opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2576 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Allocation for Subsidies
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2576

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## ALLOCATION FOR SUBSIDIES

## 2576. SHRI UMMEDA RAM BENIWAL:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  reduced  subsidy  allocation  for  fertilizers  and  crop insurance during the last two financial years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the said reduction has disproportionately affected small farmers in Rajasthan and other drought prone States; 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) to (d) : The maximum retail price (MRP) of urea is constant since 2018. Similarly, MRP of DAP is constant forthe last three years. In order to keep the price constant, Government of India is bearing the subsidy on both the urea and Phosphatic & Potassic (P& K) fertilizers. The actual expenditure on urea varies with fluctuation in price of natural gas and other raw material used for urea production and international import prices of Urea. Under P&K scheme a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis and provided on notified P & K fertilizers. The consumption of fertilizers has been increased from 646.23 LMT in 2023-24 to 705.24 LMT in 2024-25. The subsidy of fertilizer during the financial years 2023-24 was Rs. 1,95,421 crores and in 2024-25  it was Rs. 1,77,129 crores.

The Government of India implements the scheme on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). The scheme is implemented mainly on area approach basis and comprehensive risk coverage of crops of farmers at very minimum premium for the farmers is provided under the scheme.  Admissible claims are worked out and paid directly only to the insured farmer's account by the insurance companies through DigiClaim module on National Crop Insurance Portal,  based  on  the  yield  data  per  unit  area  furnished  to  the  insurance  company  by  the concerned State Government upon receipt of Centre and State Government's requisite share in premium subsidy.  This is demand driven scheme and there is no provision for State wise fund  allocation  under  the  scheme.  Further,  the  funds  allocated  under  the  scheme  have increased in 2024-25 from the previous year.   The details of Budgetary provision and funds utilized during last two years i.e. from 2023-24 to 2024-25 are given below:

| Year    | Budget Estimates   | Revised Estimates   | Actual Release/Exp. (Rs. in crore)   |
|---------|--------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------|
| 2023-24 | 13,625.00          | 15,000.00           | 12,948.50                            |
| 2024-25 | 14,600.00          | 15,864.00           | 14,772.86                            |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2574 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Agricultural Loan for Small and Marginal Farmers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sanatan Pandey

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2574

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## AGRICULTURAL LOAN FOR SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS

## 2574. SHRI SANATAN PANDEY:

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

- (a) the percentage of small and marginal farmers among the total farmers in the country;
- (b) whether it is a fact that less than 30 per cent of the total agricultural loan is being given to small and marginal farmers;
- (c) if so, the details thereof including rural farmers; and
- (d) if not, the annual percentage of loan given to the said category of farmers?

## ANSWER

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

(a): The data on percentage of small and marginal farmers among the total farmers is not maintained  Centrally.  However,  as  per  latest  Agriculture  Census  2015-16  conducted  by Ministry  of  Agriculture  and  Farmers  Welfare,  small  and  marginal  operational  holdings constitute about 86 per cent of the total operational holdings in the country.

(b) to (d): The government is implementing a 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme known as the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) across various States and UTs in  pan  India.  This  scheme  aims  to  provide  concessional  interest  rates  on  short-term agricultural loans obtained by farmers through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for their working capital requirements. Due to KCC-MISS scheme access to easy and affordable credit has increased significantly to farmers to meet their operational needs. The number of operative KCC accounts has reached to 7.72 crore in 2024-25, which has contributed to an increase in credit extended amount from Rs.4.26 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 10.20 lakh crore in 202425.

As per Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, the total credit flow to the agriculture sector has nearly grown four times rising from Rs. 7.3 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 28.69 lakh crore in 2024-25. Out of which, Credit disbursed to small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) has grown to Rs. 14.35 lakh crore during this period. This indicates that small and marginal farmers receive about 50% of the total agricultural credit.

Besides  KCC-MISS,  Agriculture  Infrastructure  Fund  (AIF)  also  provide  institutional credit to farmers. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events and ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. By offering loans/financial support, these schemes help reduce the cost of borrowing, encourage timely repayment, and promote better credit discipline.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2566 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: PM KISAN Portal
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2566

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## PM KISAN PORTAL

2566. SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:

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

(a) the number of farmers receiving Rs. 6,000 PM Kisan instalments and the number of cases where delay was over 45 days in FY 2024-25;

(b) the average grievance redressal time on the PM Kisan portal; and

(c)  the  details  of  steps  taken  to  integrate  Aadhaar  authentication  to  reduce  exclusion errors?

## ANSWER

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

(a): The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of farmers with cultivable land-holding. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of ₹ 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit  Transfer  (DBT)  mode.  Under  the  PM-KISAN Scheme, cultivable  landholding  is primary eligibility criteria to receive  benefit of  the Scheme subject to certain exclusions relating to higher economic status.

