opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Discrepancies in Aadhaar Card of Students
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Smt. Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1333

ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## Discrepancies in Aadhaar Card of Students

†1333 Smt. Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether anomalies have been noticed in the Aadhaar Cards of approximately four lakh eight thousand  students  enrolled  in  Government  and  Semi-Government  schools  in  the  country including Maharashtra and out of them about three lakh twenty two thousand students have been declared invalid, if so, the reasons behind the anomalies;
- (b) the number of students being deprived of various educational schemes and benefits including scholarships  due to  the  said  discrepancies and the  steps taken  by the  Government so far to address the said issue;
- (c) the time limit for removal of the said discrepancies and to provide them the benefits of the schemes; and
- (d) the measures being taken by the Government to prevent such problems in future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## (SHRI JAYANT CHOUDHARY)

- (a) to  (d):    The  status  of  Aadhaar  registration  of  school  students  in  Maharashtra  and  progress  in validating Aadhaar details thereof, as reported by the State, is as follows:

|   S No. |                            | Number      |
|---------|----------------------------|-------------|
|       1 | Total Students             | 1,84,89,092 |
|       2 | Aadhaar not provided       | 4,55,263    |
|       3 | Pending Aadhaar validation | 6,80,686    |
|       4 | Failed Aadhaar validation  | 2,08,903    |
|       5 | Passed Aadhaar validation  | 1,71,44,240 |
|       6 | Verified Aadhaar only      | 1,70,36,596 |

* Source: UDISE+ data

The State has informed that common reasons for failure of validation include mismatch in name, spelling, date of birth (D.O.B), non-updation of Aadhaar card, missing D.O.B in Aadhaar card, errors  while  registering  on  State's  SARAL  portal,  discrepancy  in  gender  etc.  Work  of  new enrolment and corrections in Aadhaar cards is an ongoing and continuous process at the block and cluster level with the State School Education Department having developed two Aadhaar kits for carrying out Aadhaar related activities in each Block of Maharashtra. Further, no student has been deprived from availing the benefit of schemes and scholarships due to Aadhaar being invalidated.

The Government of India is committed to ensure that every eligible student avails the intended benefits  of  all  schemes  run  by  this  Department, including  centrally  sponsored  schemes  such as Samagra Shiksha and PM-POSHAN which are funded and implemented jointly by GoI with States. To this end, this Department continuously reviews and provides guidance to States for rectifying issues faced on the ground through Project Appraisal Board (PAB) and quarterly meetings with States.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1332 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: ICCs in Central Universities
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1332 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## ICCs in Central Universities

## 1332    Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)    whether  the  establishment  of  Internal  Complaints  Committees  (ICCs)  in  Central  Universities  is mandated under the guidelines set  forth  by  the  University  Grants  Commission  (UGC)  and  the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013;

(b)    the  details  of  Central  Universities  that  have  constituted  ICCs,  specifying  the  composition  of  their members and detailing whether these committees adhere to the mandated guidelines;

(c) the measures taken by the Government to ensure strict adherence of the above guidelines and Act;

(d)  whether the Government has conducted any assessments or audits to evaluate the compliance of ICCs with the mandated requirements;

(e)  if so, the details thereof; and

(f)  if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a): The  establishment  of  Internal  Complaints  Committees  (ICCs)  is  mandated  under  the  Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2015.

(b): All  Central  Universities  under  the  purview  of  Ministry  of  Education  have  constituted  ICCs  in compliance with the Act and UGC guidelines. As per the prescribed norms, the ICC must include a senior woman faculty member as the Presiding Officer, two faculty members and two non-teaching employees, three student representatives and one member from amongst Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). At least half of the total members must be women.

