opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1190 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Toxic Contaminant in Indian Products
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi, Shri K Sudhakaran

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1190 ANSWERED ON 03/12/2024

## TOXIC CONTAMINANT IN INDIAN PRODUCTS

## 1190.  SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI:

## SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

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

(a) the  details  of  Indian  products  flagged  by  various  countries  for  toxic  content  since  2019, including the types of toxicity or safety issues identified;

(b) the details of steps  taken  to  address  these  concerns  and  ensure  compliance  with international standards; and

(c) whether any assistance is provided to Indian exporters to improve product safety standards and ensure compliance with international regulations, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

## (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) Importing countries keep issuing regulations from time to time regarding residue limits for various  products  especially  from  the  angle  of  food  safety  and  health.  Information  about  such regulations is disseminated among the exporters in order to ensure smooth flow of exports from India.

(b) & (c) To  ensure  compliance  with  international  standards,  Export  Inspection  Council (EIC), a statutory body under Department of Commerce, conducts periodic awareness and training programs  for  relevant  stakeholders  on  food  safety  standards  and  the  specific  requirements  of different importing countries. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  (APEDA)  has  developed  procedures  for  exports  of  peanuts  and  grapes  focusing  on

maximum residue levels and traceability system for grapes, peanut and organic products has also been  developed  to  monitor  food  safety  compliance.  In  addition,  exporters  are  supported  with certification  assistance,  laboratory  up-gradation  and  reimbursement  for  testing  charges.  The Marine  Products  Export  Development  Authority  (MPEDA)  offers  specialized  Hazard  Analysis Critical  Control  Point  (HACCP)  training  for  seafood  processors  and  collaborates  with  expert panels  to  address  and  rectify  issues  related  to  export  rejections.  The  issues  related  to  export rejections  have  been  addressed  and  discussed  during  bilateral  and  multilateral  meetings  with international  trade  partners.  These  measures  help  maintain  high  food  safety  standards,  ensuring smoother  international  trade  and  enhancing  global  market  access.  MPEDA  operates  a  financial assistance scheme for seafood processors registered with MPEDA for setting up mini laboratories in  approved  processing  plants.  The  scheme  helps  processors  procure  essential  equipment  and chemicals, and other supplies for in-house quality control.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1187

TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 RD  DECEMBER, 2024

## KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS

## 1187.  SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the minimum number of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) approved for a single district under the Krishi Vidyapeeth;
- (b) whether there is any specific provision for starting KVK Centres for inspirational districts to improve agriculture sector;
- (c) if so, the name of districts of Maharashtra which have been approved for setting up of KVKs;
- (d) the  number  of  KVK  centres  working  in  inspirational  districts  like  Washim, Nandurban, Dharashiv and Adhi village in Raigarh of Maharashtra;
- (e) whether the Government has received a proposal to start an independent KVK for Washim district;
- (f) if so, the decision taken on the said proposal at present; and
- (g) the  time  by  which  the  new  KVK  centres  are  likely  to  be  established  in inspirational Washim district?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k vkSj fdlku dY;k.k jkT; ea=h (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) & (b):  National Commission on Agriculture (1976) in its report on 'Research, Education and Extension', recommended to have one KVK in each district. Opening of new KVKs in newly created districts is a continuous process as per the prescribed procedure and guidelines.

There is a prescribed set of criteria for selection of a district for harbouring a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Further, the selection of Host Organization is based on the laid down qualifying parameters.

