opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Revival of VISL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri B Y Raghavendra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1228

FOR ANSWER ON 30.07.2024

## REVIVAL OF VISL

1228. SHRI B Y RAGHAVENDRA

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Goverment proposes to revive the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) located at Bhadravathi in the State of Karnataka keeping in view of recent visit of the Union Minister of Steel to the plant;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor: and
- (c) whether the Steel Authority of India proposes to resume production activities and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE         (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(c): The Government accorded 'in principle' approval for strategic disinvestment of Visveswaraya  Iron & Steel Plant (VISP) in October 2016. Subsequently,  due  to  inability  expressed  by  the  shortlisted  bidders  to  participate further in  the  transaction for  Strategic  Disinvestment, the Competent Authority had approved annulment of Expression of Interest (EOI) for disinvestment and has directed for initiation of process for closure of Visveswaraya Iron & Steel Plant, Bhadravati, as communicated by Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on 14/10/2022, which was conveyed to the SAIL on 31/10/2022.

At  present  with  245  regular  employees  are  on  the  roll  in  VISP.    Various  Finishing Facilities such as Mills and Forge shop are in operation, and with the semi-finished steel supplied by sister plants/units of SAIL as per requirement, VISP has produced 13000 tonnes of saleable steel in the year 2023-24.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Implementation  of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1225

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 TH  JULY, 2024

## WORKING OF RASHTRIYA KAMDHENU AAYOG

1225 SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is no Chairman in the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog, constituted for the welfare of cows, if so, the reasons therefor and the date from which the post became vacant; (b) the details of the schemes implemented since 2019 on the recommendations of the Rashtriya
- Kamdhenu Aayog;
- (c) the total expenditure on these implemented schemes out of a fund of Rs. 500 crore allocated to Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog in the budget for the financial year 2019-2020; and (d) the total number of veterinary, animal husbandry and agricultural universities participating in the initiative launched by Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

- (a)  Yes  Sir.  There  is  no  Chairman  in  the  Rashtriya  Kamdhenu  Aayog(RKA).  The  Central Government  has  not  appointed  the  Chairman.  The  RKA  has  been  attached  with  the  Animal Welfare Board of India.
- (b) No schemes were implemented by the RKA since 2019.
- (c) Does not arise.
- (d) No information available.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1224 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Criterion for Declaration as National Calamity
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1224

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 30 TH  JULY, 2024/ SHRAVAN 8, 1946 (SAKA)

CRITERION FOR DECLARATION AS NATIONAL CALAMITY

1224     SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  process  or  criterion  for  declaring  a disaster as national calamity;

- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  plans  to  declare  the  Delhi  floods  as  a national calamity; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): As per the National Policy on Disaster Management, the primary responsibility  for  disaster  management,  including  disbursal  of  relief  to  the affected people, rests with the State Governments/  Union Territories concerned.  The scheme of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)/ National Disaster  Response  Fund  (NDRF)  does  not  contemplate  declaration  of  any calamity  as  national  calamity.  The  State  Governments  undertake  relief measures in the wake of natural disasters from the SDRF, already placed at

their disposal, in accordance with the Government of India's approved items and norms.  However, the Central Government adjudges a calamity of 'severe nature' on case-to-case basis taking into account inter-alia, the intensity and magnitude  of  the  calamity,  level  of  relief  assistance  required,  coping capacity of the State Government to tackle the problem etc.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Swavalamban Portal
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde

## DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1222

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2024

## SWAVALAMBAN PORTAL

## 1222.  Ms. PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT सामािजक Ɋाय और अिधकाįरता मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  steps  taken  to  address  and  resolve  the  technical  issues  on  the  Swavlamban  Portal, reported  by  the  CMOs  of  different  sub-districts  of  Maharashtra,  as  this  affects  the  timely issuance of disability certificates;
- (b) whether there is any timeline for when these issues will be resolved;
- (c)  if  so,  the  manner  in  which  the  Ministry  plan  to  enhance  the  flexibility  of  the  Portal  to accommodate changes in personnel such as the appointment of new CMOs without disrupting the functionality and hierarchy of the medical boards;
- (d) whether there are any plans for regular updates to ensure the portal remains updated to such changes and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the mechanisms in place for CMOs and hospital staff to manage technical issues on the Swavlamban Portal; and
- (f)  whether there is  a provision for training or a dedicated support team to assist CMOs in creating or updating specialist profiles, adding or deleting medical boards and resolving any other technical challenges they face and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f): The swavalamban portal has been revamped recently to facilitate the persons with Disabilities with various new features to ease process of generation of Disability Certificate / UDID Card. During the revamping stage of swavalamban portal, some technical issues were reported from Maharashtra Government. These issues were resolved from time to time by the Department. Issues are resolved on priority as and when they are reported. The changes on Swavalamban portal relating to adding of new Chief Medical Officers have been made and now state social welfare departments have been authorised to change personal information in cases of appointment of new CMOs. The updation on the swavalamban portal is also made based on the suggestions received from the persons with disabilities and various stakeholders. Any technical issues reported by Chief Medical Officers and hospital staffs are resolved by the  Department  at  the  earliest.  Multiple  training  sessions  have  been  organised  by  the Department for medical authorities/Chief Medical Officers from various States/UTs to assist them in working on swavalamban portal and responding to their queries. The special training sessions  for  Chief  Medical  Officer  and  medical  specialists  are  also  provided  by  the Department on revamped swavalamban portal as per the request from the State Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1221 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Implementation of National Overseas Scholarships
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1221 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2024

## IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS

## 1221 SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:

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

- (a) the salient features of National Overseas Scholarships scheme;
- (b) whether it is true that only 45 students have been awarded the scholarship during the last five years;
- (c) if so, the reasons for such skewed numbers; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to increase the number of beneficiaries under said scheme?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a): National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme to facilitate the low income students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, De-notified Nomadic and SemiNomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans category to obtain higher education such as Master's degree, Ph. D courses by studying abroad.

To qualify under NOS Scheme, candidates should have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination, the candidates total family income from all sources should be less than Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year, the candidate should be less than 35 years age on first April of the selection year and have an unconditional offer of admission from top 500 QS ranked foreign University as per the latest QS rankings.

Under NOS Scheme each Selection Year, 125 fresh candidates are selected subject to availability of funds. Out of the 125 Candidates who are awarded scholarship, 115 are for Scheduled Castes candidates, 06 for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes and 04 are for Landless Agricultural Labourers candidates and Traditional Artisans. 30% of the scholarships for each year are earmarked for female candidates.

- (b) & (c): During last 5 selection years 575 students have been selected, out of which 412 students have proceeded for study abroad availing scholarship under NOS Scheme.
- (d): Number of slots has been increased from 100 to 125 from Selection Year 2021-22 and at present there is no proposal for further increasing the slots.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: More Person Days Generated under MGNREGS
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1219 ANSWERED ON 30/07/2024

## MORE PERSON DAYS GENERATED UNDER MGNREGS

## 1219 SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  a  total  of  305.2  person  days  were generated  in  financial  year  2023-24,  which  is  12  crore  more person  days  than  in  2022-23  and  40  crore  more  than  the firstpandemic year in 2019-20;
- (b) whether  it is a fact that the  data  point  to  widespread unemployment and stagnant wagesthat runs counter to development narrative being said;
- (c) whether it is true that in many ways, 2022-23 is seen as the first  year  after  the  countrycame  out  of  the  pandemic  shock and it took time for the economy to pick up;
- (d) whether  it  is  also  true  that  there  have  been  demands  to increase the guaranteed numberof work days under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGS); and
- (e) if so, the steps taken thereon?

## ANSWER

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

(a)to(c):  As  per  the  NREGASoft,  a  total  of  389.09  crorepersondays were  generated  in  the  financial  year  2020-21,  during  which  the impact of Covid -19 was on the peak. Against this, total of 293.70 crorepersondays  were  generated  in  FY  2022-23.  In  the  Financial Year 2023-24 a total of 309.01 crorepersondays have been generated.  Here  it  is  also  mentioned  that  during  the  FY  2023-24

some parts of the country like the State of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh had faced drought situation which also contributed in the generation  of  higher  persondays  in  some   states  including  Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Hence, it may not be appropriate to link the higher  generation  of  persondays  under  Mahatma  Gandhi  National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) in FY 2023-24  with the overall employment situation in the country.

(d)& (e):      There is no proposal under consideration to increase the minimum  guaranteed  days  in  a  year  to  the  workers  under  the Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGS.  However,  the  Ministry  mandates  the provision of an additional 50 days of wage employment (beyond the stipulated 100 days) to every Scheduled Tribe Household in a forest area, provided that these households have no other private property except  for  the  land  rights  provided  under  the  Forest  Rights  Act (FRA), 2006.

In addition to this, there is a provision for up to an additional 50 days of wage employment in a financial year in drought/natural calamity-affected notified rural areas.

As  per  Section  3  (4)  of  the  Act,  the  State  Governments  may make provision for providing additional days of employment beyond the period guaranteed under the Act from their own funds.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1218 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Liquor Outlet
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Laxmikant Pappu Nishad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1218 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2024

## LIQUOR OUTLET

## 1218 SHRI LAXMIKANT PAPPU NISHAD:

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

- (a) the total number of liquor outlets in Delhi NCR that are open as early as 10 AM;
- (b) whether students not falling in legal drinking age group buy alcohol during shcool/college hours, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Government is considering change in the operational hours to start from 14.00 hrs. so as to discourage students from the above mentioned age group from approaching these outlets; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to discourage such students from buying alcohol from liquor outlets?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): As per information provided by Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, as on 25.07.2024, 758 retail liquor outlets are operational with timing from 10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M.
- (b): As per Section 23 of Delhi Excise Act, 2009 "No person or licensed vendor or his employee or agent shall sell or deliver any liquor to any person apparently under the age of twenty-five years, whether for consumption by self or others".
- (c) & (d): As per information provided by Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, no such proposal is under consideration. As and when complaint is received, action is taken as per Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Rules, 2010.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: National Maize Mission
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1217

