opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 101 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Implementation of the Unified Higher Education Regulatory Body
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-101

ANSWERED ON- 21/07/2025

## Implementation of the Unified Higher Education Regulatory Body

101. Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether an Unified Higher Education Regulatory Body is proposed to be established under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken for its implementation, particularly in States like Maharashtra;
- (c)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  the  academic  autonomy  and  institutional diversity remain preserved under the new regulatory framework;
- (d)  whether  these  measures  will  impact  the  higher  education  institutions  in  Maharashtra, including those in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities such as Sangli;
- (e)  whether  the  Regulatory  Body  will  address  existing  inefficiencies  in  governance  across higher education institutions;
- (f)  if  so,  the  detailed  plan  to  streamline  approval  processes  for  new  Universities,  Research Funding and accreditation in Maharashtra and other States; and
- (g)  the  details  of  transparent  and  consistent  mechanisms  in  Higher  Education,  particularly growing educational hubs like Sangli?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

- (a) to (g): The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, envisions a 'light but tight' regulatory framework to ensure integrity, transparency, and resource efficiency of the educational system through  audit  and  public  disclosure  while  encouraging  innovation  and  out-of-the-box  ideas through autonomy, good governance, and empowerment.

The NEP, 2020 further envisions setting up of a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI)  as  an  umbrella  body  with  independent  verticals  to  perform  distinct  functions  of regulation, accreditation, funding and academic standard setting.

Considering the above vision of NEP 2020, the Ministry is in the process of drafting a HECI Bill.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 87 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Functions organised at Regional Planetarium, Kozhikode
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 87 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## FUNCTIONS ORGANISED AT REGIONAL PLANETARIUM, KOZHIKODE

## 87. SHRI  M K RAGHAVAN:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the  fact  that  Union  Ministers  and  Local  Member  of Parliament are not being informed/invited in the functions organised at Regional Planetarium Kozhikode;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of steps taken/being taken by the Government to forestall such instances in the future; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  allocate  more  funds  for  Regional  Planetarium Kozhikode, which is the second most visited planetarium in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE & TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (c):  A  gallery  on  'Astronomy'  was  inaugurated  on  14.06.2025  by  Shri  P. A.  Mohamed Riyas, Hon'ble Minister for Public Works Department & Tourism, Government of Kerala, at the Regional Science Centre & Planetarium (RSC&P), Kozhikode, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). Due to the short notice in finalising the date, the Union Ministers and the local Member of Parliament could not be contacted. While this was an unintended oversight at the unit level, NCSM has  taken  cognizance  of  the  matter  and  instituted  measures  to  ensure  that  such instances do not recur in the future.

To institutionalise proper protocol in official communication with public representatives,  NCSM  Hqrs.  has  recently  issued  detailed  guidelines  to  all  its constituent units. These are aimed at ensuring due procedures are followed in future events and functions.

- (d): No. At present, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India for allocation of additional funds for the Regional Planetarium at Kozhikode.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 85 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Establishment of KICs in Tamil Nadu and Vellore Constituency
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 85 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

Establishment of KICs in Tamil Nadu and Vellore Constituency

85. Thiru D M Kathir Anand:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  open  more  Khelo  India Centres (KICs) across Tamil Nadu and in the Vellore Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the details of the funds allocated and utilized for the establishment/creation,  operation  and  upgradation  of  sports  infrastructure in these centres during the last five years and the current year; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  enhance  the  scope  of  the scheme and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

- (a) and (b) Yes, Sir. It has been decided to open 1250 Khelo India Centres (KICs)  across  the  country,  including  in  Tamil  Nadu.  Details  of  all  KICs notified till date under the Khelo India Scheme are available at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-india-centers.
- (c) The details of funds allocated and utilized for the establishment/creation,  operation  and  upgradation  of  sports  infrastructure in  KICs  during  the  last  five  years  and  the  current  year  are  available  at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-india-centers.
- (d) No, Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 80 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Employment linked Incentive Scheme
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 80

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## EMPLOYMENT LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME

## 80.   SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether it is a fact that the Government has approved an Employment Linked  Incentive  scheme  with  an  allocation  of  Rs.  99,446  crore  to support employment generation, primarily in the manufacturing sector; (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether it is also true that the benefits of the scheme will be applicable to jobs created between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027 and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)whether the Government has made any consultations with the Trade Unions prior to launch of the said scheme and received any suggestions from them; and
- (e)if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (e): The Government has approved Employment Linked Incentive Scheme at a budgetary outlay of Rs 99,446 crore.

The  scheme  has  a  registration  period  of  two  years  from 01.08.2025 to 31.07.2027.

The Scheme has following two parts:

Part A: Under this part, as per eligibility criteria of the scheme guidelines, first timer shall be paid incentive equivalent to one completed month EPF

wage, subject to a maximum of Rs 15000/- in two installments.

Part B: Under this Part, incentive upto a maximum of Rs 3000/- per.month per employee will be provided for creation of additional employment for a sustained period of at least six months subject to eligibility criteria as described in the  Scheme guidelines..

