opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Meeting of Gram Sabha
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Lumbaram Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2340

ANSWERED ON-06.08.2024

## MEETING OF GRAM SABHA

## † 2340. SHRI LUMBARAM:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether organisation of regular meetings of Gram Sabhas is mandated to develop a sense of transparency and accountability in Gram Panchayats and their functioning;

(b) if so, the details of Gram Sabhas which hold at least six meetings in a year across all Panchayats of Rajasthan including Jalore and Sirohi districts;

(c) whether the Government has taken any action against the Panchayats which hold less than six meetings of Gram Sabha;

- (d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether it is necessary to make Gram Sabhas effective to ensure the active role of Gram Panchayats;

(f) if so, whether the Government proposes to develop an integrated and real time online system for organising meetings of Gram Sabhas regularly, preparing agenda and making action reports; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (d) In terms of provisions of Article 243A of the Constitution of India, a Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide. Therefore, powers and functions of a Gram Sabha, including to organise Gram Sabha meetings and to take action for not holding Gram Sabha meetings etc., are governed by the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts and rules, which may vary across States. Details of Gram Sabha meetings held by the States, including State of Rajasthan, are not maintained centrally.

(e) to (g) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has circulated detailed advisories to the States and Union Territories in August 2021 and September 2022, to revitalize the institution of Gram Sabhas by taking up measures such as sharing basic details of flagship schemes of the Government in Gram Sabha meetings, increasing the frequency of Gram Sabhas, preparation of regular standing agenda for the Gram Sabha, preparation of annual calendar for Gram Sabha, attendance of Group 'A' and 'B' officers in the Gram Sabha meetings, ensuring maximum attendance in Gram Sabha, formation and functioning of Standing SubCommittees of Gram Sabha, and assigning meaningful and effective roles to the ward members as sector enablers and members of the sub-committee etc. Further, to facilitate meetings of Gram Sabha becoming more participatory, transparent and vibrant, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has also launched 'Panchayat-NIRNAY' App.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2337 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Special Project for Jharkhand
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary

## GOVERNMENTOF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2337

ANSWERED ON 06.08.2024

## SPECIALPROJECT FOR JHARKHAND

## 2337 SHRI CHANDRAPRAKASH CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the funds were allotted to the State of Jharkhand under various schemes of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj during the period of 2019-2024;
- (b) if so, the allocation of funds thereof annually from 2019-2024;
- (c) whether the Government has approved any special project in Panchayati Raj for State of Jharkhand from 2019-2024; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof during the period 2019-2024?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

(PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

- (a) & (b) Prior allocation of funds is not made under the schemes of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The grants-in-aid released to the State of Jharkhand under the schemes of Ministry of Panchayati Raj during the financial years 2018-19 to 2023-24 are as under:
- (c) & (d) The schemes of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and Incentivization of Panchayats are implemented in all the States/UTs including in the State of Jharkhand.

|   Sl. No. | Name of the Scheme             |   Funds Released during 2018-19 to 2023-24 (Rs. in crore) |
|-----------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan  |                                                     45.57 |
|         2 | Incentivization of Panchayats* |                                                      8.13 |

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Long Staple Cotton in Dindigul
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2327 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2024

## LONG STAPLE COTTON IN DINDIGUL

## 2327.  SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  there  are  around  175  cotton  industries functioning in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu and they are procuring cotton from other States across the country;
- (b) whether the Union Government has any proposal or special plan/special package to produce Long Staple Cotton in Dindigul district which has more prospects for cotton yield for the benefit, convenience and self-reliance of the cotton industries in Dindigul district;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, whether any such proposal will be considered to be implemented in future?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा

## )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

- (a): According  to  report  from  Ministry  of  Statistics  and  Programme  Implementation  on  Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), there are 299 cotton and other fibre industries are functioning in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu.
- (b) to (d): A special emphasis is given for the distribution of certified Extra Long Staple Cotton in Dindigul  under  National  Agriculture  Development  Programme  (NADP)  Cotton  -  Quality  Seed Production and Distribution of varietal cotton.  Assistance is provided for the distribution of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton seeds @ 50% subsidy or Rs. 1,40,000/hectare.