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 30 TH  JULY, 2024

## NATIONAL MAIZE MISSION

## 1217.  DR ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to launch National Maize Mission;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the other initiatives to improve Maize production in the country specially in the State of Bihar?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) to (d): Maize Development Programme is being implemented under Coarse Cereals component of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 26 States including Bihar & 2 Union Territories from 2014-15 to enhance production & productivity of maize. Besides, states can support maize development programme under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - Remunerative Approaches  for  Agriculture  and  Allied  Sectors  Rejuvenation  (RKVY-RAFTAAR)  with  the approval  of  State  Level  Sanctioning  Committee  (SLSC)  under  the  chairmanship  of  Chief Secretary of the State.

Further, to improve production & productivity of maize three projects of ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana and one project of International Maize & Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) have been approved under NFSM.

The Government has been increasing the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of maize over the years to encourage farmers for cultivation of maize and ensure remunerative prices. During the year 2024-25, MSP of maize has been increased to Rs. 2225/ quintal, which is 6.5% higher than previous year.

The state  government  of  Bihar  is  implementing  a  scheme  to  promote  kharif  maize during 2024 for expanding an area by 70000 Ha.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1215 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Special Scheme to Improve Fisheries in Odisha
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Pradeep Purohit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1215 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30 th  JULY, 2024

## Special Scheme to Improve Fisheries in Odisha

1215 Shri Pradeep Purohit:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्य पालन , पशु पालन और डेयरी मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken by Government to improve fisheries in Odisha;
- (b) whether the Government has announced any special schemes for riverine fisheries cultivation, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the amount of funds allocated, disbursed and utilised for the same during the last five years for the State of Odisha, year-wise?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

- (a): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government  of  India  is  implementing  Pradhan  Mantri  Matsya  Sampada  Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in all States and Union Territories  including  Odisha.  During  last  four  years,  the  proposals  of  Government  of Odisha have been approved at a total cost of Rs.1071.77crore with central share of Rs.439.33 crore under PMMSY for development of fisheries and aquaculture in the state including welfare of fishermen.
- (b): The activities such as 'River ranching' is implemented through National Fisheries Development  Board  (NFDB)  under  the  Central  Sector  component  of  PMMSY  for conserving biodiversity, increasing productivity of rivers and maximizing social-economic benefits to the riverine fishermen. Under this scheme financial assistance is provided for stocking of fingerlings @ Rs. 3/- per fingerling at a size of 80-100 mm. Besides, activity of 'establishment of cages in rivers for fish culture' is implemented under PMMSY with unit cost of Rs.3.0 lakh/cage. Government of Odisha has reported that River ranching

programmes  have  been  taken  up  in  the  rivers  Brahamani,  Mahanadi,  Rusikullya, Baitarani under PMMSY. (c):  As reported by Government of Odisha, Central funds released and utilized for the river  ranching  programme  under  PMMSY  during  last  four  years  and  current  year

- furnished below:

(Rupees in Lakh)

| Sl No.   | Year    | Funds released   | Funds Utilised   |
|----------|---------|------------------|------------------|
| (i)      | (ii)    | (iii)            | (iv)             |
| 1        | 2020-21 | 50.00            | 50.00            |
| 2        | 2021-22 | 200.00           | 200.00           |
| 3        | 2022-23 | 200.00           | 200.00           |
| 4        | 2023-24 | 200.00           | 200.00           |
| 5        | 2024-25 | 200.00           | 0.00             |
| Total    | Total   | 850.00           | 650.00           |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-30
Subject: Funds for Rural Development Schemes in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1214 ANSWERED ON 30/07/2024

## FUNDS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IN TAMIL NADU

## 1214 Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether the funds allotted to the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu  under various  schemes  of  theMinistry  of  Rural  Development  during the period of 2021-2024 is higher than as compared torecent past; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  allotment  of  funds  thereof  annually  from 2021-2024, district-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) Yes.

(b)  Ministry  of  Rural  Development is implementing a number of schemes for Rural Development in the rural areas of the country including the state of Tamil Nadu viz., Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY), DeendayalAntyodayaYojana  -  National  Rural  Livelihoods  Mission  (DAYNRLM), DeenDayalUpadhayay - GraminKaushalyaYojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Watershed Development Component (WDC) of the Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana (WDC-PMKSY).

Funds under these schemes  are  allocated by the Ministry to the States/UTs which in turn release to the concerned districts.  Hence, this Ministry does  not  allocate/release funds to the districts. The  total allocation  of  funds  under  the  above  mentioned  schemes  to  Tamil  Nadu from 2021-22 to 2023-24 are as under:

(Rs.in crore)

| State      |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |
|------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Tamil Nadu |   12241.2 |   13343.6 |   14131.8 |

*****