opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 228 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Improvement in Services of BSNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Md Abu Taher Khan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 228 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## IMPROVEMENT IN SERVICES OF BSNL

## *228. MD ABU TAHER KHAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that while other telecom companies across the country have launched 5G service, the Government owned BSNL is still considering service from 3G to 4G in some places and BSNL 2G service is still not reaching properly to remote villages all over the country and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) the steps being taken by the Government to roll out 4G and 5G services across the country; and
- (c) whether there is any shortage of skilled worker and if so, the measures being undertaken to expedite the process of their recruitment/appointment?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

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

## STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 228 FOR 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024 REGARDING 'IMPROVEMENT IN SERVICES OF BSNL.'

( a ) & ( b ) As the technology changed and the world moved from 3G to 4G, BSNL had two options, either to adopt foreign technology or to innovate and prepare our own 4G technology. Under Prime Minister's Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, it was decided to adopt the latter route. We have since developed indigenous 4G technology. India is the 5th country in the world to be able to do so. BSNL is  now rolling out indigenously developed 4G technology at one lakh sites, out of which around 61,000 of 4G sites have been installed. This technology is 5G upgradable. 5G has been rolled out by other operators in 99% districts across the country.

Further,  BSNL  is  implementing  4G  Saturation  project  to  provide  4G  mobile  services  in uncovered villages across the country.

As far  as  BSNL  coverage  in  villages  is  concerned,  BSNL  covers  around  67%  of  all  the villages in the country.

- ( c ) No, Sir.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2759 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Trains passing through Katihar Division
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Tariq Anwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2759 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## TRAINS PASSING THROUGH KATIHAR DIVISION

2759. SHRI TARIQ ANWAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a)  whether  the  stoppages  of  several  trains  passing  through  the Katihar Division were withdrawn during the COVID period;

- (b) if so, the details of the trains and their respective stations/halts;
- (c)  whether the Railways have received multiple representations and letters  from  public  representatives,  including  mine,  requesting  for resumption of services of these trains; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  detailed  status  and  the  actions  taken  on  the  letter submitted, and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d)  With  a  view  to  contain  the  spread  of  Covid-19  pandemic, Indian  Railways(IR)  had  discontinued  the  operation  of  all  regular passenger carrying trains with effect from 23rd March, 2020 and only special  train  services  were  being  operated.     Meanwhile,  IR  also Contd…

undertook rationalization of the time table with the assistance of IITBombay. Consequent upon the rationalisation exercise, all passenger carrying  train  services  are  being  operated  as  per  rationalized  time table, since November-2021. Representations have been received for provision of stoppage of trains at various stations located in Katihar Division.  To cater to the needs of  passengers,  41  stoppages  have  been  provided  at  various  stations located in Katihar Division, during the period 01.04.2023 to 30.11.2024. Besides,  provision  of  stoppage  of  trains  is  an  ongoing  process  on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2757 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Reintroducing Concessional tickets to Journalists, etc
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje, Shri Jagadish Shettar, Shri Azad Kirti Jha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2757 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## REINTRODUCING CONCESSIONAL TICKETS TO JOURNALISTS, ETC

2757. SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE: SHRI JAGADISH SHETTAR: SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:

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

- (a) whether  any  concession  on  train  fares  was  given  to  Senior  citizens, accredited journalists etc. during pre-covid times and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the aforementioned concession has been discontinued during COVID period and if so, the reasons therefor and the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government can reintroduce the concessions to journalists and  other categories  that existed earlier  as  mark  of gratitude towards their contribution to society and nation;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- whether other  similar  concessions  were  revoked  during  COVID  times
- (e) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) any  measures  being  contemplated  to  re-introduce  IZZAT  PASS  to commuting  poor  skilled  traversing  100  Kms.  distance  by  trains  as before and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

( SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (f): Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of ₹56,993 cr on passenger tickets in 202223. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to every

person, travelling on Railways. In other words for easier understanding, if the cost of providing service is ₹100, then the price of ticket is ₹54 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2756 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Revenue Earned from cancellation of Waitlisted List Ticket
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Mani A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2756 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## REVENUE EARNED FROM CANCELLATION OF WAITLISTED LIST TICKET

2756. SHRI MANI A:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the quantum of revenue earned by Railways from the cancellation of waitlisted tickets during each of the last three years;
- (b) whether the quantum of amount earned by Railways from the said tickets have increased tremendously during the last three years and if so, the factors responsible in this regard;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  survey  to  ascertain the percentage of reserved berths provided to the waitlisted passengers during the last three years and if so, the outcome thereof;
- (d) whether any scheme is being formulated to issue minimum number of waitlisted tickets to passengers;
- (e) if so, the manner in which the said scheme is likely to function; and
- (f) the other steps taken by the Government to ensure the availability of reserved berths for the waitlisted passengers?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) and (b) Amount credited on account of cancellation of tickets is not maintained separately.
- (c) to (f) On Indian Railways, demand pattern of reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean and peak periods. Moreover, trains running on popular routes and convenient timings with lesser stoppage and running time are

generally  well  patronized  and  also  experience  waiting  list  almost throughout  the  year.  However,  other  trains  not  having  one  or  all  of these  features  are  chosen  by  passengers  for  travel  as  a  second alternative. Waiting  list  tickets  are  issued  to  take  care  of  berths  going  vacant against cancellation of confirmed berths and also to help Railways to assess the demand pattern. Maximum waiting list for each class has already  been  prescribed.  Status  of  waiting  list  tickets  gets  updated automatically against the vacant accommodation available on account of  cancellation/unutilized  quota  at  the  time  of  preparation  of  first chart. Waiting  list  position  of  all  the  trains  running  on  Indian  Railways  is monitored  on  regular  basis.  In  order  to  cater  to  additional  demand, Indian Railways also operates Special train services during festivals, holidays etc.  and augments the load  of trains to  generate additional accommodation for different segments of passengers, both on permanent  and  temporary  basis,  subject  to  operational  feasibility, resource availability, which is an ongoing process. Further, schemes like Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) known as 'VIKALP' and Up-gradation scheme have been introduced to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and also to ensure optimal utilization of available accommodation.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2754 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Iron Ore Resources allocated to Telangana
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Vamsi Krishna Gaddam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2754

ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## IRON ORE RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO TELANGANA

2754 SHRI VAMSI KRISHNA GADDAM:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  total  iron  ore  resources  allocated  to  Telangana  Mineral Development  Corporation  Limited  across  Mahbubabad,  Warangal,  Karimnagar, Jagityal, Mancherial and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts in Telangana including the details of the total extent of land, district-wise;
- (b) the reasons for the rejection of the proposal of the State Government of Telangana for reserving iron ore areas under MMDR Act, 1957;
- (c) whether the union Government has reviewed the resubmitted proposal by the State Government  of  Telangana  to  reserve  the  iron  ore  areas  for  Telangana  Mineral Development Corporation Limited and if so, the details and current status thereof; and (d)  the  timeline and schedule for the rescheduled meeting between the Ministry of Mines and the State Government of Telangana on the feasibility of establishing an Integrated Steel Plant in Bayyaram?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a)  to  (d):  No  iron  ore  resources  have  been  allocated  to  Telangana  State  Mineral Development Corporation Limited (TSMDCL)  across Mahbubabad,  Warangal, Karimnagar, Jagityal, Mancherial and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts in Telangana.

The Government of Telangana had sent a proposal on 30.05.2019 for reservation of iron ore deposits in the state over an area of 65.20 sq. km. in favour of TSMDCL under Section  17A(2)  of  the  MMDR  Act,  1957.  The  said  proposal  was  examined  in consultation with the Ministry of Steel and the Indian Bureau of Mines. Ministry of Steel had inter-alia intimated about the non-feasibility for establishing Integrated Steel Plant by SAIL in Telangana.

