opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4154 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Geothermal Energy Sites
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Kesineni Sivanath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4154

ANSWERED ON 26/03/2025

## GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SITES

## 4154. SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH

## Will the MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any study on geothermal sites across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and district-wise for Andhra Pradesh;
- (c) whether the Government has any data regarding the geothermal power plants that have been proposed and which are under construction across India;
- (d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh;
- (e) the details of the funds allocated and utilized for geothermal energy projects across India, State-wise and year-wise especially for Andhra Pradesh; and
- (f) the details of the measures taken by the Government to promote and incentivize investment in geothermal energy production in the country especially Andhra Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b). Yes, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has carried out exploration of geothermal energy in  various  recognized  geothermal  fields  which  includes  collection  of  data  on  temperature, discharge,  and  quality/chemistry  of  water  in  different  geothermal  fields.  GSI  has  studied  381 thermally anomalous areas across India and has published a report titled ' Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022' . A potential of about 10,600 MW of geothermal power has been estimated in the country.
- (c)  &  (d).  Singareni  Collieries  Company  limited  (SCCL)  has  commissioned  a  20  kW  pilot geothermal power plant in Manuguru area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana. There is currently no geothermal power plants proposed or under construction in Andhra Pradesh.
- (e) No fund has been allocated by Ministry, so far.
- (f) The Ministry is implementing a 'Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)' through various research institutions and industry to develop indigenous technologies  and  manufacturing  for  widespread  applications  of  new  and  renewable  energy including geothermal energy in efficient and cost-effective manner in the country including Andhra Pradesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4149 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Internet Exchange Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4149 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH  MARCH, 2025

## INTERNET EXCHANGE POLICY

## 4149.   SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any study/survey regarding the formalisation of an Internet Exchange Policy (IXP) for the country during the last five years;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  regarding  the  steps  undertaken  and  the  proposed  timeline  for  the development of an Internet Exchange Policy;

(c) whether the Government has considered the proposals regarding an Internet Exchange Policy as submitted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

- (d) whether the Government proposes to introduce a formal regulatory authority to oversee the Internet Exchange Policy; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) No such study/survey has been undertaken by the Department.

(c) to (e) TRAI  has  given  its  recommendations  on  Internet  Exchange  Point  (IXP)  vide  its recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Promoting Data Economy Through Establishment of Data Centres, Content Delivery Networks, and Interconnect Exchanges in India dated 18.11.2022 and recommendations on the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 dated 17.02.25.

The  aforesaid  recommendations  of  TRAI  are presently under consideration of the Department. Being a policy matter, it is not feasible to specify a time frame for a decision.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4147 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Sainik Bogies to the Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Roat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4147

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.03.2025

## SAINIK BOGIES TO THE TRAINS

## †4147. SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether separate Sainik bogies were attached to the trains running in the  country  before  the  Corona  period  and  at  present  such  bogies  have been detached, if so, the details of trains having Sainik bogies;
- (b)  the  number of bogies reserved for soldiers in the trains running from Jammu and Kashmir at present;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  number  of  such reserved bogies, if so, the time by when and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether soldiers have to face problems due to lack of separate bogies for them and nonconfirmed seats;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to run a special "Sainik Train" from Jammu and Kashmir;
- (f) if so, the time by when; and
- (g) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (g) To facilitate the journey of Defence personnel and also to ensure optimal  ulitisation  of  available  accommodation,  earmarking  of  quota  in Mail/Express is done in different classes of reserved coaches, based on the

request from Defence department and keeping in view the occupancy of train.

Further, if required, complete  train(s) is (are) also booked  for the movement of Defence personnel.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4145 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Introduction of Vande Metro Trains in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4145 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.03.2025

INTRODUCTION OF VANDE METRO TRAINS IN TAMIL NADU 4145. THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce Vande Metro trains from Chennai to Vellore and other metro cities in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of  the  total  number  of  Vande  Bharat  trains  currently operational across the country, State-wise including Tamil Nadu; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  reduce  the  ticket  fare  in  Vande Bharat trains for the benefit of poor and middle-class people in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) At present, Chennai-Vellore (Katpadi) sector is being served by 61 pairs of train services including 20607/20608 MGR Chennai Central - Mysuru Vande  Bharat  Express  and  20663/20664  Mysuru  -  MGR  Chennai  Central Vande Bharat Express.

Presently, 136 Vande Bharat services are operating on the Indian Railways(IR)  network.  Railway  network  straddles  across  State  boundaries. Accordingly,  trains  are  introduced  across  such  boundaries  as  per  network requirement.  At  present,  on  originating/terminating  basis, 16  Vande  Bharat trains  are  catering  to  the  needs  of various  stations  located  in  the  State  of

Tamil Nadu.