(c) to (g): At present there are 50 KVKs in the state of Maharashtra which includes the district of Washim, Nandurban, Dharashiv (Osmanabad) and Raigarh.  There is no proposal to set up any new KVK in the State of Maharashtra.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1184 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Admission of Panchayati Raj Employees to IIT and IIM
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1184

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03/12/2024

## ADMISSION OFPANCHAYATI RAJ EMPLOYEES TO IIT AND IIM

1184. SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has decided, for the first time, to allow admission of Panchayati Raj employees, across the country, to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) with the aim to abreast them with digital literacy, rural development and develop enhance their leadership, potentiality, etc.; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (Prof. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) & (b) Yes Sir. The Ministry has taken the initiative to fund Long-Term Domestic Training Programs, up to one year in duration, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for the officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). These programs are being organisedin collaboration with Institutes of Excellence (IoE) and other institutes of national repute, including Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), to build the leadership capabilities of PRI officials, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring sustainable rural development.

In this regard, the Ministry has signed MoUs with six IIMs (Ahmedabad, Shillong, Amritsar, Jammu, Bodhgaya, Rohtak), IIT Dhanbad, and the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) for conducting Leadership/Management Development Programs (MDPs). So far, 193 participants including 38 Elected Women Representativeshave been trained through five MDPs conducted at four IIMs (Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jammu, Bodhgaya) and IRMA.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1183 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Conversion Charges for Cooperative Societies in Chandigarh
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1183

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  DECEMBER, 2024/ AGRAHAYANA 12, 1946 (SAKA)

CONVERSION CHARGES FOR COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN CHANDIGARH

1183.     SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  revise  the  Chandigarh  Housing Board's  approach  to  calculating  conversion  charges  for  cooperative societies in accordance with the original policy;
- (b)  the  reasons  for  charging  18%  GST on  conversion charges, unearned increase,  and  ground  rent  by  the  Chandigarh  Housing  Board,  while societies under the Estate Office are exempt from such charges;
- (c) whether the Government has considered allowing need-based structural modifications in cooperative society flats in Chandigarh, such as glazing in verandas or installing rain sheds; and
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the issuance of long-pending completion certificates for cooperative housing societies in Chandigarh, some of which have been awaiting approval since 2001?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (c) No such proposals are there.
- (b) 18% GST on conversion charges are levied by the Chandigarh Housing

Board. However, clarification on the applicability of GST charges has been

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1183 FOR 03.12.2024

sought from Authority of Advance Ruling with the GST department by the Chandigarh Housing Board.

(d) Out of 113 such societies under Estate Office, Occupation Certificate have  been  issued  to  88  societies.  Out  of  remaining  25  societies,  13 societies never applied for Occupation Certificate. 02 cases of Occupation Certificate  were  rejected.  10  applications  are  pending  due  to  nonrectification of deficiencies by applicant societies.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1178 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Production of Tractors
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1178

ANSWERED ON 03.12.2024

## PRODUCTION OF TRACTORS

## 1178.  DR. RAJKUMAR SANGWAN :

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES भारी उद्योग मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of total annual production of tractors and other agricultural implements in the country during the last three years; and
- (b) whether all the said implements are sold in the domestic market for domestic consumption or exported and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI H.D. KUMARASWAMY)

- (a) & (b): As  per the information received from The Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA), the details of total annual production and export of tractors during the last three years are as under:

| Sl. No.   | Year   | Total Production   | Exports   |
|-----------|--------|--------------------|-----------|
| 1.        | 2021   | 10,65,280          | 1,24,901  |
| 2.        | 2022   | 10,04,976          | 1,31,850  |
| 3.        | 2023   | 9,85,968           | 96,223    |
| Total     | Total  | 30,56,224          | 3,52,974  |

The  data  regarding  production  and  export  of  other  agricultural  implements  are  not maintained centrally.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1171 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Use of Computer Stock Register in Seeds Act
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1171

TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 RD  DECEMBER, 2024

## USE OF COMPUTER STOCK REGISTER IN SEEDS ACT

1171.  SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

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

- (a) whether computer stock register has been recognized in the case Insecticide Act while the same has not been recognized in the case of seeds Act in the country;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof,
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  or  proposes  to  take  steps  to  recognize  the computer stock register in the case of Seeds Act; 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 BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