A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without involvement of any intermediaries. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over ₹ 4.09 lakh Crore through 21 instalments since inception of the Scheme across the country.

Recently, the 21 st  instalment of PM-KISAN was released on 19 th  November, 2025, under which the benefits of the Scheme amounting to more than ₹ 18,691 crore were released to more than 9.34 Crore beneficiaries of the country.

Under the PM-KISAN Scheme, States/UTs are mandated to identify and verify the eligible beneficiaries under the scheme and upload the error-free data of eligible farmers including  land  records,  linking  of  Aadhaar  with  their  bank  accounts  and  e-KYC  for successful transfer of the benefits.

(b): To  ensure  the  prompt  resolution  of  issues  faced  by  the  farmers  under  the  PMKISAN scheme, a robust grievance redressal mechanism has been created on the PMKISAN portal. In the current financial year, the average grievance redressal time for the grievances received on the PM-KISAN portal so far is 6 days.

(c): To ensure that the benefits are provided only to the eligible beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme,  Aadhaar  demographic  authentication,  Aadhaar  based  e-KYC  and Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for benefit trasnfer have been made mandatory.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Sahakar Sarathi
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Dr. Bhola Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2560 ANSWERED ON 16 th  DECEMBER, 2025

## Sahakar Sarathi

## 2560. Dr. Bhola Singh:

Will the Minister of COOPERATION ( सहकारिता मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Sahakar Sarathi has been set up to enable rural cooperative banks to provide modern banking services;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the said initiative is likely to enable rural cooperative banks to provide modern banking services, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

- (a) Yes Sir. Sahakar Sarathi (Shared Service Entity -SSE) has been set up to enable Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBs) to provide modern banking services.
- (b) Following the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Sahakar Sarathi was established and  registered  on  21  July  2025.  It  has  an authorised  capital  of  ₹1,000  crore ,  with  the shareholding of NABARD, NCDC, and Rural Cooperative Banks fixed at 33.33% each.

The Sahakar Sarathi provides shared technological infrastructure and digital services to RCBs, including:

- Common and modern Core Banking Solutions (CBS);
- Digital payment systems such as AePS, UPI, and related digital channels;
- Cybersecurity framework, IT governance, and domain migration support (e.g., bank.in );
- Standard operating procedures, training, and capacity-building for technology adoption.
- (c) Through these interventions, Sahakar Sarathi enables Rural Cooperative Banks to deliver modern  and  standardised  digital  banking  services,  enhance  customer  access,  strengthen operational  efficiency,  and  adopt  contemporary  financial  technologies  comparable  to  other regulated banking entities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2559 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Assistance for Stray Animals in Rural Areas from SDRF
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sanjna Jatav, Mrs Ruchi Vira

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2559

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025/ AGRAHAYANA 25, 1947 (SAKA)

ASSISTANCE FOR STRAY ANIMALS IN RURAL AREAS FROM SDRF

†2559. MRS RUCHI VIRA: SMT. SANJNA JATAV:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the norms of existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) do not provide for assistance for stray animals in rural areas;

(b) if so, the details of the measures proposed by the Government to include provision for providing assistance for any animals in the existing SDRF norms keeping in mind that proper care and protection of such animals cannot be ensured at present due to the local bodies having limited resources; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): There is no specific provision under the scheme of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for stray animals. However, financial assistance by way of gratuitous relief is provided to  the  small  and  marginal  farmers  for  the  loss  of  milch  animal,  drought animals used for haulage.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2559 FOR 16.12.2025

Besides, the Animal Welfare of India (AWBI) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, recognizes the Animal Welfare Organizations, including Gaushalas, which are maintaining animal shelters. The State Governments, as per their mandate, are providing assistance for establishment of shelter to keep the stray animals. Moreover, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is providing grants for Shelter House for looking after the animals, Procurement of Ambulance Services to rescue and treatment of Animals in Distress, Relief to Animals during Natural Calamities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2558 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Free Trade Agreement with Israel
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2558 ANSWERED ON 16/12/2025

## FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL

2558 SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

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

- (a) whether India and Israel have decided to enter into negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA);
- (b) if so, whether the Government has signed any terms of reference in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c) India and Israel have decided to enter into negotiations for free trade agreement (FTA). During the visit of Hon'ble Commerce and Industry Minister to Israel in November 2025, both sides signed the terms of reference (ToR) which shall guide the negotiations for the FTA between India and Israel. The Terms of Reference of the India-Israel FTA covers  various  aspects  related  to  the  scope  of  the  agreement  and  modalities  of negotiations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2557

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PMFBY AND RWBCIS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

2557. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:

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

- (a)  the  status  of  implementation  of  PM  Fasal  Bima  Yojana  (PMFBY)  and  Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years and the current year, year-wise and district-wise;
- (b) whether it is true that nearly Rs. 2,600 crores claims are pending under PMFBY and RWBCIS in Andhra Pradesh as of June, 2025, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also true that 35,000 farmers applications with pending claims of Rs. 101 crore from Nellore district are pending from Rabi 2022-23 crop season onwards; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  efforts  are  being  made  by  the  Government  to  clear  the  pending  claims immediately?

