of Herbicide tolerant Bt (HTBt) cotton in the country; and
- (b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) & (b): A proposal for environmental release of Bollgard II Roundup Ready Flex (BG-II RRF),  also  referred  to  as  HTBt  Cotton,  is  presently  under  consideration  with  Genetic Engineering  Appraisal  Committee  (GEAC).  As  per  Rules  for  the  Manufacture,  Use,  Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, GEAC is the competent authority for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2556 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Electronic Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2556

ANSWERED ON 05.08.2025

## ELECTRONIC MOBILITY PROMOTION SCHEME 2024

## 2556.  SHRI YADUVEER WADIYAR:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a) the objective of the Electronic Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 in promoting e2Ws and e-3Ws;

(b)  the  manner  in  which  EMPS  2024  aims  to  strengthen  the  electric  vehicle  manufacturing ecosystem in India, particularly regarding domestic production and supply chains; and

(c)  the  measures  taken  to  ensure  that  the  implementation  of  EMPS  2024  creates  significant employment opportunities within the EV sector?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

(a): The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 was implemented for a period of 6 months from 1 st April, 2024 till 30 th September, 2024 for faster adoption of e-2W and e-3W to  provide  further  impetus  to  the  green  mobility  and  development  of  electric  vehicle  (EV) manufacturing eco-system in the country.

(b) & (c): The EMPS 2024 scheme provided incentive only for e-2W and e-3W which are domestically  manufactured  and  sold.    Further,  EMPS  also  mandated  compliance  to  Phased Manufacturing  Programme  (PMP),  which  requires  indigenization  of  manufacturing  of  EV components,  thus  strengthening  the  electric  vehicle  manufacturing  ecosystem  in  India, particularly  regarding  domestic  production  and  supply  chains.    These  measures  would  also create employment opportunities at the OEMs for e-2W and e-3W.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2549 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Rubber Production
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2549 ANSWERED ON 05/08/2025

## RUBBER PRODUCTION

2549. SMT. D K ARUNA: SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY: SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether accelerating domestic Natural Rubber (NR) production is a national priority, especially in non-traditional regions like the North East and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken, results yielded, to date; and
- (b) whether India's natural rubber consumption is projected to reach 20 lakh tonnes by 2030 and there is a need to accelerate domestic production and if so, the corrective steps taken, encouragement being given in future to achieve goal of Viksit Bharat2047 as part of it?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b) The Natural Rubber consumption in India was reported by Rubber Board to be 14.10 Lakh Tonnes in 2024-25. Keeping in view the consumption requirements of natural rubber  in  the  country,  the  Government,  through  Rubber  Board,  is  implementing  the Scheme 'Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector' under which various  activities  are  undertaken  to  increase  the  productivity  and  production  of  natural rubber  in  the  country.  Under  the  scheme,  Rubber  Board  provides  financial  /  technical assistance for inter alia planting / replanting of natural rubber in both traditional and nontraditional  areas,  rain  guarding,  promotion  of  good  agricultural  practices  and  disease control.

Further,  in  order  to  boost  production  in  the  North  Eastern  region,  a  project  is  being implemented  by  Rubber  Board  in  collaboration  with  Automotive  Tyre  Manufacturers Association (ATMA) in the North East for developing rubber plantations in 200,000 ha area. Under this project, so far natural rubber has been planted in 150,915 ha area in the North East region.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2548 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Demand for Steel and Metals
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre

THE MINISTER OF STEEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2548

FOR ANSWER ON 05.08.2025

## DEMAND FOR STEEL AND METALS

2548.  SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the anticipated surge in demand for steel and metals, driven by urbanisation and infrastructure growth;
- (b) if  so,  the  details on the current production levels and growth trends in the steel sector;
- (c)  the  current  status  of  steel  and  metal  production  in  India,  including  any  notable challenges or opportunities; and
- (d) whether the Government has initiated any measures to further boost the growth of the steel sector and if so, could you elaborate on these initiatives?

## ANSWER

(SHRI H.D. KUMARASWAMY)

(a)to(d): Steel is a de-regulated sector and the Government acts as a facilitator by creating  a  conducive  policy  environment  for  the  development  of  the  steel  sector. National Steel Policy, 2017 envisages a crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT) and production of 255 MT by 2030 based on projections of rise in domestic demand driven by urbanisation and infrastructure growth, exports and various other factors.