(c)  to  (f): To  ensure  effective  implementation,  the  Ministry  of  Education  and  UGC  have  introduced initiatives  such  as  the  SAKSHAM  Portal  for  complaint  lodging  and  gender  audits,  Advisories  for awareness and compliance, a toll-free number for registering grievances and guidelines for ensuring safe and secure environments for women in Higher Educational Institutions in line with NEP 2020.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1331 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Archaeological Explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1331

ANSWERED ON-28.07.2025

## ARCHAEOLEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS AT DWARKA AND BEYT DWARKA

1331. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  initiated  a  new  round  of  underwater  and  onshore archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a dedicated fund has been allocated to the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) for archaeological research and exploration in Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  expand  and  strengthen  underwater archaeological research across the nation; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)    Yes  Sir.  The  Underwater  Archaeology  Wing  (UAW)  of  Archaeological  Survey  of India  (ASI)  had  carried  out  scientific  investigations  at  Dwarka  from  2005  to  2007. Underwater and onshore archaeological explorations at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka have again started since February 2025.
- (b) The team of UAW started initial offshore exploration at Dwarka in February 2025, followed by  onshore  exploration  at  Beyt  Dwarka  in  March  2025.  Besides  imparting  training  to  more archaeologists  in  ASI,  procurement  of  equipments  like  Remotely  Operated  Vehicle  (ROV), underwater cameras, high quality life jackets and diving suits to be used for the purpose has been taken up.
- (c) and (d) Required funds are provided to UAW.

2024-2025:  10 lakhs

2025-2026:  50 lakhs                                                                                                       --

(e)  and  (f)  Yes  Sir.  To  expand  and  strengthen  underwater  archaeological  research across the nation, two training programmes were organized for officers/ officials of ASI in  March  2025  and  for  employees  of  State  Archaeology  Departments  and  Indian Universities in July 2025. A module for training course for the students and scholars has also been prepared.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Retrieval of Indian Antiques and Artifacts
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Basavaraj Bommai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1327 ANSWERED ON 28/07/2025

## RETRIEVAL OF INDIAN ANTIQUES AND ARTIFACTS

## 1327.  SHRI BASAVARAJ BOMMAI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of the estimated number and value of Indian antiques and artifacts still available in the foreign soil, country-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has any plan to retrieve them; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)to(c) Several Museums and Art Galleries around the world houses Indian antiquities and  artifacts,  besides  such  collections  with  individuals.  However,  no  such estimated number is available, but as and when, any illegally exported antiquity of Indian origin is reported on foreign soil, necessary action are initiated through Indian Missions for their retrieval. Archaeological Survey of India has retrieved 655 number antiquities since 1976.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1323 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Appointment of Independent Directors in PSBs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1323

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025/SRAVANA 6, 1947 (SAKA)

## Appointment of Independent Directors in PSBs

## † 1323.  SHRI AMRA RAM

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)     the number of sanctioned posts of Independent Directors in all Public Sector Banks;
- (b) whether Independent Directors have been reappointed for one year in some nationalized banks in April 2025 and if so, the bank-wise details thereof;
- (c) whether  even  after  these  appointments,  Independent  Directors  (except  shareholder, Government and RBI nominated directors) have not been appointed in the leading banks of the country like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Maharashtra; and
- (d) if so, the time by which the reappointment of Independent Directors in the above banks is likely to be made?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a), (b), (c) & (d) Public Sector Banks are established by special Acts, namely, the State Bank of  India  Act,  1955  ("1955  Act")  and  the  Banking  Companies  (Acquisition  and  Transfer  of Undertakings) Act, 1970/1980 ("1970/1980 Act"). The composition of the Central Board of the State Bank of India is provided for in section 19 of the 1955 Act and that of the Board of Directors of nationalised banks is provided for in sub- section (3) of section 9 of the 1970/1980 Act. The category of "independent directors" is not envisaged in the composition of the Board / committee under these Acts.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1322 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Death of Elephants due to Train Collision
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## Death of Elephants due to Train Collision

## 1322. MR PATHAN YUSUF:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether according to the Government data, 24,738 elephants have died due to train collisions between 2019-20 and 2023-24;
- (b) if  so,  the  details of  accountability measures taken/being taken by the Government to prevent further casualties;
- (c) the list of 77 high-risk railway stretches identified for mitigation of such casualties; and
- (d) the  details  of  interventions  planned  at  these  sites  along  with  the  implementation timeline?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) As per information received from State Governments/Union Territory Administrations,  a  total  of  81  elephant  casualties  due  to  train  collisions  were reported by various states between 2019-20 and 2023-24.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in coordination with the Ministry of Railways, has taken several measures to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks including conducting inter-ministerial meetings. Speed restrictions in elephant habitats, pilot projects like seismic sensor-based elephant detection, construction  of  underpasses,  ramps,  fencing,  have  been  undertaken  at  various locations.

