opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 347 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Over Bridge at Kakwan Road on Kanpur-Farrukhabad Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 347 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## OVER BRIDGE AT KAKWAN ROAD ON KANPUR-

## FARRUKHABAD RAILWAY LINE

## †347. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number  of proposals received by the Government  for construction  for  an  over  bridge  on  long  pending  public  demand  at railway crossing number-64 on Kakwan Road under Bilhaur Tehsil on Kanpur-Farrukhabad railway line;
- (b) if so, whether any survey/examination has been conducted in this regard  by  the  concerned  technical  experts  for  construction  of  the over bridge;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the time limit fixed for the start and completion of this work and
- the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e):  Sanctioning  of  works  of  Road  over  Bridge  (ROB)/Road under Bridge (RUB) in lieu of Level crossings (LCs) is a continuous and dynamic process of Indian Railway. Such works are prioritised and taken up on the basis of its impact on safety in train operations, mobility of trains & impact for road users and feasibility etc.

Proposals/requests/suggestions/representations, both formal and informal for Road over Bridges/Road Under Bridges (ROBs/RUBs) are  received  from  State  Governments,  Members  of  Parliament, elected representatives, Railways' own requirements, organizations/rail  users  etc.  at  various  levels  including  Railway Board,  Zonal  Railways,  Division  Office  etc.  As  receipt  of  such proposals/complaints/suggestions is a continuous and dynamic process, centralized compendium of such requests is not maintained.  However,  these  are  examined  and  action  as  found feasible and justified is taken from time to time.

The  work  of  preparation  of  Technical  Feasibility  Report  / Detailed Project Report (TFR / DPR) for the construction of ROB/RUB at the demanded location has been taken up.

Further action will be taken up after finalization of Technical Feasibility Report / Detailed Project Report (TFR / DPR).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 342 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Rules to make use of Renewable Energy Sources
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Smt. Malvika Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 342

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## Rules to make use of Renewable Energy Sources

342. Smt. Malvika Devi:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is planning or proposes to introduce certain rules to make sure that all the companies that are currently using coal would use 10-20 percent of renewable sources of energy for power generation and if so, the details thereof; and

- (b)  the  details  and  the  number  of  new  deposits  of  coal  with  their  locations  likely  to  be auctioned?

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

- (a): Under  the  provisions  of  the  Revised  Tariff  Policy,  2016,  the  Ministry  of  Power  vide notification dated 27 th February 2023,  has mandated Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) for the generating companies establishing coal/lignite-based thermal generating stations having Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project on or after 1st April, 2023. This notification provides that:
- (i)    Any generating company establishing a coal/lignite-based thermal generating station and having the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project on or after 1 st April 2023 shall be required  to  establish  renewable  energy  generating  capacity (in  MW),  i.e.  Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO) of a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the capacity (in MW) of  a  coal/lignite-based  thermal  generating  station  or  procure  and  supply  renewable  energy equivalent to such capacity.
- (ii)   A coal/lignite based thermal generating station with Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project between 1 st April 2023 and 31 st March 2025 shall be required to comply with RGO of 40% by 1 st April 2025, and any other coal/lignite based thermal generating station with Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project after 1 st April  2025  shall  be  required  to comply with RGO of 40% by the COD.
- (iii)   A captive coal/lignite based thermal generating station shall be exempt from requirement of RGO subject to its fulfilling Renewable Purchase Obligations as notified by the Central Government.
- (b): Auction of coal mines is a continuous process. As and when a coal block is available for auction, the same is being considered for auction.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 341 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: National Centre of Excellence
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 341

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

341:  SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- a)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  Andhra  Pradesh,  with  its  strong history in making and recent global recognition through Telugu cinema, as a potential location for an National Centre of Excellence (NCoE);
- b)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- c)  whether the Government is considering the establishment of additional NCoE for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGCXR) in other States; and
- d)  if so, the details thereof, State-wise and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d): The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of an Indian Institute of Creative  Technologies  (IICT)  with  an  aim  to  enhance  the  capabilities  in  content creation for the young creators so as to develop and hone the skill sets required by this  industry.  This  shall  also  support  digital  creators  and  augment  the  creator economy.  This  approval  includes  to  set  up  at  least  five  regional  institutes  in collaboration with the states through the Hub & Spoke Model of development.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Fresh Recruitment in Railway PSUs
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 340 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## FRESH RECRUITMENT IN RAILWAY PSUs

340.  SHRI PUTTA MAHESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether the Government has contemplated a new recruitment policy to recruit fresh candidates on time bound basis and speedy recruitment process to fill the vacancies in different Railway PSUs;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c)  total  number  of  employees  rejoined  in  each  railway  PSU  after  their retirement age 60 years and above 65 years, in the last 5 years;

