opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Hike of Cost Production in Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2596 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## HIKE OF COST PRODUCTION IN VANDE BHARAT SLEEPER TRAINS

## 2596 SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the design changes in coaches of prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches hiked the cost of production of said trains;
- (b) whether the KINET, a joint venture between Russian transportation firm  Transmashholding  and  Rail  Vikas  Nigam  has  been  asked  to incorporate design changes in coaches;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Railways  has  cancelled  a  Rs.  30,000  crore  tender given  to  the  French  engineering  company  to  manufacture  and maintain 100 aluminium body Vande Bharat train sets for the next 35 years; and
- (e) if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e):  With  a  view  to  provide  better  travel  experience  to  the passengers, Indian Railways introduced first-ever indigenously designed  and  manufactured  semi-high  speed  Vande  Bharat  trains with  modern  coaches,  advanced  safety  features  and  passenger amenities.

As  on  02 nd   December,  2024,  136  Vande  Bharat  train  services  are operational  on  the  Broad  Gauge  (B.G.)  electrified  network  of  Indian Railways.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains have been planned for long and medium distance  journey.  Design  of  trains  to  be  manufactured  by  Indian Railways  has  been  finalized.  At  present,  10  Vande  Bharat  Sleeper trains are under production. The first prototype has been manufactured and will undergo field trials. Further production of 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes has been taken up by ICF, Chennai.

In addition, Contracts for manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper rakes  have  also  been  awarded  to  Technology  Partners.  Design  of these Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes has been taken up.

Design  &  Manufacture  of  coaches  including  Vande  Bharat  is  a continuous process on Indian Railways and is undertaken based on operational and traffic requirement.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2595 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: 6G Spectrum Technology
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2595 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## 6G SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGY

## 2595.   THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has plans to introduce 6G spectrum technology to enhance high speed communication systems in the country and if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government has any proposal for exclusive exploitation and use of 6G spectrum in the communication systems under the various departments of Government and if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the outcome expected from the exploitation of 6G spectrum in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) Currently,  the  6G  technology  is  under  development  phase  at  international  level  and  is expected to be available by 2030. Hon'ble Prime Minister has released India's 6G vision 'Bharat 6G Vision' document on March 23, 2023 which envisaged India to be a frontline contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. Bharat 6G Vision is based on principles of affordability, sustainability and ubiquity. Also, Department of Telecom has facilitated setting up of 'Bharat  6G  Alliance'  which  is  an  alliance  of  domestic  industry,  academia,  national  research institutions and standards organisations to develop action plan according to the Bharat 6G Vision.

(b) & (c) The frequency bands 4400-4800 MHz, 7125-8400 MHz (or parts thereof), and 14.815.35  GHz  are  being  studied  in  International  Telecommunication  Union  (ITU)  for  the  use  of international Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). Based on the outcome of these studies, a decision on identification of these bands for IMT use will be taken at World Radio communication Conference in year 2027. These frequency bands are to be considered for 'IMT2030', also known as '6G'.

Presently the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz & 26 GHz are identified for IMT based services in this country. The TSPs who have acquired spectrum in these bands after paying the auction determined price can deploy any technology including 2G/3G/4G/5G/6G, based on the availability of device ecosystem.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2589 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Status of Permanent Employees in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2589

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## STATUS OF PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN RAILWAYS

†2589. SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to give the status of permanent  employees  to  the  temporary  employees  working  in  the Railways;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the  number  of  the  said  employees  in  the  country  who  are  not permanent at present, zone-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) Candidates  recruited  to  Indian  Railways  through  direct recruitment are given the status of permanent Railways employee on successful completion of probation period. The employees under going probation are designated as temporary employees. Training, recruitment & probation are continuous processes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2588 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Customer Care Centre for Complaints
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Abhay Kumar Sinha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2588 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## CUSTOMER CARE CENTRE FOR COMPLAINTS