The  scheme  was  formulated  after  extensive  consultations Industry with all stakeholders including Ministries, Trade Unions, Associations and Experts.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 74 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Indian Labour Conference
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 74

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## INDIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE

## 74.  SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether it is a fact that the Indian Labour Conference has not been
- held for the last ten years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether it is also true that the 46th edition of the conference was held in the year 2015 and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether it is a fact that almost all the Central Trade Unions had urged the Government to organise the conference to uphold the traditions of tripartism and also to address pressing labour issues, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)whether it is  also  a  fact  that  conducting  periodical  discussions with  the  Trade  Unions  on  important  labour  policies/issues  is
- different from holding Indian Labour Conference; and
- (e)if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/being taken by
- the Government to organise the Indian Labour Conference?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a) & (b): Yes, the 46th Session of the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) was held in New Delhi from 20-21 July, 2015.
- (c) to (e): Yes,  requests  have  been  received  from  Central  Trade Union  Organizations  for  convening  the  ILC.  The  Government  has been holding tripartite  consultations  involving  representatives  of the Government, employers, and workers to deliberate on important labour policies/issues from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 73 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Loans against Gold Security
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan, Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 73

Answered on Monday, July 21, 2025/ Ashadha 30, 1947 (Saka)

## Loans against Gold Security

## 73. THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN: DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any letter from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu seeking a review of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft guidelines which imposed strict restrictions on the norms for granting loans by banks against gold security/ collateral/ jewellery;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government has advised the RBI to reconsider the Lending against Gold Security Guidelines, 2025  and  ease  restrictions  on  the  norms  for  granting  loans  against  gold  by  continuing  accepting  gold  as collateral for agricultural and agriculture- related loans upto 2 lakhs;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a)  to  (e):  Yes.  Government  has  received  the  letter  from  the  Chief  Minister  of  Tamil  Nadu  regarding  draft Directions on Lending Against Gold Collateral issued by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 9.4.2025 for public comments.

RBI was requested to consider, inter alia , exclusion of small ticket borrowers, including farmers, from the then proposed  linkage  of  sanction  amount  with  repayment  capacity  of  borrower  along  with  necessity  of  proof  of ownership/ relevant document.

RBI has since issued comprehensive Directions on Lending against Gold and Silver Collateral on 6.6.2025, taking into consideration comments/ feedback received from various stakeholders, to create a principle-based harmonized regulatory framework and to address prudential and conduct-related gaps across all regulated entities (REs) for loans against gold and silver collateral.

Further, these directions apply to all loans offered by RE for the purpose of consumption or income generation (including farm credit) where eligible gold or silver collateral is accepted as a collateral security.

The salient features of the Directions, inter alia , include:

- (i)Detailed credit assessment, including assessment of borrower's repayment capacity to be undertaken in case the total loan amount is above ₹2.5 lakh to a borrower;
- (ii)Maximum permissible Loan to value ratio not to exceed 85 per cent for maximum total consumption loan amount of ₹2.5 lakh;
- (iii)All communication with the borrower to be in the language of the region or in a language chosen by the borrower; and
- (iv)Renewal of bullet repayment loans on payment of accrued interest, if any.

*****

## ANSWER
Lok Sabha Question No. 72 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Veerangna Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Rahul Singh Lodhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 72

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Veerangna Durgavati Tiger Reserve

## 72. SHRI RAHUL SINGH LODHI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has notified Veerangna Durgavati Tiger Reserve as Seventh Tiger Reserve in Damoh Lok Sabha Constituency of Madhya Pradesh in 2023 and if so, the details and number of entry points proposed and sanctioned for tourists;
- (b) if  not,  the  details  of  the  number  of  entry-points  proposed  to  be  made  by  the Government for Asia's largest tiger reserve;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  construct  entry  points  for  above  tiger reserve near village Khajoora, situated approximately 25-30 kms. away from Damoh Railway Station; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) The Veerangna Durgavati has been notified as the Seventh Tiger Reserve in the State of Madhya Pradesh in 2023.

No  proposal  with  respect  to  eco  tourism  has  been  received  from  the  State Government with respect to the Veerangna Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 68 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Denotification of Sites under AMASR Act, 1958
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.68

ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## DENOTIFICATION OF SITES UNDER AMASR ACT,1958

## 68. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  numbers  of  national  monuments  identified  and  listed  under  the  Ancient Monuments and Archaeology Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka; (b) whether the Government  has  received  any  request from the  Member  of Parliament or State Government of Karnataka for denotification of three sites viz. Kumta, Hosur, Bedkeni from the said list; and the
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/being taken by Government?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) There are  32  monuments and  archaeological  sites  and  remains  declared  as  of national importance in district of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. (b) & A  request  has  been  received  from  Shri.  Vishweshwar  Hegde  Kegeri,  Hon'ble Member  of  Parliament,  for  de-notification  of  three  monuments  namely:  (i)  The Figure of a Tiger opposite the English School at Kumta, (ii) Carved stones near the  temple  of  the  Gram  at  Hosur,  and  (iii)  Stones  (Viragals)  at  Bedkeni. Notification/Denotification  of  Monuments  from  the  list  of  Centrally  Protected
- (c) Monuments is a continuous process based on the merits of the case.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 63 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Museum Stores in Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Ms. Mahua Moitra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 63 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## MUSEUM STORES IN VICTORIA MEMORIAL AND INDIAN MUSEUM