Food & Nutrition Security Cotton, Quality Seed Production of Extra Long Staple / varietal cotton under NADP Schemes of Government of India are being implemented in Dindigul to increase productivity of cotton crop. Likewise,  the  State  Scheme  Profitable  Cotton  Cultivation  Mission  is  also  being implemented to increase cotton area and production.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2321 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: PMGSY Proposal from Kerala
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2321 ANSWERED ON 06/08/2024

## PMGSY PROPOSAL FROM KERALA

## 2321 SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government has received the proposal for sanction of funds under thePradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) from the State Government of Kerala for financialyear 2024-25;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  names  of  the  roads proposed by the StateGovernment of Kerala, district-wise;
- (c) whether the Union Government has accorded sanction to the roads proposed by the StateGovernment of Kerala; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

(a)  &  (b):   Yes.  Government  of  India  has  received  proposal  for sanction of funds under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) from the State Government of Kerala for financial year 2024-25. The State  has  already  been  released  Rs.119.7425  crore  (on  04 th   July, 2024)  during  current  FY  2024-25  (as  on  02.08.2024).  Further,  the funds  under  PMGSY  are  released  by  the  Ministry  to  the  State  as whole and further release of funds to the Programme Implementation  Units  (PIUs)  at  the  District  level  is  done  by  the respective State Governments  depending  upon  the absorption capacity of the PIU.

(c) & (d):  Yes. Government of India has sanctioned 33 road works of length 159.86 kms proposed by the State Government of Kerala on 22 nd   July,  2024.  Further,  the  details  of  roads  sanctioned/  ongoing roadworks to the State under PMGSY may be seen at www.omms.nic.in>proposals>Statewise list of roads.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Delay in Monsoon Rain
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Rajesh Mishra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2316

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## DELAY IN MONSOON RAIN

2316. DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government has received any report from the state of Madhya Pradesh regarding the delay in Monsoon rain for the Kharif Crops in the state; (b) if so, the details thereof; whether the Union Government in co-ordination with the State Government is planning to open new fertilizer distributors for easy and sufficient availability of manures to farmers
- (c) during the current Kharif season; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a)  &  (b)  :  The  Union  Government  has  not  received  any  report  from  the  State  of  Madhya

- Pradesh regarding the delay in Monsoon rain for the Kharif Crops in the state.
- (c) to (d) : Government of India vide its notification dated 24th August, 2022, has decided to convert the existing village, block/sub district/ taluk and district level fertilizer retail shops into Model Fertilizer Retail Shops, namely Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra (PMKSK).  These PMKSK act as a onestop-shop for farmers for multiple products such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and for also availing multiple  services  related  to  agriculture  sector  like  fertilizer/seed/soil  testing,  drones  &  other  farm equipments under one single roof.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2315 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Bharat Mandapam
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2315 ANSWERED ON 06/08/2024

## BHARAT MANDAPAM

## 2315.  SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मं त्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the total amount of funds spent by the Government upon the construction of Pragati Maidan Tunnel, Bharat Mandapam located near Pragati Maidan and Yashobhoomi at Dwarka;
- (b) whether the share of expenditure to be contributed by the Government of Delhi towards the construction  of  Pragati  Maidan  Tunnel  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor; and
- (c) the details of the action taken by the Union Government against the Government of Delhi for failing to make the said payment of its share contribution?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) For  the  project  'Construction  of  Integrated  Transit  Corridor  Development  plan  along Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg and connecting Mathura Road to Mahatma Gandhi Marg via Underground Tunnel below Pragati Maidan', the total amount of fund spent is Rs. 904.19 crore. Funds amounting to Rs. 728.14 crore have been released for the project from UDF (Urban  Development  Fund)  which  is  maintained  by  MoHUA  (Ministry  of  Housing  and  Urban Affairs) and the custodian of which is DDA (Delhi Development Authority), Further, Rs. 176.05 crore have been released for the project by ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organization) out of its own funds.

