opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1882 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Hydrocarbon Exploration and Mining in Gulf of Mannar Region
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1882 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 st  July, 2025

## Hydrocarbon Exploration and Mining in Gulf of Mannar Region

## 1882. SHRI K E PRAKASH:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has received any request/representation from the State Government of Tamil Nadu urging to drop the proposal for offshore hydrocarbon exploration and mining in the  Gulf  of  Mannar  region  due  to  its  ecological  sensitivity  and  impact  on  the  livelihoods  of  coastal communities;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the current status of the proposed project; and (c) whether the Union Government has considered the concerns raised by the State Government of Tamil Nadu regarding environmental protection, marine biodiversity and the socio-economic impact on shing communities before proceeding with any approvals, clearances or public consultations and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛमंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a): Government  have  put  on  offer  an  exploration  block  CY-DWHP-2024/1  measuring  an  area  of 9990.96 sq. Km falling in Gulf of Mannar for bidding under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid  Round  X,  which  has  been  launched  on  11.02.2025.  Government  have  subsequently  received  a communication dated 04.03.2025 from Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu raising concerns regarding proposal for offshore mining activities in Gulf of Mannar, off the coast of Tamil Nadu.

(b) & (c): This block is as an offshore deep-water block and hence is outside the jurisdiction of the State Government.  Permission  from  State  Government  for  exploration  license  or  production  lease  for  such offshore  blocks  is  not  required.  Further,  the  block,  CY-DWHP-2024/1,  does  not  fall  within  the  Gulf  of Mannar Biosphere core zone.

Mere award of the blocks does not entitle awardees to initiate exploration activities. All statutory and regulatory  approvals  are  non-negotiable  and  essential,  which  include  Environmental  Clearance  (EC), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, and Wildlife Clearance, as mandated under the EIA Notification, CRZ  Notification  and  the  Wildlife  Protection  Act.  These  approvals  typically  involve  an  Environmental Impact  Assessment  (EIA)  to  evaluate  potential  environmental  impacts,  public  consultations  with  local communities, including fisherfolk and the resolution of concerns raised during the process. These clearances are intended to ensure that exploration and production activities are undertaken in a manner that safeguards the marine ecosystem and the socio-economic interests of the affected communities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1881 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Sub Scheme of PMKSY
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1881

## ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025

## SUB SCHEME OF PMKSY

1881. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  has  approved  a  sub  scheme  of  Pradhan  Mantri  Krishi Sinchayee Yojana as modernisation of command area development and water management and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that the said sub scheme with an initial outlay of Rs.1,600 crore is set to run from 2025-2026 and is designed to enhance the irrigation infrastructure in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the said sub scheme aims to build sustainable farming practices as well; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) Yes.  The  Cabinet  has  approved  Modernization  of  Command  Area  Development  and  Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period 2025-2026 with an initial total outlay of Rs.1600 crore on 09.04.2025.

(b)  &  (c) Yes.  The  scheme  aims  for  modernization  of  the  irrigation  water  supply  network  to  supply irrigation  water  from  existing  canals  or  other  established  sources  to  a  designated  cluster.  It  will  make robust backend infrastructure for micro-irrigation by farmers from established source to the Farm gate upto  1  Ha  with  underground  pressurized  piped  irrigation.  The  use  of SCADA,  Internet  of  things technology will be used for water accounting and water management. This will increase the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) at the farm level, increase agriculture production & productivity; and thereby increase the income of farmers.

(d) & (e) The projects will be made sustainable by Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to the Water User  Society  (WUS)  for  management  of  irrigation  assets.  The  farmers  will  be  encouraged  to  adopt sustainable  micro-irrigation  based  farming  practices  to  increase  agriculture  production  &  productivity. The Water User Societies (WUS) will be given handholding support for initial period of five years for O&M of irrigation infrastructure and evolve as a self-sustainable economic entity.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1869 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Expansion of Production Linked Incentive Scheme
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1869

ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2025

## EXPANSION OF PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME

## 1869.   SHRI RAJU BISTA:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) the key objectives of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry;
- (b) the number of beneficiaries selected and the total funds disbursed thereunder till July 2025 in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts;
- (c) the  expected  impact  of  the  scheme  on  country's  food  processing  sector  and employment generation till July 2025; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  plans  to  extend  or  expand  the  scheme  for future participation and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAVNEET SINGH)

- (a). The  objective  of  the  Production  Linked  Incentive  Scheme  for  Food  Processing Industry  (PLISFPI)  is  to  support  the  creation  of  global  food  manufacturing  champions; promote Indian brands of food products; increase employment opportunities for off-farm jobs, ensure remunerative prices of farm produce and higher income to farmers.
- (b). There  is  no  beneficiary  /  applicant   approved  under  PLISFPI  in  Darjeeling  and Kalimpong districts.
- (c). The scheme has led to increase in food processing capacity of 35.00 lakh MT per annum in the Country. The total number of about 3.39 Lakhs, both Direct and Indirect employment, have been generated so far under the PLISFPI.
- (d). At  present,  there  is  no  such  proposal  under  consideration  in  the  Ministry  of  Food Processing Industries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1866 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Road Safety Measures on New NHs
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Azad Kirti Jha