Crude steel production for the year 2023-24 and 2024-25 were 144.30 MT and 152.18 MT, respectively with 5.5% change from last year. Finished steel consumption for the year 2023-24 and 2024-25 were 136.29 MT and 152.13 MT respectively with 11.6% change from last year. To boost the growth of the steel sector, Government has taken measures which include the following: -

- i. Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting 'Made in India' steel for Government procurement.
- ii. Launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of 'Specialty Steel' within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.
- iii. Thrust in the Union Budget to infrastructure expansion which has contributed to increasing steel consumption.
- iv. Calibration in Basic Customs Duty on raw materials such as Ferro-Nickel and ferrous scrap imports to reduce input costs.
- v. Revamping Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) for monitoring of imports to provide granular details on imports to the domestic steel industry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2546 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Status of Manual Scavengers and Action on Violations
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MII\ISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE  AND EMPOWER]VIENT LOK SABHA

TJNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.2546 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2025

## STATUS OF MAI\TUAL SCAVENGERS AI\D ACTION ON VIOLATIONS

## 2546. SHRI SAPTAGIRI  SANKAR ULAKA:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AI\D EMPOWERMENT  be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of persons  presently  engaged in manual scavenging in the country, Statewise;
- (b) whether  the Government is aware that the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has engaged manual  scavengers for sewer or septic-tank cleaning work and has posted such activities on social media and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the action  taken or proposed/to be taken against the agencies  or officials responsible for employing manual scavengers  in Delhi, including any penalties imposed and rehabilitation measures  provided to the affected workers; and
- (d) the measures adopted by the Union Government  to eliminate manual  scavenging nationwide, promote mechanised  cleaning,  rehabilitate identified  manual scavengers  and monitor compliance by State and local authorities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE  AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a): No report of the practice  of manual scavenging has been received from States/[JT.
- (b)  & (c): dovernment of National  Capital Territory  of Delhi has informed that they have contracted  for the routine desilting  of storm water drains. Hence, the provisions  of the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers  and their Rehabilitation  Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013)" are not athacted.
- (d): As per provision of the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers  and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013)" manual scavenging is a banned activity in the country with effect from 6.12.2013.  No person or agency can engage  or employ any person for manual scavenging  from the above date. Any person or agency  who engages any person for manual scavenging in violation of the provisions of the MS Act,2013 is punishable  under Section 8 of the above Act, with imprisonment upto 2years or fine upto Rs. One Lakh or both.

:

J

fwo surveys for identification  of Manual  Scavengers  have been conducted  in 2013 and 2018 and 58,098 eligible  manual  scavengers have been identified.

Self Employment Scheme  for Rehabilitation  of Manual Scavengers  (SRMS),  now subsumed  in NAMASTE scheme, stipulates  for provision  of following  to identified manual  scavengers and their dependents:-

- i. One-time  Cash Assistance.
- iii. Upfront Capital Subsidy  for Self Employment Projects and purchasing  Sanitation  related Mechanised Equipments.
- ii. Skill Development  Training  with stipend.
- iv. Health Insurance coverage  under AB-PMJAY.

Central Monitoring Commiuee, State Monitoring Committee and District Vigilance Committees constituted under  the provisions of MS Act,2013,  monitor the implementation of MS Act,20l3.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2537 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Compassionate Appointments in Lakshadweep
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2537

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5 TH  AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

COMPASSIONATE APPOINTMENTS IN LAKSHADWEEP

2537.     SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that several cases of compassionate appointments in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep have been pending since 2018;
- (b)  if  so,  the  number  of  such  pending  cases  and  the  reasons  for  the inordinate delay in processing and approving these appointments;
- (c)  whether  the  delay  has  caused  undue  hardship  to  the  families  of deceased  government  employees  who  are  awaiting  employment  on compassionate grounds;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to take immediate steps to expedite the processing of these cases and ensure timely appointments; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the timeline by which the pending cases are expected to be resolved?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (e): The  Union  Territory  of  Lakshadweep  Administration  has informed that the appointments on compassionate grounds are considered by them, as per the guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), subject to availability of vacancies.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2533 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: e-Visa System
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2533

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5 TH  AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

E-VISA SYSTEM

2533. SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether reforms are being considered for the e-visa system to simplify the  application  process,  expand  its  reach  to  more  countries  and  reduce processing time to attract a larger number of international tourists and if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether the Government has any plans for visa fee waivers or special visa categories for specific tourist groups to further incentivize international travel to India and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