Rs. 4757.35 crore have been spent for YashoBhoomi, Dwarka which includes Rs. 2442.39 crore in the form of equity from Government of India.

- (b) & (c) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2314 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Panchayat Level Mediation Centres
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Dr. Mohammad Jawed, Shri Tanuj Punia, Adv Dean Kuriakose

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2314 ANSWERED ON- 06.08.2024

## PANCHAYAT LEVELMEDIATION CENTRES

2314 ADVDEAN KURIAKOSE:

SHRI TANUJ PUNIA: DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) the status of progress made regarding Union Government's recent proposal for panchayat level mediation centres;

(b) whether Government is considering any specific legislation regarding the same to ensure its timely compliance; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

(PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (c) The Government of India has enacted the Mediation Act, 2023 which seeks to promote and facilitate mediation, especially institutional mediation for resolution of disputes. The Act enables granting of recognition to mediation institutes and mediation service providers, specifying the criteria for recognition of mediation institutes and mediation service providers and streamlining the mediation process in the country. There is no proposal being considered by the Government of India regarding establishment of mediation centres at the Panchayat level.

\_\_\_\_\_\_
Lok Sabha Question No. 2309 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: e-Vehicle Ecosystem
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2309

ANSWERED ON 06.08.2024

## E-VEHICLE ECOSYSTEM

## 2309.  SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES भारी उद्योग मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government will expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing  and  charging  infrastructure  under  Electric  Vehicle  Ecosystem  through  which greater adoption of e-buses for public transport networks will be encouraged through payment security mechanism; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made till now, along with funds sanctioned/spent therefor?

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

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched the following schemes to promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) including adoption of e-Buses in the country: -

- i. Faster  Adoption  and  Manufacturing  of  (Hybrid  &)  Electric  Vehicles  in  India  (FAME India) Scheme in 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) including electric buses in India.  Under this scheme, 425 electric and hybrid buses were deployed across various cities in the country with Government Incentive of about Rs. 280 Cr.
- ii. Faster  Adoption  and  Manufacturing  of  (Hybrid  &)  Electric  Vehicles  in  India  (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II in 2019 for a period of five years from 1 st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 11,500 crore.  Under this phase of FAME India Scheme, MHI sanctioned 6862 electric buses with Government Incentive of about Rs. 3009 Cr.
- iii. Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLIAAT) with a budgetary outlay of  ₹ 25,938 Crore for enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities  for  advanced  automotive  products  including  Electric  Vehicles  and  their components.  The scheme incentivises various categories of electric vehicles including e2W, e-3W, e-4W, e-trucks & e-buses also.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2303 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: AFSPA Act
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Mahendra Singh Solanky, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Shri Manoj Tiwari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2303

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  AUGUST, 2024/ SHRAVAN 15, 1946 (SAKA)

AFSPA Act

2303     SHRI MANOJ TIWARI: SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH SOLANKY: DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND: SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the reduction in the portion of areas in the North East under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) since 2014; and
- (b) the reduction in violence and deaths in the North East since 2014?

## ANSWER

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

(a): There has been considerable reduction in 'disturbed areas' under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. The application of this Act has been removed from most parts of the North Eastern States since 2014, as per the details given below:

- (i) Tripura: completely withdrawn with effect from 27.05.2015
- (ii) Meghalaya:  completely withdrawn with effect from 1.04.2018
- (iii) Assam: completely withdrawn from all the districts except 4

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2303 FOR 06.08.2024

- (iv) Arunachal Pradesh: withdrawn gradually and now applicable only in 3 Police Station areas in Namsai district and 3 other districts i.e., Tirap, Changlang and Longding
- (v) Manipur: withdrawn from 19 Police Station areas in 7 districts
- (vi) Nagaland:  withdrawn  partly  and  now  applicable  only  in  8 districts and 21 Police Station areas in 5 other districts.