## 63.   MS MAHUA MOITRA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether  the  Government  has  a  plan  to  set  up  cafe  and  museum  store  in  the  Victoria Memorial, Kolkata which has the highest footfall and Indian Museum, Kolkata keeping with their international standards;
- (b) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) Whether the Government has a plan to organize festival of Indian overseas in London or Paris or New York as we march towards 2027, the 80 th year of independence; and
- (d) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE & TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) & (b): Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) and Indian Museum (IM), Kolkata are already having Cafe/Museum Store within their premises. (c) & (d): No. There is no plan of organizing Festival of India in London or Paris or New York
- during 2025-26. Further, Festival of India is not finalized for FY 2026-27.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 60 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: EPFO
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 60 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## EPFO

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

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to enhance member services  by  increasing  the  auto-settlement  limit  for  advance claims from existing amount to Rs. 5 lakhs in order to help EPFO members in  receiving  their  funds  faster,  especially  in  times  of urgent need; and
- (b)if so, the details of implementation and violations noticed, action taken thereon, beneficiary State-wise especially in the States of Andhra  Pradesh,  Telangana,  Bihar  and  Kerala  along  with  the complaints  received  till  now  and  solutions  found  to  address
- various issues and other shortcomings while implementing it?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a): Yes, EPFO has decided to increase the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from the existing 1 lakh to 5 lakhs, which will help in faster  settlement  of  the  claims  benefiting  the  members  of  EPF Scheme.
- (b): No such cases reported.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 57 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Coaching Centers for Preparation of UPSC Examination
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Adhikari Deepak Dev

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 57 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Coaching Centers for Preparation of UPSC Examination

## 57. Shri Adhikari Deepak Dev:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) the number of coaching centers authorised by the Central Government for UPSC exam in the country;

- (b) the details of coaching centers being run for preparation of UPSC examination, State-wise; and

(c) the action taken by the Government against unauthorised coaching centers, year-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (c): Education is in the concurrent list, the State and UT Government need to take proactive action on the matter of Coaching Institutes. In order to regulate the Private Coaching and tuition classes, a number of States/UTs have brought out guidelines / regulations / legislations. Majority of these coaching centers spread across the country are commercial entities which need to be regulated as per the law of the respective States / UTs. Ministry of Education has also circulated a Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center to States/UTs on 16.01.2024.

Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs a Scheme namely Free coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme, for imparting coaching for competitive examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private  Sector  including  Civil  Services  Examination  and/or  for  securing  admission  in reputed technical and professional higher educational institutions. The Scheme is being implemented by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation through Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE) established in empanelled Central Universities. As on date, a total of 19 Central Universities are empanelled under the Scheme.

The  Residential  Coaching  Academy  (RCA)  scheme  was  initiated  in  2009  by  University  Grants Commission  (UGC)  to  support  students  from  Minority  communities,  SC/STs,  and  women  by providing them with equal opportunities through specialized coaching. Launched in select central universities-Aligarh  Muslim  University  (AMU),  Maulana  Azad  National  Urdu  University (MANUU),  Jamia  Millia  Islamia  (JMI),  Jamia  Hamdard,  and  Babasaheb  Bhimrao  Ambedkar University-the scheme offers residential coaching for competitive exams, including Central/State Government services, banking, and private sector jobs. The scheme does not charge tuition fees but may levy nominal registration and hostel charges.

Department  of  Consumer  Affairs,  the  Central  Consumer  Protection  Authority  (CCPA)  imposes penalty on coaching institutes for making  misleading  advertisements and directs them  to discontinue such advertisements.
Lok Sabha Question No. 54 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: PM-SHRI Schools in Nellore, AP
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 54 ANSWERED ON - 21/07/2025

## PM-SHRI Schools in Nellore, AP

## 54. Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has selected 42 schools in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, as PM-SHRI schools under Phase-I;
- (b) if so, the details of primary, elementary, secondary and senior secondary schools so selected out of the above 42 schools;
- (c) whether it is true that the State Govt. of Andhra Pradesh has recommended for 47 schools under the scheme;
- (d) whether it is also true that the Government has selected 80 more schools from Nellore, as PM-SHRI schools under Phase-II;
- (e) if so, the details thereof;
- (f) whether it is true that 318 schools from Nellore have passed after District Verification under Phase-I of PM-SHRI scheme; and
- (g) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to add those schools under PM-SHRI scheme?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (g): Under PM SHRI scheme, a total of 42 schools have been selected as PM SHRI schools through the selection process under Phase I and Phase II from the district of Nellore in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Of these, 3 schools are primary, 2 schools are elementary, 17 schools are secondary and 20 schools are senior secondary schools.

The selection of PM SHRI schools is done through the transparent Challenge Method. A total of 935 schools have been selected in the first, second and seventh phase of PM SHRI school selection from the State of Andhra Pradesh.

*****