Further, the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun in consultation with the Ministry of Environment Forest, and Climate Change and other stakeholders has published a  document  namely  'Eco-friendly  Measures  to  Mitigate  Impacts  of  Linear Infrastructure'  to  assist  project  agencies  in  designing  linear  infrastructure, including railways lines, in a manner that reduces human-animal conflicts.

Capacity building workshops for Railway officials were conducted in 2023 and 2024 at  the  Wildlife  Institute  of  India  to  sensitize  them  on  various  aspects  of elephant conservation and protection.

A comprehensive report titled 'Suggested Measures to Mitigate Elephant & Other Wildlife  Train  Collisions  on  Vulnerable  Railway  Stretches  in  India'  has  been prepared after field  surveys  across  127  identified  railway  stretches  spanning  a total  of  3,452.4  km.  Based  on  the  intensity  of  wildlife  movement,  77  railway stretches  covering  1,965.2  km  across  14  States  have  been  prioritized  for mitigation along with site-specific interventions. The report containing the details of the identified stretches and the mitigation measures has been also shared with the State Governments and the Ministry of Railways.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1317 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Illegal Felling of Trees
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1317

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## Illegal Felling of Trees

## 1317. SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that illegal felling of trees is going on in various States in the country and if so, the details thereof.
- (b) whether the  Government has assessed the number of trees illegally cut down every year and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to stop illegal felling of trees?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) Protection  and  management  of  forests  and  tree  cover  are  primarily  the responsibilities of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. There are legal frameworks for the protection and management of forests and tree cover of the country, which include, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the Wild Life (Protection)  Act,  1972,  the  State  Forest  Acts,  Tree  Preservation  Acts  and Rules made thereunder. The instances regarding the illegal felling of trees as  and  when  detected  are  proceeded  against  the  offenders  before  the competent  Court/  Authorities  under  relevant  acts.  The  concerned  State Governments  /  Union  Territory  Administrations  maintain  the  particulars regarding illegal felling of trees.
- (b) and (c) The local forest authorities carry out the assessment of the illegally felled trees and the associated data are maintained in the relevant forest offence registers  in  accordance  with  the  guidelines  prescribed  by  the  concerned State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations. As per the India State of Forest Report-2023 published by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, the  forest  cover  and  tree  cover  in  the  country  have  increased  by  156.41 square kilometers and 1289.40 square kilometers respectively, as compared to the assessment published in ISFR-2021.
- (d) The important steps taken by the Government to stop illegal felling of trees include the following:
- (i) regular  patrolling  in  the  forest  areas  by  front-line  forest  staff  to prevent occurrence of any illegal/prohibited activities,
- (ii) establishment of patrolling camps/anti-poaching camps, check posts at strategic and vulnerable locations,
- (iii) deployment of vigilance and flying squad parties, regular inspections in vulnerable areas, etc.
- (iv) implementing  Joint  Forest  Management  programmes,  awareness campaigns, educational programmes, etc., to secure the involvement of communities in forest protection activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Time Limit in Section 123(4) of Companies Act, 2013
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1316 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025 SRAVANA 6, 1947 (SAKA)

## TIME LIMIT IN SECTION 123(4) OF COMPANIES ACT, 2013

## QUESTION

1316. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT: Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS

be pleased to state:

- a) whether the time limit provided in Section 123(4) of the Companies Act, 2013 of five days is five working days or five days in continuation;
- b) whether  any  time  limit  exemption  or  extension  of  time  is  given  to  the companies in case of all the five days of a week and banks holiday; and
- c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal/is  considering  for providing such exemption?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CORPORATE  AFAIRS  AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD, TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

- (a) to (c):- (i) Section 123(4) of the Companies Act, 2013 reads as under:

'The  amount  of  the  dividend,  including  interim  dividend,  shall  be deposited in a scheduled bank in a separate account within five days from the date of declaration of such dividend.'

The provision refers to 'five days' and not 'five working days'.