- (a) to (d): The digital stock register is recognized in accordance with the provisions of the  Insecticides  Act,  1968,  and  the  rules  made  thereunder.  However,  there  is  no  such provision  in  the  Seeds  Act,  1966.  Under  the  Seeds  (Control)  Order,  1983,  every  seed dealer  is  required  to  maintain  a  seed  stock  register.  Further,  Seed  Authentication, Traceability  &  Holistic  Inventory  (SATHI)  Portal,  which  has  been  introduced  to  ensure seed traceability for effective monitoring, efficiency, and transparency covering the entire Seed production and distribution chain.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1168 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Post Matric Scholarship Scheme
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1168 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2024

## POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

## 1168. SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL:

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

(a) the reasons for withholding the degrees of SC students who are eligible for the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme by educational institutions;

- (b) the extent to which the Government proposes to address the financial disputes between colleges and the State Government of Punjab that are resulting in delays in grant/disbursement and subsequent withholding of students' degrees;
- (c) the details of measures implemented to ensure SC students receive their scholarships on time, thereby preventing any impact on their academic progression and employment opportunities; and
- (d) whether the Government has initiated any investigations into the management and disbursement of funds under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme to identify systemic issues contributing to these delays?

## ANSWER

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

(a): No instance of withholding the degree of SC students who are eligible for the PostMatric Scholarship Scheme has been received from any State Governments/UTs except in the State of Punjab through Writ Petitions filed by the students who were not given degrees. Presently, the said matter is sub-judice.

- (b) & (c): This Ministry had issued letters dated 8" June,2020 and 17' September, 2020 for the State Government of Punjab to release all scholarships due to the eligible beneficiaries.

In addition, State Government of Punjab has informed that they have issued instructions vide letters dated 12.08.2022, 25.07.2024 and 08.08.2024 not to withhold degrees of the students.

- (d): A comprehensive review of the Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for SCs was undertaken and the same was revised w.e.f 2020-21. The salient feature of the revised Scheme includes online end to end processing, verification of eligibility criteria through online mode to ensure greater transparency, prevent duplicity and wrongful claims by the Institutions. The Scheme facilitates verification process digitally, using the authenticated databases automatically with little or no manual intervention.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1156 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Implementation of MGNREGS
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1156 ANSWERED ON 03/12/2024

## IMPLEMENTATION OF MGNREGS

## 1156. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENTbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a decline in the number of registered workers under the MGNREGS in the current financial year;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the low registration of workers;
- (c) whether  it  is  because  of  the  focus  on  digitalisation  of  the payment and verification process; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken  to  address  the issues faced by the workers?

## ANSWER

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

(a)&(b): Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment  Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) provides for at least one hundred days  of  guaranteed  wage  employment  in  every  financial  year  to every  household  whose  adult  members  volunteer  to  do  unskilled manual  work.  It  is  fall  back  options  for  livelihood  for  the  rural households,  when  no  better  employment  opportunity  is  available. During the financial year 2023-24, cumulative number of registered workers  was  25.68  crore whereas  in the current year,as on 29.11.2024,this number stands at 25.17 crore in FY 2024-25 as on 29.11.2024  which  is  dynamic  as  Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGS  is  a demand  driven  wage  employment  programme  and  as  per  Para  2, Schedule II of the Act, it shall be the duty of the Gram Panchayat, after making such enquiry, as it deems fit, to issue a job card within fifteen days from the date of such application.

(c)&(d):      The  focus  on  digitalization  of  payment  and  verification processes  aims  to  enhance  transparency,  efficiency,  and  timely disbursement of wages, ensuring workers'  rights  are  safeguarded. To address any challenges faced during this transition, the Ministry is providing support through local grievance redressal mechanisms, training  programs,  and  on-ground  assistance  to  ensure  that  all eligible workers can seamlessly access the scheme  and  its benefits.