† 2588.   SHRI ABHAY KUMAR SINHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  any  customer  care  centre  to address the complaints of the passengers;
- (b)  if  so,  the  time  by  which  it  is  likely  to  be  setup  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor;
- (c) whether any customer complaints mechanism is in existence;
- (d) if so, the number of complaints received during the last two years; and
- (e)  the  number  of  complaints  disposed  of  successfully  along  with  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e):  RailMadad  is  Indian  Railways  grievance  redressal  mechanism  that provides  passengers  an  integrated  platform  for  grievances,  assistance  and inquiry.  In  RailMadad,  a  grievance/assistance/inquiry  can  be  lodged  through multiple channels i.e. Helpline number-139, RailMadad Web, App, SMS as well as through  Social  Media  (Twitter  and  Facebook).  In  FY  2022-23,  99.99%  of grievances were resolved. In FY 2023-24, 99.98% of grievances were resolved. In addition to this, 1,43,728 assistance in FY 2022-23 and 2,29,966 assistance in FY 2023-24 were provided to passengers through RailMadad.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2584 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Electronic Component Manufacture Scheme
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2584

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 11.12.2024

## ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MANUFACTURE SCHEME

## 2584.     DR. C M RAMESH:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the  aims  and  objectives  of  Electronic  Component  Manufacture  Scheme  (ECMS) announced by the Government recently;
- (b) whether it is true that the Government is proposing to allocate Rs. 40,000 crores for this scheme;
- (c) the manner in which the said scheme is different from the PLI scheme;
- (d) the  anticipated  investment  that  is  going  to  come  through  ECMS  and  employment opportunities generated through them; and
- (e) the details of subsidyand capital expenditure out of the proposed Rs. 40,000 crores?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to  (e):  To  broaden  and  deepen  the  electronics  component  manufacturing  ecosystem, Government  of  India  has  launched  several  schemes,  including,  Scheme  for  Promotion  of Manufacturing  of  Electronic  Components  and  Semiconductors  (SPECS)  and  Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for large scale electronics manufacturing.

As a result of these initiatives, the domestic production of the electronics has grown from INR 5,33,550 Crores in FY 2019-20 to INR 9,52,200 Crores in FY2023-24 with compound annual growth  rate  ('CAGR')  of  about  16%.  As  per  industry  estimates,  approximately  25  lakhs employment (direct and indirect) has been generated in the electronics sector.

SPECS was notified on 1 st April  2020 in order to strengthen the electronics manufacturing ecosystem  in  the  country.  The  scheme  provided  financial  incentive  of  25%  on  the  capital expenditure for the identified list of electronic goods that comprises downstream value chain.

Similarly, the PLI for large scale electronics manufacturing for target segment mobile phones and electronic components was notified on 1 st April 2020. The scheme extended an incentive of  6%  to  4%  to  the  target  segments  for  a  period  of  5  years.  The  second  round  of  the  PLI scheme with target segment of specified electronic components was launched on 11.03.2021. The scheme extended an incentive of 5% to 3% to the target segment for a period of 4 years.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2582 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Electrification of Railway Lines
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2582 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAY LINES

†2582. SMT. BHARTI PARDHI: SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Indian Railways has achieved the target of electrification of railway lines;
- (b) if not, the details of the target achieved so far;
- (c) the date of which the target of 100% electrification of railway lines is likely to be achieved particularly with regard to Madhya Pradesh;
- (d) whether diesel engines are still being operated on the railway lines where electrification work has already been completed;
- (e) if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (f)  the  time  by  which  diesel  engines  are  likely  to  be  completely withdrawn from the electrified railway lines?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (f) Indian Railways (IR) has taken up electrification of Broad Gauge
- (BG)  Railway  lines  in  a  Mission  mode.  As  a  part  of  this  Mission, Electrification carried out during 2014-24 and before 2014 is as under:

| Period      | Route Kilometer   |
|-------------|-------------------|
| Before 2014 | 21,801            |
| 2014-24     | 44,199            |