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  separate  infrastructure  for  road  safety  on  new National Highways (NHs) is being developed;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  types  of  structures  such  as  crash  barriers, signage boards and foot over bridges have been included under this initiative, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the impact of such initiatives on the rate of accidents?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  to  (c)  National  Highways  (NHs)  works  are  carried  out  as  per standards,  guidelines,  manual,  code  of  practice  of  Indian  Roads Congress  as  well  as  specifications  for  Road  and  Bridge  Works. Necessary road safety measures inter-alia include provision of crash barriers, signage boards, foot over bridges, etc. are taken up during design,  construction,  operation  and  maintenance  stages.  Further, guidelines  have  been  issued  for  regular  safety  audit  of  all  NHs  at design, construction, pre-opening stage of NH projects as well as on existing  NHs  for  ensuring  road  safety.  While  various  measures adopted  for  enhancement  of  road  safety  definitely  contribute  to reduction in rate of accidents, it is difficult to quantify the rate of such reduction being newly constructed National Highways.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1866 ANSWERED ON 31ST JULY, 2025

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES ON NEW NHs

1866. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 1858 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Improvement in the Average Ethanol Blending
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Kripanath Mallah, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat, Shri Tapir Gao, Shri Ananta Nayak, Shri Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Rodmal Nagar

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1858

TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 st July, 2025

## IMPROVEMENT IN THE AVERAGE ETHANOL BLENDING

## 1858.  SHRI KRIPANATH MALLAH:

SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT:

SHRI TAPIR GAO:

SHRI ANANTA NAYAK:

SHRI JASHUBHAI BHILUBHAI RATHVA:

DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:

SHRI MAHESH KASHYAP:

DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

SHRI RODMAL NAGAR:

## पेĚोͧलयम और Ĥाक ृ Ǔतक गैस मंğी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the extent to which the ethanol supply has increased from the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 till now;
- (b)  the improvement in the average ethanol blending as compared to the year 2023-24; and
- (c)  the number of retail outlets of public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) which have commenced/started dispensing E-20 petrol?

## ANSWER

## पेĚोͧलयम और Ĥाक ृ Ǔतक गैस मंğालय मɅ राÏयमंğी ( Įी सुरेश गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c):  The Government has been promoting blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell ethanol  blended  petrol.  Under  EBP    Programme,  the  blending  of  ethanol  with  petrol  increased from  38 crore litres in Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to more than 700 crore litres in ESY 2023-24  with  corresponding  increase  in  blending  percentage  from  1.53%  in  ESY  2013-14  to approximately  14.6%  in  ESY  2023-24.  Further,  for  the  ongoing  Ethanol  Supply  Year  (ESY) 2024-25, as of 30.06.2025, a total of 661.06 crore litres of ethanol has been blended with petrol, achieving a blending percentage of 18.93%. During the month of June, 2025, Ethanol blending of 19.92% has been achieved. All retail outlets of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across the mainland of the country, having petrol selling facilities, dispense E20 petrol.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Facilities in DDA Flats
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Shri Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1850 TO BE ANSWERED ON JULY 31, 2025

## FACILITIES IN DDA FLATS

NO. 1850.

SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV:

SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  policy  relating  to  the  construction  of  MIG flats/houses by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA);
- (b) the time period for the retention of flats by DDA  after construction;
- (c)
- the details of DDA/MIG flats constructed in Motia Khan, Delhi;
- (d) whether  houses  are  being  constructed  by  DDA  outside  Delhi also  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  policy  and criteria laid down by the Government in this regard;
- (e) the number of houses constructed during each of the last ten years, State-wise;
- (f) whether the interests/needs including water and other facilities for the families living on the ground floor have been taken good care  of  by  DDA  in  its  flats  and  particularly  in  the  above  said flats;
- (g)
- if so, the manner thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (h) whether such families are permitted to keep water tanks on the roof tops and if so the details thereof including the provisions made by the Government in this regard; and
- (i) the action being taken against the residents stopping others to install water tanks on the roof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a) The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has informed that DDA constructs flats for various income categories, including MIG, based on the housing requirements in different localities of Delhi, as assessed by its  Planning  Department  in  accordance  with  the  Master  Plan  of  Delhi. Following  this  need  assessment,  construction  is  undertaken  by  the Engineering and Architecture Departments of DDA as per the prevailing Building Byelaws.

- (b) The constructed flats are disposed of, after obtaining the approval of the Authority, in accordance  with the provisions of the  DDA (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.
- (c) A total of 312 MIG category flats were constructed by DDA at Motia Khan, Delhi, in the year 1990.
- (d) DDA has not been constructing houses outside Delhi.
- (e) Not applicable in view of (d) above.