(d)  details  of  non-gazetted  and  gazetted  vacancies,    no.  of  employees resigned in different railway PSUs;

(e) the details of the recruitments done in railway PSUs for various posts during the last five years;

(f)  whether  there  are  difficulties  in  recruiting  suitable  fresh  candidates with  required  skills  for  different  positions  in  railway  PSUs,  if  so,  the details thereof; and

(g) whether the re-engagement of retired personnel is more cost effective than fresh recruitment, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (g):  PSUs under the administrative control of Ministry of Railways are mostly project based organization wherein the sanction  of posts and recruitment  are dynamic ongoing process. PSUs keep filling the posts as the  Government Guidelines  for  induction  of  employees  either  as  fresh  recruitment  or  re- per the need, based on workload, duly following engaging retired personnel after their retirement age of 60 years, etc.

Recruitment in PSUs is an established procedure based on Government  guidelines  and  the  same  is  followed  regularly  without  any difficulties.    For  specific  assignments  and  duration,  considering  their expertise and  experience  according  to the business need, the reengagement  of  retired personnel is done. They  primarily  address temporary manpower shortage. Cost effectiveness of such re-engagement vis-à-vis fresh recruitment depends upon case to case basis.

However,  fresh  recruitment  is  done  for  regular  cadre  which  is essential for the organization with long term horizon.

During last 5 years 4619 nos. of fresh recruitments and 1574 nos. of re-engagements were done.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 337 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Target of Renewable Energy
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 337

ANSWERED ON 27/11/2024

## TARGET OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

337. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government has set a target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by the year 2030 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that the Government is in talks with financial institutions, public and private sector banks to commit a portion of their loans to renewable energy projects and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that the Reserve Bank of India had already included bank loans up to a limit of Rs. 30 crore to borrowers for purposes such as solar-based power generators, biomass based power generators, windmills, micro-hydel plants and for renewable energy-based public utilities under priority sector lending classification; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) Yes, In line with Hon'ble Prime Minister's announcement at COP26, Government is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.  As on 31.10.2024, a total of 211.40 GW non-fossil power capacity has been installed in the country.
- (b) As part of its broader strategy to meet Renewable Energy (RE) capacity targets, including 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030, the Government is actively engaging with financial institutions including  private  and  public  sector  banks,  to  encourage  greater  commitment  of  loans  toward  RE projects.

For installation of Rooftop Solar upto 3 kW capacity for residential consumers under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the nationalised banks are providing collateral free loan currently at an interest rate of 7% and with a tenure of 10 years.  The consumer may also opt for financing through the National

Portal of the scheme.  The loan products of various banks and financial institutions are available on the National Portal and the consumer may opt for any of them through integration provided by Jan Samarth Portal or through other financial institutions directly.

Apart  from  this,  Indian  Renewable  Energy  Development  Agency  (IREDA),  REC  Limited,  Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and a number of public sector banks are also providing loans for RE sector.

(c)&(d) As per Reserve Bank of India extant guidelines, bank loans up to a limit of ₹30 crore to borrowers for purposes like solar based power generators, biomass-based power generators, wind mills, micro-hydel plants and for non-conventional energy based public utilities viz street lighting systems and remote village  electrification  etc.,  are  eligible  for  Priority  Sector  classification.  For  individual households, the loan limit is ₹10 lakh per borrower.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 334 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Wind Power Potential in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 334

ANSWERED ON 27/11/2024

## WIND POWER POTENTIAL IN ANDHRA PRADESH

## 334. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI

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

- (a) whether it is true that Andhra Pradesh has wind power potential of 75 GW at 120 meters and 124 GW at 150 meters above the ground level;
- (b) if so, the extent to which the Union Government has been able to generate wind power in coordination with State Government and other private agencies during each of the last five years and the current year;
- (c) whether the Union Government has any scheme/programme to assist the wind power developers or State Government with financial support or otherwise;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Ministry proposes to formulate some programme or scheme in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) The wind resource assessment conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy indicates an estimated wind power potential of about 74.9 GW at 120 meter and 123.33 GW at 150 meter above ground level in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- (b) Wind power projects in the country are set up mostly by private sector developers based on techno economic viability of the project at high wind potential sites. The cumulative installed wind power capacity in the state of Andhra Pradesh is 4.09 GW as on 31.10.2024. The wind power capacity addition in the state of Andhra Pradesh during last five years and current year are as under:
- (c) & (d): At present, there is no specific scheme/ programme for providing financial support to onshore wind power developers or State Government for setting up wind power projects. The tariff of wind power projects  discovered  through  transparent  bidding  process  is  competitive  and  affordable,  which  are  being procured by various DISCOMs.
- (e) At present, there is no proposal to formulate any separate programme or scheme for onshore wind power projects.