(a & b): India has a robust visa regime in place to enable lawful inward movement of foreigners including foreign tourists, professionals and skilled workforce, business persons, students etc. Government has taken a number of initiatives over the last few years to liberalize, streamline and simplify visa regime with a view to facilitate the legitimate foreign travelers while simultaneously  ramping  up  the  technological  infrastructure  to  enhance internal security.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2533 FOR 05.08.2025

One significant step taken to liberalize and simplify the Indian Visa regime, especially the tourist visa regime, is the introduction of the e-Visa facility. This facility, with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which was introduced in  November, 2014  for  nationals  of  43  countries,  is  presently available  to  nationals  of  172  countries  for  entry  through  32  designated international airports and 06 major seaports. E-Visa is presently available under 13 sub-categories i.e. e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant  Visa, e-Conference  Visa, e-Ayush  Visa,  e-Ayush Attendant Visa, e-Student Visa, e-Student X Visa, e-Transit Visa, e-Mountaineering Visa, e-Film Visa and e-Entry (X-1) Visa.

Processing of e-visa is totally on the online platform. A foreigner can apply  for  e-visa  from  anywhere.  Introduction  of  e-visa  has  helped  in providing hassle-free entry to foreigners into India for legitimate purposes like tourism, business and medical purposes etc.

A 30 days with double entry e-tourist Visa with visa fee of US $25 was launched in 2019.  To encourage off-season (April - June) tourists, visa fee of US $25 was reduced to US $10 during this lean period.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2533 FOR 05.08.2025

Liberalization  and  simplification  of  the  e-visa  regime,  including  the visa fee waivers or special visa categories for any specific tourist groups, is  an  ongoing  process  which  is  done  after  taking  into  consideration  the issues of security, inbound tourism and investments, bi-lateral relations, on reciprocitybasis etc.'

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2532 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Foreigners settled in Auroville, Puducherry
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2532

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5 TH  AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 14, 1947 (SAKA) FOREIGNERS SETTLED IN AUROVILLE, PUDUCHERRY

2532. SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  a  number  of  foreigners  have settled in Auroville Township near Puducherry, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether all of them are holding valid Visa to reside in India, if not, the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (c) whether any of them applied for Citizenship of India and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

- (a): Foreigners  visiting  Auroville  enter  into  India  on  X-2  Visa.  As  on 18.07.2025, 1571 foreigners from different countries are residing in Auroville as residents.
- (b): Foreigners enter on a valid and appropriate visa to visit Auroville and anyone  found  over-staying  or  violating  visa  norms  are  proceeded  as  per rules on the subject.

(c): A  total  of  8  citizenship  applications  from  Puducherry  have  been granted Indian citizenship, 15 citizenship applications from Puducherry are pending, and 5 citizenship applications from Puducherry has been rejected. ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: Bharat Mart
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Shri Khagen Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2531 ANSWERED ON 05/08/2025

## BHARAT MART

## 2531.  SHRI TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT: SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the expected completion year of Bharat Mart and the timeline for full operationalisation;
- (b) whether  the  marketplace  aims  to  cater  to  regions  beyond  the  UAE,  such  as  the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia;
- (c) if so, the strategies are being adopted to access these markets; and
- (d) the  measures which are being planned or implemented to ensure Indian traders, exporters,  and  manufacturers  are able to fully  utilise  the  free-zone  and  mainland benefits provided by Bharatmart?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद

)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (d): Bharat Mart is envisaged as a marketplace that provides Indian traders, exporters, and manufacturers access to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia, including for the priority sectors identified by Government of India such as textiles, engineering goods, pharma, agriculture and processed foods, etc.  The construction of Bharat Mart is expected to begin shortly. Bharat Mart is situated within Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), adjacent to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, offering multimodal access to regional and global destinations.  The  strategic  location  of  Bharat  Mart  will  facilitate  cost-efficient  access  to GCC,  Africa  and  Eurasia. B harat  Mart  is  aligned  with  high-potential  export  sectors prioritized based on India-UAE CEPA benefits and trade demand analyses. These include

textiles and garments, agriculture and food processing, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals  and  healthcare,  handicrafts  as  well  as  automotive  components  and machinery- sectors that align strongly  with the markets of  GCC and Africa. The Export Promotion Councils, Federation of Indian Export organisations and major Indian industry bodies in collaboration with DP  World are engaging with Indian exporters and manufacturers, with the goal of attracting related businesses and to create scalable industry clusters within the Bharat Mart. Bharat Mart will offer showroom and warehousing space, designed to accommodate various business sizes and operational models from displaydriven retail spaces to back-end fulfillment and light manufacturing zones.

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