Accordingly, the proposal of state government for reservation of area was returned on 21.06.2021.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2752 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Implement Big Projects on Time
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2752 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## IMPLEMENT BIG PROJECTS ON TIME

## 2752.   SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether many important projects are not completed on time causing escalation in costs and inconvenience to people; (b) if so, whether there are steps taken by the Government to implement the big projects on time and to monitor their execution; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION;  MINISTER  OF  STATE (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE [RAO INDERJIT SINGH]

(a)  to  (d)  The  Ministry  of  Statistics  and  Programme  Implementation  is mandated to monitor Ongoing Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing ₹  150  crore  and  above  on time and cost overrun, based on the information reported by the Line Ministries/ Project Implementing Agencies on the Online Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS) of this Ministry. As on 01.11.2024, there exist total 1747 projects on the monitor of this Ministry, out of which 826  projects  have  time  overrun,  438  projects  have  cost  overrun  and  275 projects  have  both  time  and  cost  overrun  with  respect  to  their  Original Schedule. The details of these projects are available at www.cspm.gov.in.

The steps being taken by the Government for timely execution of the projects: Periodic review of projects under  PRAGATI;  rigorous  project appraisal; On-line Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS) for better monitoring; setting up of Revised Cost Committees in the Ministries; regular review of infrastructure projects by the concerned administrative Ministries; and setting up of Central Sector Projects Coordination Committees (CSPCCs) in the States under the concerned  Chief  Secretaries for removal  of bottlenecks and for facilitating the speedy implementation of major projects.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2751 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Aditya-L1 Mission
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Khagen Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2751

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024

## ADITYA-L1 MISSION

## 2751.  SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

the  manner  in  which  the  Government  plans  to  leverage  the insights gained from the Aditya-L1 mission to enhance India's capabilities  in  solar  research  and  its  implications  for  space weather?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****

Department  of  Space  has  taken  multi-pronged  approach  to leverage the insights gained from the Aditya-L1 mission which includes:

- (i) Constitution  of  the  Aditya-L1  Science  Working  Group (SWG) to maximise the scientific results from the mission;
- (ii) Engaging  the  country's  solar  science  and  heliophysics community for the scientific value addition for the mission, as well as science data utilization; and
- (iii) Conducting brainstorming meetings along with the PAN-India solar/ heliophysics community  to take the achievement of Aditya-L1 forward by enhancing the solar science and space weather research in the country.

Despite  being  a  dedicated  Solar  Science  Mission,  the  insight gained from Aditya-L1 will be of immense importance for space weather  research,  which  has  potential  to  contribute  building the  space  weather  forecasting  capability  of  the  county,  by integrating other observations and necessary infrastructure.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2750 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Third  Railway Line from Sitarampur to Mughalsarai
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2750 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## THIRD RAILWAY LINE FROM SITARAMPUR TO MUGHALSARAI

†2750.  SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the trains are often delayed due to heavy railway traffic on the section  between  Mughalsarai  of  East  Central  Railway  and  Sitarampur  of Eastern Railway;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  lay  a  third  railway  line  from Sitarampur to Mughalsarai; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c) On Indian railway network, passenger and freight trains run on the same tracks. Despite constraints, Indian Railways (IR) constantly endeavours to  operate  trains  punctually.  However,  at  times,  trains  get  delayed  due  to various factors asset failure, law and order problem, natural calamities, fog, inclement weather conditions, etc.

Further, to improve capacity of existing network, several capacity enhancement/augmentation survey/works have been sanctioned by railways. These  works  include  multi tracking, rail flyovers, by pass  lines, yard remodelling works etc.