## ANSWER

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

- (a):   Andhra Pradesh Government initially implemented the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana (PMFBY)  from  Kharif  2016  season  to  Kharif  2019  season  and  thereafter  stopped implementation  of  the  PMFBY  and  introduced  its  own  self-funded  Free  Crop  Insurance Scheme,  with  enrolment  based  on  digital  crop  survey  (e-crop)  data  and  without  the involvement of insurance companies.   After the efforts made by the Central Government, State  Government  re-joined  the  PMFBY  from  Kharif  2022  season  with  free/universal coverage based on e-crop.   State Government has transitioned to the voluntary enrollment of farmers from Rabi 2024-25 under PMFBY.
- (b) to (d): A portion of the claims are pending to be paid including farmers of Nellore district due to non-receipt of State Government share of premium subsidy for the period Rabi  2022-23  to  Rabi  2024-25.    However,  under  the  delinking  mechanism  adopted  by Central Government, share of premium subsidy pertaining to Government of India has been released and claims proportionate to the same have also been released to eligible farmers of State in previous seasons.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2551 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2551

TO BE ANSWERED ON - 16/12/2025

## NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

## 2551. SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware that the National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with  Multiple  Disabilities  (NIEPMD),  Chennai  has  halted  admissions  for  the  course 'Bachelor  in  Prosthetics  and  Orthotics'  after  conducting  the  Common  Entrance  Test  for admission this year and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is also aware that the discontinuation of this course would lead to a shortage of qualified Prosthetics and Orthotics professionals in the region and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether the Government proposes to restore the admission process and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI  B.L. VERMA)

(a)  National  Institute  of  Empowerment  of  Persons  with  Multiple  Disabilities  (NIEPMD), Chennai is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Department.

As  an  administrative  measure  Institute's  Executive  Council  (EC)  decided  not  to  take admissions  from  current  academic  year  2025-26  for  the  'Bachelor  in  Prosthetics  and Orthotics' Course.

(b) & (c) There are total 9 Institutions approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) in  the  region  for  conducting  Bachelor  in  Prosthetics  and  Orthotics  courses  having  a  total intake  of  185  Students.  As  on  date  a  total  number  of  241  Prosthetics  &  Orthotics Professionals are actively serving the Divyangjan Community in the region.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2547 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Government Press in Lakshadweep
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2547

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  DECEMBER, 2025/ AGRAHAYANA 25, 1947 (SAKA)

GOVERNMENT PRESS IN LAKSHADWEEP

2547. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the urgent need to strengthen and modernise  the  Government  Press  in  Lakshadweep  which  currently  faces limitations in infrastructure, manpower and production capacity;

- (b) whether the Government proposes to introduce digitalisation measures including modern printing technology, e-governance -compatible systems and upgraded equipment to improve efficiency, accuracy and timely printing of official documents;
- (c)  if  so,  the  details  of  the  proposed  initiatives  and  the  timeline  for  their implementation; and
- (d) whether the Union Territory Administration of Lakshadweep has sought financial  or  technical  assistance  from  the  Centre  for  the  upgradation  and digital transformation of the Government Press and if so, the details of action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

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

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2547 FOR 16.12.2025

(a)  to  (d):  The  Union  Territory  (UT)  of  Lakshadweep  Administration  has informed  that the  Government  Press  in  the  UT has adequate infrastructure, manpower  and  production  capacity  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the Administration. The  Press  is  already  using  modern  machines  and  digital technology for the printing of official documents. The initiative has also been taken for implementation of e-Gazette notification.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2543 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Implementation of PESA Act in UTs
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-2543

ANSWERED ON- 16.12.2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OFPESA ACT IN UTS

† 2543. SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Provisions of the Panchayats ( Extentions to Scheduled Areas) Act,1996 has been implemented in the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu by the Central Government, if so, the date on which the notification was issued in this regard; and

(b) if not, whether any scheme has been furmulated by the Government to enforce powers similar to the provisions of the PESA Act in the Union Territory under any other constitutional/legal mechanism, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH)

- a. Unless any area of a State/UT is notified as 'Scheduled Areas' in accordance with the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, the provisions of PESA Act do not apply to those areas. Since no area of the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu has been notified as a 'Scheduled Area', the provisions of the PESA Act are not applicable to the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman &Diu.

The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), are applicable only to the areas notified as 'Scheduled Areas' under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India defines that the expression 'Scheduled Areas' means such areas as the President may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas.

- b. No, Sir.

***