To generate awareness about the provisions of the Scheme and to provide adequate employment opportunities to rural households under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, all States/UTs have been requested to (i) initiate appropriate Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns including wall paintings for the wide dissemination of the provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee  Act  (Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGA),  2005  (ii)  expand  scope and coverage of demand registration system to ensure that demand for  work under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA does not go unregistered, (iii) prepare plans in a participatory mode and approve them in the Gram Sabha. (iv) Organization of 'RozgarDiwas'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1155 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Promotion of International Level Trade and Exhibition Centre in Amritsar
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1155 ANSWERED ON 03/12/2024

## PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL LEVEL TRADE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN AMRITSAR

## 1155.  SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

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

(a) whether is a fact that the establishing an International level Trade and Exhibition Centre in Amritsar to promote it as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination;

(b) whether it is true that Amritsar is rich tourism and pilgrimage sites, strong logistics, and diverse hospitality options, is well-positioned to attract large-scale events and trade fairs;

(c) whether it is a fact that world-class convention centre with a capacity of up to 4,000 seats, combined with exhibition and trade facilities, would significantly boost tourism, local businesses, and cultural exchange;

(d) whether the Government consider allocating funds or support for the development of such a facility, particularly in  the  proposed  location  near  Ranjit  Avenue,  which  offers  ideal accessibility; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c) The  MICE  industry  significantly  boosts  economic  and  business  development, offering numerous benefits. These include business growth through networking, economic boost through investments in the host city and new avenues of revenue generation. The MICE industry also holds immense potential in job creation for the local population, knowledge sharing, tourism promotion,  infrastructure  development,  enhanced  soft  power,  support  for  local  businesses  and global cultural exchange, ultimately driving growth and development across sectors.

(d) & (e) MICE  centers  are  developed  at  various  cities  in  India.  Bharat  Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, Tamilnadu Trade Promotion Organisation, Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation, etc. are developed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 93 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Rate Reduction and Rationalization of GST
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *93

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2024 /AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## RATE REDUCTION AND RATIONALIZATION OF GST

## *93. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the average rate of Goods and Services Tax has decreased to 12.2% in 2023 from 15.3% in 2017;
- (b) whether nearly 60% of all consumer items attract a GST rate of 5% or less, while less than 3% of consumption items are in the 28% bracket;
- (c) whether the GST Council has formed a Group of Ministers who are looking after the rate reduction and rationalization of GST;
- (d)  whether  there  exists  bitterness  and  friction  between  the  Centre  and  the  States  on  the Goods and Services Tax arising out of the GST shares to States, etc.; and
- (e) if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF FINANCE SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN

(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e): A statement is placed on the Table of the House.

*****

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  THE  LOK  SABHA  STARRED QUESTION  NO.  93 RAISED  BY  SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI  T.M  FOR  2 nd DECEMBER, 2024 ON RATE REDUCTION AND RATIONALIZATION OF GST

- (a):  The Committee  headed by Dr Arvind Subramanian on Possible  Tax rates under GST was of the view that the Revenue Neutral Rate should be between 15% and 15.5% . Based on current data of GST  returns  as available with  Goods and Service Tax Network, the average GST rate for financial year 2023-24 is 11.64% (b):  No  such  data  is  maintained  by  the  Ministry.  However,  an  article  published  in  the Economic and Political Weekly dated 15 th June, 2024  mentions that 57.6% (about 60%) of the average monthly per-capita expenditure (MPCE) is either exempted or face lower tax rate (up to 5% GST) and only 2.3% of average MPCE is on 28% GST rate. (c):  Based  on  the  recommendations  of  the  GST  Council  in  its  45 th Meeting  held  on  17 th September, 2021, a Group of Ministers on Rate Rationalisation has been constituted. (d):    There  is  no  bitterness  between  Centre  and  States  on  GST.  GST  shares  to  States  are settled on a regular basis as provided under the GST law.
- (e) Does not arise in view of reply to (d) above.

## *****