| Financial Year             |   Capacity Addition (MW) |
|----------------------------|--------------------------|
| 2019-20                    |                      2   |
| 2020-21                    |                      4.2 |
| 2021-22                    |                      0   |
| 2022-23                    |                      0   |
| 2023-24                    |                      0   |
| 2024-25 (as on 31.10.2024) |                      0   |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 332 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: New Shatabdi Train from Delhi to Pathankot via Gurdaspur
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 332 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

NEW SHATABDI TRAIN FROM DELHI TO PATHANKOT VIA GURDASPUR

†332  SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  a  new  Shatabdi train from Delhi to Pathankot via Gurdaspur;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) At present, Pathankot is connected to Delhi by 04 pairs of Mail/Express services, out of which 3 pairs of trains namely, 18101/02 Tatanagar-Jammu  Tawi  Express,  18309/10  Bilaspur-Jammu  Tawi Express  and  22429/30  Delhi-Pathankot  Express  are  being  operated via  Gurdaspur.  Besides,  introduction  of  new  train  services  is  an ongoing  process  on  Indian  Railways  subject  to  traffic  justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Small Modular Reactors
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 330

ANSWERED ON 27/11/2024

## SMALL MODULAR REACTORS

## 330.  DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is collaborating with the private sector to study and test Small Modular Reactors (SMRs);
- (b) if so, the details thereof, including companies involved and expected timelines.
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  taking  steps  to  address  the  high  capital  costs,  refuelling needs and proliferation risks of SMRs and ensure their commercial viability and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of regulatory measures put in place to prevent the diversion of radioactive material from SMRs; and
- (e) whether the Government has plans for the future scaling of SMR technology in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) & (b) Government is exploring deployment of Bharat Small Reactors through Public Private Partnership.  Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is currently in R&D Stage.
- (c) to (e) Small  Modular  Reactors  are  currently  in  R&D  stage.    These  aspects  will  be addressed when commercial deployment of SMRs happen.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: E-auction for Private FM Channels
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 329 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## E-AUCTION FOR PRIVATE FM CHANNELS .

## 329   SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government has approved a proposal for e-auction to set up 730 private FM channels in 234 major cities across the country, including Palakkad, with an estimated reserve price of Rs. 784.87 crore;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  it  is  also  true  that  the  Government  has  also  approved  to  charge  FM  channel's annual license fee at 4 percent of the gross revenue and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the move would fulfil the unmet demand for FM radio in the places that are not yet covered and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- a) to d) Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for e-auction of 730 Pvt. FM Channels in 234 new cities including Palakkad, Kerala with a total estimated reserve price of Rs. 784.87 Crore. The  details  are  available  on  Ministry's  website  www.mib.gov.in.  This  will  enhance access  to  diverse  and  local  content,  increased  opportunities  for  content  creators  thus encouraging creativity, employment and encouraging local languages as well as cultures.

The Cabinet has also approved to charge a relaxed Annual License Fee at 4 percent of Gross revenue  excluding  GST  for  234  new  uncovered  cities.  The  move  will  bring  down  the operational cost of running FM stations in new cities and will help expand radio coverage in the uncovered cities/towns.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Coal Exchange Platform
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## 327  Shri Gaurav Gogoi:

## Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: -

- (a) the current status of the development of coal exchange platform and the time by which it is expected to be fully operational;
- (b) the measures being taken to encourage participation from a diverse range of stakeholders including coal producers, consumers and traders;
- (c) the measures being taken to ensure fair and transparent price discovery of coal for benefiting both producers and consumers; and
- (d)  the  details  of  the  regulatory  framework  that  would  govern  the  operations  of  the  coal exchange platform and protect the interests of all participants?

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

- (a) to (d): Ministry of Coal has planned to develop enabling framework for setting up of Coal Trading Exchange (s) (CTEs) in the country.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 327

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## Coal Exchange Platform
Lok Sabha Question No. 325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-27
Subject: Increase MPLAD Fund
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.11.2024

## INCREASE MPLAD FUND

325.  DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

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

- ( a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans/proposal  to  increase  the funds allocated under the MPLAD scheme and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has any proposal/plan to increase the funds allocated per MP since it was last revised ten years ago; (c) if not, the reasons therefor; (d)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  to  allocate  at  least  Rs.  3 crores  per  assembly  constituency  that  falls  inside  a  parliamentary
- constituency and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) 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 (e) The Ministry receives and examines, on a continuous basis, the  new  suggestions  from  stakeholders,  including  suggestions  for revision of entitlement of funds, following due process in consultation with Ministry of Finance.

*****