To enhance the travelling experience of suburban and regional commuters, IR have introduced Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services, which  have prominent features   like   Centrally  controlled  Double  Leaf  Automatic  Sliding  Doors, CCTVs for safety and passenger surveillance, Mobile charging sockets, Fire Detection  System,  Continuous  LED  lighting  with  Energy  Efficient  Lighting system,   Emergency  Talk  System,   Modular  interior  with  Cushioned  Seats and Sealed Flexible Gangway,  FRP Modular Toilets with vacuum evacuation, etc.. Presently, 2 Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services are being operated on the

IR network. Besides, introduction of new train services including Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services  is  an  ongoing  process  on  Indian  Railways  subject  to  traffic justification, operational feasibility, availability of resources etc. The fares of various trains / classes including Vande Bharat is based on the services/facilities  provided  in  these  trains.  IR run  various  types  of  train services for different types of passenger segments. Evaluation and rationalization of passenger fares, including those of Vande Bharat trains, is a continuous and on-going process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4144 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Educational Schemes for Minority Students
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4144 ANSWERED ON 26/03/2025

## EDUCATIONAL SCHEMES FOR MINORITY STUDENTS

## 4144. SHRI ESWARASAMY K:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the new initiatives taken by the Government for education of minorities in the country especially in the State of Tamil Nadu;

(b) the details of hurdles and handicaps faced by the Government in proper educational development of minorities and in implementation of schemes; and

(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to overcome them?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (c): Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented various schemes for socio-economic empowerment  of  the  six  (6)  centrally  notified  minority  communities  including  various  educational empowerment  Schemes  such  as  (i)  Pre-Matric,  (ii)  Post-Matric  and  (iii)  Merit-cum-Means  based scholarships which are implemented across the country including the State of Tamil Nadu covering rural as well as urban areas.

Verification  of  fake  beneficiaries  at  the  institute  and  district/state  level  has  caused  hurdles  in implementation of Scholarship schemes during the past years. Taking cognizance of media reports and report  of  third  party  evaluation,  wherein  irregularities  were  highlighted,  this  Ministry  referred  the matter to Central Bureau Investigation (CBI). In the meanwhile, to prevent such leakages, Aadhaarbased bio-metric authentication process have been introduced and Aadhaar Payment Bridge System has  been  made  compulsory  for  direct  benefit  transfer  so  that  scholarship  benefits  could  reach  the genuine beneficiaries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4143 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Atal Jyoti Yojana
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4143

ANSWERED ON 26/03/2025

## ATAL JYOTI YOJANA

## 4143. SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE

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

- (a) the details and the names of States covered under Atal Jyoti Yojana including Maharashtra, district-wise;
- (b) the funds spent in each district under the said plan during the last three years, State-wise and district-wise for Maharashtra;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to install solar lights in Amaravati district of Maharashtra under the said Yojana;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated for the said purpose; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched initial phase of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) in September 2016. Under AJAY Phase-I, the Parliament Constituencies of the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were covered.

Subsequently, Phase-II of AJAY was launched in December, 2018. Coverage of AJAY PhaseII included Parliament Constituencies of the states covered in AJAY Phase-I, Hill States/UTs, states of North-East Region, Island UTs and aspirational districts not covered in the abovementioned  States/UTs.  Accordingly,  the  four  aspirational  districts  namely,  Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Washim and Osmanabad of the state of Maharashtra were covered under AJAY Phase-II.

Due to outbreak of COVID-19, the Government had suspended MPLADS Fund for two years i.e. for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 and accordingly, the AJAY Phase-II, which was partially funded through MPLADS Fund, was discontinued w.e.f. 01.04.2020 for new sanctions. Under AJAY Scheme no funds were released by MNRE to the implementing agency EESL during the last three years i.e. from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 354 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Start-ups under NTTM
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *354 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2025

## START-UPS UNDER NTTM

## *354. SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a) the manner in which the Government supports start-ups in terms of funding, infrastructure, and policy assistance along with the number of start-ups registered in Himachal Pradesh;
- (b) the manner in which these 4 start-ups align with the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the broader goals of the textile industry;
- (c) whether there are any plans to expand this initiative and approve more start-ups in the near future; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

उत्तर

ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिररराज स ंह )

MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

- (a) to (d):A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A) TO (D) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 354 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 25.03.2025 RAISED BY SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP ON START-UPS UNDER NTTM.

(a): The  Government  has  launched  'Grant  for  Research  and  Entrepreneurship  across  Aspiring Innovators  in  Technical  Textiles  (GREAT)'  scheme  under  the  National  Technical  Textiles  Mission (NTTM)  to  support  start  up  ecosystem  of  Technical  Textile  in  India.  Under  the  GREAT  scheme,  a maximum support of Rs. 50 lakhs is provided to each approved proposal.

Further, till date no start-up applications have been approved to individual/ start-up company based on Himachal Pradesh.