100% BG rail lines in the state of Madhya Pradesh have been electrified. At present, 97% of the total BG network of the Indian Railways has been electrified. The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various  factors like forest clearances, right of way for the incoming transmission lines and its commissioning, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law  & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number  of  working  months  in  a  year  for  particular  project  site  due  to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect the completion time of the project(s). The use of diesel engines & its withdrawal from service is an ongoing process  on  Indian  Railways,  subject  to  network  approach,  operational feasibility, availability of resources, etc. Diesel locomotives shall however  be  required for disaster management,  strategic purpose, shunting etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Strengthening of Safety Standards for Electric Scooters
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## Government of India Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2581

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## STRENGTHENING OF SAFETY STANDARDS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

2581. MS. S JOTHIMANI:

## Will  the  Minister  of CONSUMER AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC  DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing number of electric scooter fires owing to faulty batteries;
- (b) whether any steps have been taken to ensure that Lithium batteries used in electronic scooters have Bureau of India Standards (BIS) certification;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to strengthen the safety standards of electric scooters and their machinery?

## ANSWER

## miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k jkT; ea=h (श्री बी.एल. वर्मा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L.VERMA)

(a)  to  (d)  :  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  &  Highways  had  constituted  a  committee  of  experts  for  the formulation  of  safety  standards  for  the  battery  and  its  components,  BMS  and  related  systems  in  electric vehicles. Based on the recommendation of the committee, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide S.O. 4567(E) dated 28 th September, 2022 has brought amendment to the Automotive Industry Standards, AIS:156 [Specific requirements for L (a motor vehicle less than four wheels and quadricycle) category electric power train vehicles].

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formulated Indian Standards IS 17017 series which addresses Safety  aspects  of  the  EV  Charging  Infrastructure  including  connectors,  communication  protocols,  electric vehicle supply equipment, etc. To address the safety requirement of scooters BIS have also formulated two standards viz. Indian Standards: IS No. 18590:2024 (Electric Power Train of L Category Vehicles Specific Requirements) & IS 18073:2023 (Electric Traction Motor Performance and Functional Requirements).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2578 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Advantages of AI and ML Technologies in Maharashtra
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Smt. Smita Uday Wagh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2578 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024)

## ADVANTAGES OF AI AND ML TECHNOLOGIES IN MAHARASHTRA

2578:  SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

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

- (a). the key objectives of the Government's plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-powered integrated dashboard for analysing news stories and predicting emerging trends and the way in which this initiative will be implemented in Maharashtra;
- (b). the  manner  in  which  the  use  of  AI  and  ML  technologies  is  likely  to  enhance  the Ministry's communication strategies in Maharashtra particularly in terms of improving citizen engagement and addressing region- specific challenges;
- (c). the potential benefits which Maharashtra derive from the implementation of Al-driven tools in countering misinformation and fostering accurate information dissemination at the state level;
- (d). the ways in which the integration of AI and ML into communication frameworks be tailored to address the unique socio-economic and cultural landscape of Maharashtra; and
- (e). the role to be played by Maharashtra's local governance and technology ecosystems in supporting the development and deployment of AI-powered tools for trend forecasting and misinformation countermeasures?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(DR. L. MURUGAN)

- (a) to (e): The proposed integrated dashboard of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,  Government of India  (GoI),  seeks  to  use  AI/ML-powered systems  for  effective  dissemination  of  information  about  government policies, schemes and programmes through the different mediums of mass communication. This will be useful for creating awareness about various schemes/policies/programmes  of  GoI  in  all  the  states  in  local  languages including Maharashtra.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2577 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: MoU with Invest India to Promote Economic Development in NER
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Shri Kripanath Mallah

## Government of India

## Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA

## Unstarred Question No.2577

To be answered on

Wednesday, December 11, 2024/ Agrahayana 20, 1946 (Saka)

## Question MoU with Invest India to Promote Economic Development in NER

## 2577.  Shri Kripanath Mallah:

Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state: (a) the  details  of  the  key  objectives  of  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Invest India; (b) the manner in which the collaboration between MoDoNER and Invest India will facilitate investment opportunities in the North Eastern Region (NER); and (c)

- the  specific  sector  or  industries  targeted  for  investment    under  this  MoU  to promote economic development in the North Eastern States?