3 rd   line between Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn (DDU) and Sonnagar is already existing.  Additionally,  the  work  of  3rd  and  4th  line  from  Sonnagar  to Sitarampur has been sanctioned. Further, Final Location Survey (FLS) for 3rd line between DDU-Kiul-Jhajha-Sitarampur (589 Km) has also been sanctioned.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2742 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: PM–KUSUM in Gujarat
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2742

ANSWERED ON 11/12/2024

## PM-KUSUM IN GUJARAT

## 2742. SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PMKUSUM) scheme is being implemented in Gujarat; and
- (b) if so, the details of the number of renewable energy plants connected with decentralized ground mounted grid, standalone solar powered agriculture pumps and pumps connected with grid under the component A, B and C of the scheme being supported for solar energy in Bhuj, Abdasa, Gandhidham, Rapar, Mandvi and Anajar of Kutch Lok Sabha Constituency?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) Yes.
- (b) The PM KUSUM scheme is a demand driven scheme, where capacities are allocated based on demand received from the States/UTs.

The details of installation, component-wise, in Bhuj, Abdasa, Gandhidham, Rapar, Mandvi and Anjar Talukas under the Kutch District are placed in Annexure-I .

Annexure-I referred to in reply to part (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2742 for 11.12.2024 Progress under Component B and Component C (FLS) of PM-KUSUM Scheme in

## Gujarat

i) Progress under Component A: NIL ii) Progress under Component B:

| S. No.   | Taluka Name   |   Solar Pumps Installed |
|----------|---------------|-------------------------|
| 1        | Bhuj          |                       2 |
| 2        | Abdasa        |                       0 |
| 3        | Gandhidham    |                       0 |
| 4        | Rapar         |                       2 |
| 5        | Mandavi       |                       0 |
| 6        | Anjar         |                       7 |
|          | Total         |                      11 |

iii)Progress under Component C(FLS):

| S. No.   | Taluka Name   |   No of pumps solarized |
|----------|---------------|-------------------------|
| 1        | Bhuj          |                       0 |
| 2        | Abdasa        |                       0 |
| 3        | Gandhidham    |                       0 |
| 4        | Rapar         |                     727 |
| 5        | Mandavi       |                       0 |
| 6        | Anjar         |                       0 |
|          | Total         |                     727 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2740 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Coal Production Target
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2740 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## Coal Production Target

## 2740. SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

- (a) the targeted quantum of coal production by the Government by the year 2026-27; and
- (b) the details of quantum of targeted coal production increase in respect of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the next three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a): All  India  coal  production  /  projection  for  the  year  2026-27  is  1310 Million Tonnes (MT), out of which, the projected target of coal production of Coal India Ltd. is One Billion Tonne.
- (b): Currently, there is no coal mine in Bihar. However, production plan for the next three years from Uttar Pradesh (Singrauli Coalfields of Northern Coalfields Ltd. (NCL) is given below: -

| Year                 |   2025-26 |   2026-27 |   2027-28 |
|----------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Coal Production (MT) |        20 |        17 |        15 |

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2737 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Fatehabad to Hisar via Agroha Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Kumari Selja

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2737 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## FATEHABAD TO HISAR VIA AGROHA RAILWAY LINE

2737. KUMARI SELJA :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to State:

- (a) whether the Government has approved the Fatehabad to Hisar via Agroha rail line, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any survey has been conducted regarding this proposed rail line, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  work  of  laying  tracks  on  the  Agroha  and  Fatehabad railway route has been started, if so, the details thereof along with the timeline of its completion; and
- (d) the efforts made in this direction to initiate the acquisition of land for this project?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) : Hisar and Sirsa are already well connected via Bhattu Kalan on Indian Railway Network.  Survey of Hisar to Sirsa via Fatehabad and Agroha (93 Km) was carried out. The project could not be taken forward due  to  poor  traffic  projections.      Sanctioning  of  Railway  projects  is  a continuous and dynamic process of Indian Railway. Railway Infrastructure Projects are taken up on the basis of remunerativeness, traffic  projections,  last  mile  connectivity,  missing  links  and  alternate routes, augmentation of congested/saturated lines socio-economic considerations  etc. depending  upon  liabilities of ongoing  projects, overall availability of funds and competing demands.

*****