(b): A total of seventeen (17) startup proposals have been approved with a total cost of Rs. 8.80 Crores till date under the GREAT scheme of NTTM. These startups are majorly working in the development of Specialty Textiles, Medical  textiles,  Textile  Composites,  High  Performance  Textiles,  Sustainable Textiles, Protective Textiles which aligns with the National Technical Textiles Mission. These startups are  expected  to  create  an  ecosystem  for  manufacturing  of  technical  textiles  in  India  and  improve  the domestic market size and reducing dependency on imports.

(c) & (d): The applications for start-up proposals can be submitted under the GREAT scheme which is valid till March 2026.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4140 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Divya Kala Mela
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Ms. Bansuri Swaraj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## 4140.   MS. BANSURI SWARAJ

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  organize  Divya  Kala  Melas  on  a  larger  scale, keeping in  view  the  broader  interests  of  persons  with  disabilities  in  the  country,  If  so,  the details thereof, including any schemes or plans in this regard;

(b) the details  and number of persons who have been benefitted from Divya Kala Mela in recent years for employment generation and economic empowerment; and

(c) whether the Government proposes to enhance the budget allocation for Divya Kala Mela in view of its success, and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI B.L.VERMA)

(a)  to  (c)    The  Government  is  organizing  Divya  Kala  Melas  on  a  larger  scale  under  the Awareness Generation & Publicity Scheme [sub-scheme under Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA)] for awareness generation and to provide a platform to Divyangjan to promote the sale of the products made by them.

So far, 24 Divya Kala Melas have been organized since December, 2022 across the country. Around  1550  Divyang  entrepreneurs  and  artisans  have  benefitted  through  participation  in these  Divya  Kala  Melas  wherein  sales  worth  Rs  16.80  crore  were  made  by  them.  During these  Melas,  loans worth  Rs.17.42  Crore were  sanctioned  to  919  Divyangjan  under  the National Divyangjan Finance Development Corporation (NDFDC) loan scheme.

*****

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4140

TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2025

## DIVYA KALA MELA
Lok Sabha Question No. 4136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Timeline for Initiation of Makhana Board in Bihar
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

4136

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO . 4136

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  MARCH, 2025

## TIMELINE FOR INITIATION OF MAKHANA BOARD IN BIHAR

Shri Sudhakar Singh

.

:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष और िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state : (a) whether the Government has established any timeline for the initiation of the Makhana Board in Bihar, as announced in the Budget 2025, if so, the details thereof; (b)  the  details  of  steps  being  taken  to  support  makhana  farmers  in  terms  of  research, market linkages, price stability, and technological advancements; (c)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  introduce  any  financial  incentives  or  subsidies  for makhana cultivation and processing; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी ( SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR ) (a) to (d): The  Ministry  of  Agriculture  &  Farmers  Welfare,  subsequent  to  the  budget announcement  2025,  has  commenced  the  process  for  establishment  of  the  Makhana Board with the objectives to improve production, processing, value addition and marketing of makhana, along with handholding and training support to makhana farmers. Further,  Indian  Council  of  Agriculture  Research-National  Research  Centre  for Makhana,  Darbhanga  is  doing  research  work  and  has  started  an  incubation  centre  for farmers  and  entrepreneurs.  The  centre  is  promoting  mechanization  in  harvesting  and processing of makhana.  The centre is also distributing seeds for improving  productivity and  is  providing  regular  hands-on  training  to  farmers  for  production,  processing,  value addition and marketing of makhana.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4134 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Indian Exporters in International Events
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Tapir Gao

## INDIAN EXPORTERS IN INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

## 4134. SHRI TAPIR GAO:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a) the manner in which the Ministry ensure that Indian exporters participating in International events like Heimtextil benefit from global visibility; and
- (b) whether existing collaborations or MoUs between Indian and German textile machinery companies that can serve as benchmarks and if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

- (a): Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc. at national and international levels so that Indian exhibitors get benefits of global exposure.

The major eligible items of expenditure for organising / participating in Fairs, Exhibitions and Buyer Seller Meets Abroad under MAI Scheme are as under:

- i. Venue Cost, including Participation charges/ fee and organising expenses;
- ii. Publicity  Cost  incurred  on  promotion/  marketing/publicity,  including  digital  marketing  for buyer participation;
- iii. Cost of catalogue/printed and digital material, including cost of e-catalogue/ e-brochure/ webbanners/  online  advertisement  and  other  materials  including  its  design  and  development/ creation;
- iv. Translation and Interpreters charges;
- v. Expenditure towards freight charges of exhibits;
- vi. Reimbursement  of  air-fare  to  exporting  companies  with  an  f.o.b.  value  of  exports  below Rs.50 crore in the preceding financial year.
- vii. Any other specific component approved by the Empowered Committee.
8. (b): No Sir.

****