## ANSWER The Minister of State of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Dr. Sukanta Majumdar]

(a)  to  (c): With an  intent to strengthen the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)  of the North  Eastern  (NE)  states  and  to  assist  the  NE  State  Government  to  meet  the objectives of attracting, facilitating and increasing investments in their states, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  with  Invest  India.  The  activities  and  deliverables  include  smooth  investment facilitation, focused investment, improvement in investment ecosystem & Ease of Doing Business  (EoDB) , development  of  mutually  beneficial  partnerships for  investment, support  in  the  preparation  of  investor-friendly  policies,  identification  of  key  growth sectors  and  build  partnerships  for  investment  and  commerce;  which  would  help  in leveraging  the  resources  of  North  Eastern  states  to  ensure  sustainable  development and inclusive growth.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: BharatNet and USOF
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Basavaraj Bommai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2572 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## BHARATNET AND USOF

## 2572.   SHRI BASAVARAJ BOMMAI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the specific outcomes achieved by the Government under the Universal Connectivity and Digital  India  initiatives  from  2014  to  2024,  including  improvements  in  internet  accessibility, affordability and digital inclusion in the rural and remote areas;
- (b) the  number of villages  connected under the  BharatNet  and Universal Service  Obligation Fund (USOF) schemes, State-wise, including Karnataka;
- (c) the current status of pending targets under the scheme, State-wise;
- (d) whether any measures have been adopted to monitor the impact of these initiatives on the local economy and employment and technological development in underserved regions; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

- (a) The Government has taken various initiatives and projects with funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi  (DBN)  [erstwhile  Universal  Service  Obligation  Fund  (USOF)],  under  the  Universal Connectivity. The details are available on Digital Bharat Nidhi website (https://usof.gov.in/en/home).
- (b) to (c) State-wise including Karnataka, the number of GPs connected under the BharatNet project and number of villages connected under various mobile schemes of DBN alongwith pending targets under these schemes are available on Digital Bharat Nidhi website (https://usof.gov.in/en/home).
- (d) & (e) Government  has  launched the Digital India programme  with  the vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy, by ensuring digital access, digital inclusion, digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide. The details are available on the Digital India website (https://www.digitalindia.gov.in ).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2570 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: ONORC Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2570 TO BE ANSWERED ON ll'rH DECEMBER, 2024

## ONORC SCHEME IN ANDHRA PRADESH

## 2570.  SHRI MADDILA  GURUMOORTHY:

Will  the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION amtqT wwI& ©r© at tIT##fIg;  fb6WT ddt be pleased to  state:

- (a) the salient features  of the One Nation  One Ration Card (ONORC)  scheme;
- (b) the details of  funds sanctioned, allocated and utilised under Public Distribution  System in Andhra Pradesh during the last three years;
- (C) the details of the targets fixed  and achievements  made under the scheme in the State; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that targeted beneficiaries avail bene nts  in the State?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a) to (d): The nationwide portability of ration cards is popularly known as One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) feature.  Through this technology driven reform, around 80 Crore PMGKAY  beneficiaries are empowered to lift  their  entitled  foodgrains from  any Fair  Price Shop (FPS) of their choice, anywhere in the country, by using their same existing ration card with  biometric  authentication on an electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) device. The family  back home can also lift  the part of the PMGKAY  foodgrains in the home State/UT on the same ration card.

So far, ONORC feature is enabled in all 36 States/UTs, across the country (including Andhra Pradesh), covering almost 100% PMGKAY  beneficiaries. Since its inception more than  158 Crore portability  transactions (including  16.12 crore portability  transactions in Andhra Pradesh) have been recorded under the ONORC feature, which includes both interState and intra-State transactions.

ONORC is a universal feature for PMGKAY  beneficiaries and no separate  funds have been allocated for Andhra Pradesh

#####