(f) & (g) Yes. Till the time an area remains under DDA's jurisdiction, all civic  amenities  are  maintained  by  DDA.  Once  the  area  is  de-notified, water  and  sewerage  services  are  taken  over  by  the  Delhi  Jal  Board, while maintenance of roads, pathways, parks, storm water drains, etc., is handled by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

- (h) DDA has already provided water storage tanks on the terraces in all residential pockets.
- (i) Not applicable in view of (h) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Delay in Payment for Construction of Model Toilets
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1847 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2025

## DELAY IN PAYMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MODEL TOILETS

## †1847. SHRI AMRA RAM:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the payment for construction of model toilets under the Swachhata Mission has not been made even after seven years by the Gram Panchayats of Sikar Lok Sabha Constituency and if so, the reasons therefor and the authority responsible for the same; and
- (b) the current status of Swachh Bharat Mission across the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

- (a)  As  informed  by  the  Government  of  Rajasthan,  payments  for  model  toilets  constructed  in Gram Panchayats of Sikar Lok Sabha Constituency could not be made within timeline by the concerned District Authorities.
- (b) Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] was launched on 2nd October, 2014 with the aim to eliminate open defecation in rural areas  by 2nd October, 2019. All the villages of the country declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October, 2019. Phase II of Swachh Bharat  Mission  (Grameen)  [SBM(G)]  is  being  implemented  during  the  period  from 2020-21 to 2025-26, with the focus on Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and to cover all the villages with solid and liquid waste management i.e. converting the villages from ODF to ODF Plus (Model). So far, 4,72,076 Villages have been declared as ODF Model Villages.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy, Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1844 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 31.07.2025

## PRADHAN MANTRI VISHWAKARMA YOJANA

1844.

SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:

DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of fund transfers under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana;
- (b) the nature of marketing and branding facilities provided to the artisans therein; and
- (c) the  future  plans  for  service  expansion  to  artisans  including  the  possibility  of  discounted insurance for artisanship-related risks?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a): PM Vishwakarma, launched on 17.09.2023, is a Central Sector Scheme with total budget outlay of Rs. 13,000 crore for a period of 5 years from 2023-24 to 2027-28.Details of total funds sanctioned and utilised under the Scheme are given below:
- (b): Under the scheme, PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries across the country are being provided with  marketing  support  including  participation  in  trade  fairs,  state  level  exhibitions  etc.  to showcase, display and sell their handicrafts. Also, online marketing support is being provided to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries through various e-commerce platforms to promote online sale of their products.
- (c): As  on  date,  there  are  no  such  plans  for  service  expansion  to  artisans  including  the possibility of discounted insurance for artisanship-related risks.

| Financial Year   | Budgetary Allocation (Rs. in crore)   | Funds Utilised (Rs. in crore)   |
|------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 2023-24          | 753.11                                | 745.92                          |
| 2024-25          | 3,993.78                              | 3,993.10                        |
| 2025-26          | 5,100                                 | 1,419.02 (till 28/07/25)        |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 156 (STARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: 5G Rollout in Gujarat
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Devusinh Chauhan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 156 ANSWERED ON 30 TH  JULY, 2025

## 5G ROLLOUT IN GUJARAT

| *156.      | SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN:                                                                          |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| (a)        | the details of the current status of the 5G Network across the country particularly in Gujarat; |
| (b) areas; | whether the Government plans to accelerate the deployment of 5G infrastructure in rural         |
| (c)        | if so, the details of the initiatives being undertaken by the Government in this regard; and    |
| (d)        | the expected timeline for widespread availability of 5G services in Gujarat?                    |
| ANSWER     | ANSWER                                                                                          |
| (a) to (d) | 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  (d)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.156  FOR 30 TH   JULY,  2025 REGARDING '5G ROLLOUT IN GUJARAT.'

(a) 5G services have been rolled out in all States/ UTs across the country and it is available in 99.9% of the districts in the country. As on 30.06.2025, 4.86 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been installed by the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) across the country, out of these 32,547 number of 5G BTSs have been installed in Gujarat State.

(b) & (c) To accelerate the deployment of 5G services and infrastructure across the country, including  in  rural  areas,  Government  has  taken  several  initiatives,  which,  inter  alia,  include  the following:

- i. Auction of spectrum for 5G mobile services.
- ii. Financial reforms to rationalize Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), Bank Guarantees (BGs) and interest rates.
- iii. Removal of Spectrum Usage Charges for spectrum acquired in auction of 2022 and thereafter.
- iv. Simplification of procedure for SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations) clearance.
- v. Launch of GatiShakti Sanchar portal and RoW(Right of Way) Rules to streamline RoW permissions and clearance of installation of telecom infrastructure.
- vi. Time-bound permission for use of street furniture for installation of small cells and telecommunication line.
7. (d) 5G services are available in all the districts of Gujarat State.

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