(b): The  security situation in the North Eastern  States  has  seen significant improvement since 2014. Compared to 2014, there has been 71% reduction in  insurgency incidents,  60%  decrease  in  the  number  of Security Forces personnel deaths and 82% decrease in civilian fatalities in 2023.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 199 (STARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Vacancies in Ministry of Finance and its PSUs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *199

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE AUGUST 5, 2024/14 SHRAVANA, 1946 (SAKA)

## Vacancies in Ministry of Finance and its PSUs

## *199 Thiru D M Kathir Anand:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- a) Whether the Government has taken adequate steps to fill up the vacancies falling under the Ministry of Finance and all its PSUs, Subordinate and Allied offices;
- b) If so, the details thereof;
- c) The incumbency position as on 1.7.2024 in respect of all Aided and subordinate offices, Public Sector Undertakings under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance; and
- d) Whether the Government has initiated any special recruitment drive for filling up of vacancies in SC/ST/OBC and Minority communities and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FINANCE (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

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

**************

STATEMENT REFERRED IN PART (A) TO (D) OF THE REPLY TO THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *199 RAISED BY SHRI THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND REGARDING "VACANCIES IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ITS PSUs" DUE FOR ANSWER ON 5TH AUGUST, 2024.

- Yes. Occurrence and filling of vacancies is a continuous process. As and when vacancies arise, they are filled up by direct recruitment through agencies such as UPSC, SSC, Banking Recruitment Boards, etc., or through deputation or promotions.
- (c) Incumbency as on 01.07.2024 in respect of Ministry of Finance and its Attached/Subordinate Offices, Autonomous Bodies, Public Sector Undertakings is 11,03,989.
- (d) Ministry of Finance, its Attached/Subordinate Offices, Autonomous Bodies and Public Sector Undertakings fill up vacant posts in time bound manner. Vacant posts in Government including that of Ministry of Finance have been filled up in mission mode by the Government of India, in Rogar Mela launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister on 22nd October, 2022. 12 Rozgar Melas have been held at central level at 45-50 cities across the various States/Union Territories. The reservation policy of the Government has been followed in all recruitments and promotions.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 198 (STARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Opening of New Branches of Bank
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.  *198

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024 / 14 SHRAVANA, 1946 (SAKA)

## Opening of New Branches of Bank

## *198. Shri Sunil Kumar:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether out of four blocks across the Gandak there is only one branch of a Public Sector bank, namely State Bank of India in Madhubani block;
- (b)  whether  only  one  Branch  of  Nationalized  Banks  exists  in  Balmikinagar  Parliamentary Constituency of Bihar having population of more than three lakhs;
- (c) whether only one branch of Bank of India established in Binhi Bhaisahwa of Bettiah block in West Champaran district of Bihar was previously shifted to Tamkuhi Road in Uttar Pradesh due to unavoidable reasons; and
- (d) if so, whether the Government proposes to shift the said branch of the Bank again from Tamkuhi Road to Bettiah and to open one new branch of a nationalized bank each in Piprasi Bettiah and Thakrahan blocks?

## ANSWER

## THE FINANCE MINISTER

(Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman)

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

***

## 18 th  POSITION

## Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *198 for 05.08.2024 by Shri Sunil Kumar, regarding 'Opening of New Branches of Bank'

(a) to (b) As per information provided by State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), Bihar, there are 7 Bank branches in four blocks across the Gandak. Out of these, two branches of Public Sector Banks (State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda) and two Regional Rural Bank branches are in Madhubani block. In addition, there is one Regional Rural Bank branch in each of the other three blocks of Balmikinagar Parliamentary Constituency of Bihar.

(c) to (d) Bank of India has apprised that its one branch was opened in Binhi Bhaisahwa of Bettiah Block in West Champaran District, Bihar in 1990. However, during the floods in 2001, this Bank branch was relocated to Tamkuhi Road, District Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. Public Sector Banks are Board governed  commercial  entities  and  Bank  of  India  has  decided  not  to  re-relocate  the  Branch  since Bhaisahwa village is a highly flood prone area.

SLBC, Bihar has also informed that there is one Regional Rural Bank branch of Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank, which is functioning in Bettiah Block. At present, there is no proposal to open new branches of nationalized banks in Piprasi Bettiah and Thakrahan blocks.

****