- (ii) Vide notification no. G.S.R. 463(E) dated 5th June, 2015 issued by Ministry of Corporate Affairs, a Government Company in which the entire paid up share capital  is  held  by  the  Central  Government,  or  by  any  State  Government  or Governments or by the Central Government  and one or more State Governments or by one or more Government Company is exempted from the application of section 123(4) of the Companies Act, 2013.
- (iii)  At  present  no  proposal  for  granting  any  further  exemption  under  subsection (4) of section 123 of the Companies Act, 2013 is under consideration.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1314 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Allocation of Funds for Temples under PRASHAD Scheme
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+1314

## ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR TEMPLES UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME

## +1314. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  allocated funds under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation  And  Spiritual  Augmentation  Drive  (PRASHAD)  scheme for the development of temples to promote religious tourism experiences;
- (b) if  so,  the  religious site-wise details of the funds, works approved in Rajasthan under the said scheme so far;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to sanction any funds for Kharnal, the birthplace of folk deity Tejaji and Muqaam, the place of penance of Guru Jambheshwar in Nagaur under the said scheme; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM              (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) and (b): The Ministry of Tourism under the 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive'  (PRASHAD)  provides  financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for  development  of  tourism  infrastructure  at  pre-identified  religious  and heritage sites across the country, including the State of Rajasthan.

Under  the  scheme,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  sanctioned  a  project 'Integrated  Development  of  Pushkar/Ajmer'  in  Rajasthan  at  a  cost  of

Rs.32.64 crore and an amount of Rs.26.11 crore has been released till date.

## Key interventions under the project include the following:

- (i)
- Development at Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
- (ii)
- Improvement of Delhi gate and Dargah gate chowk.
- (iii) Tourist Information Kiosk at Railway & Bus Stand Restoration & Development works at Pushkar Sarovar, Pushkar Market Street.

(iv) Development  work  at  Brahma  temple,  Savitri  Mata  temple  & Parikrama Path, Pushkar.

(c) and (d): No proposal  is  under  the  consideration  of  the  Ministry  of Tourism to develop Kharnal, the birthplace of folk deity Tejaji and Muqaam, the place of penance of Guru Jambheshwar in Nagaur under PRASHAD.

Receiving  proposals  from  the  State  Governments/UT  Administration  for financial  assistance  for  tourism  projects  is  a  continuous  process.  The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfillment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1313 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Safety Framework of Adventure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Appalanaidu Kalisetti, Shri Tangella Uday Srinivas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1313 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## SAFETY FRAMEWORK OF ADVENTURE TOURISM

## 1313. SHRI TANGELLA UDAY SRINIVAS: SHRI APPALANAIDU KALISETTI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  number  of  accidents,  injuries  or  deaths reported  in  the  adventure  tourism  sector  during  the  last  five years, activity and State/UT-wise;
- (b) whether  any  safety  audits  or  investigations  were  conducted  in these cases and the findings and corrective actions taken and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has circulated a Model Law  on Adventure Tourism and if so, the details thereof along with the status of its adoption and implementation, States/UTs-wise;
- (d) whether the mandatory registration and insurance coverage by adventure  tourism  operators  is  being  enforced,  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (e) whether the guidelines exist for mandatory training, certification,  and  licensing  of  adventure  tourism  guides  and operators  to  ensure  safety  standards  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (f) whether  India's  adventure  tourism  safety  framework  is  aligned with  global  best  practices  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along with proposed improvements?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM      (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to (f): Ministry  of  Tourism  does  not  maintain  data  on  accidents caused while participating in adventure tourism.

The  development  and  promotion  of  tourism,  including  adventure tourism, enhancing safety and convenience at adventure tourism sites is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The  Ministry  of  Tourism,  in  association  with  the  Adventure  Tour Operators Association of India has formulated Model Adventure Safety Guidelines with an aim to establish a comprehensive and standardized framework to ensure safety in  the  Adventure  Tourism  sector  across India. These guidelines have been circulated to all States and Union Territories for adoption and formulation/updation of safety protocols. All  the  States/Union  Territories  have  been  requested  to  maintain  a strict  watch  on  all  adventure  related  activities  and  ensure  strict adherence  to  safety  regulations  and  licensing  norms  by  all  the operators.

- *******