opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 929 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-26
Subject: New Routes for Vande Bharat
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sujay Radhakrishna Vikhepatil, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Unmesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Krishna Pal Singh Yadav, Heena Vijaykumar Gavit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 929 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2023

## NEW ROUTES FOR VANDE BHARAT

## 929. DR. SUJAY RADHAKRISHNA VIKHE PATIL:

PROF. RITA BAHUGUNA JOSHI:

SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

DR. KRISHNA PAL SINGH YADAV:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Ministry  has  laid  out  new  routes  for  Vande  Bharat particularly in UP, MP and Maharashtra, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  total  number  of  Vande  Bharat  Trains  will  be  increased expansively to cover major metropolitan connectivity, if so,  the  details  in this regard;
- (c) whether the Ministry envisions reconstruction of major railway stations in  India  to  equip  the  platforms  with  better  and  modern  facility  with  the upcoming of the Vande Bharat express and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  whether  the  Ministry  plans  to  increase  the  number  of  Vande  Bharat Trains with sleeper coaches, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (d)  Indian  Railways  do  not  operate  train  services,  including  Vande Bharat services, on State-wise basis as Railway network straddles across State boundaries. Of the presently operational 50 Vande Bharat services, 8 trains, 6 trains and 10 trains serve various stations located in the States of

Uttar  Pradesh,  Madhya  Pradesh  and  Maharashtra  respectively.   Besides, introduction of new trains, including Vande Bharat services, is an ongoing process on Indian Railways which is dependent on operational feasibility, traffic justification etc. Recently, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been launched  for  development  of  Railway  stations  on  Indian  Railways.  Under this  scheme,  platforms  are  also  to  be  equipped  as  per  requirements  with better  and  modern  facilities  such  as  provision  of  High  Level  platform, extension  of  platform,  improvement  to  platform  surface  and  cover  over platforms etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-26
Subject: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Kuruva Gorantla Madhav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 922 ANSWERED ON 26/07/2023

## COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT

## 922. SHRI KURUVA GORANTLA MADHAV:

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

- (a) the  current  status  of  India's  participation  with  reference  to  Comprehensive  and  Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP);
- (b) the status of plans that have been made to reassess the stance as CPTPP blocs represent a major portion of the world economy, which could give India the possibility of being a manufacturing hub and export platform in the Pacific region; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (c): Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is an FTA between 11 countries of the Trans Pacific region, namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Though India is not a signatory to CPTPP, it has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) / Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with most of the CPTPP countries, namely, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. India is also currently negotiating FTA with Canada on fast track basis. These FTAs would benefit the domestic industry through competitive access to inputs and the exporters through enhanced market access in partner countries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-26
Subject: Utilisation of Funds for SCSP and TSP
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: S. Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 921

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2023

## UTILISATION OF FUNDS FOR SCSP AND TSP

## 921.  SHRI S VENKATESAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal for bringing special act for the implementation and monitoring of Planning, Allocations, Utilization of Funds for Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) for Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub-Plan for Scheduled Tribes (SCSP/TSP) scheme of the Ministry; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

(a) and (b): This Ministry allocates and utilizes funds for Scheduled Caste Sub-plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan under the Central Sector Schemesas per the guidelines of Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST),Ministry of Tribal Affairs as well as Development  Action  Plan  for  Scheduled  Castes  (DAPSC),  Ministry  of  Social  Justice  and Empowerment.  The  budget  allocation  under  the  Central  Sector  Schemes  of  this  Ministry towards Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)is presently 8.3%  and 6.7% respectively of total budget allocation.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 73 (STARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Protest by Women Wrestlers
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Badruddin Ajmal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 73 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2023

Protest by Women Wrestlers

*73. SHRI M. BADRUDDIN AJMAL:

Will  the  Minister  of  YOUTH  AFFAIRS  AND  SPORTS  be  pleased  to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  recently  a  group  of  women  wrestlers were protesting  for  action  against  injustice  or  sexual  harassment that they had gone through;
- (b) if so, the details of steps or initiatives taken by the Government to take legal as well as disciplinary action against the guilty;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  action  to  address  the demands of such wrestlers; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  for  taking  action against protesting wrestlers hurriedly?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

- (a) to (d) The Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.73  FOR  REPLY  ON  25.07.2023 ASKED BY SHRI M. BADRUDDIN AJMAL REGARDING PROTEST BY WOMEN WRESTLERS. (a) to (c) Sir, some  wrestlers had staged protest/ dharna in January, 2023, levelling allegations of sexual harassment, arbitrariness and mismanagement in the functioning of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). As the matter pertained to the wellbeing of the athletes, the Government immediately took note of the  allegations  and  instructed  the  Executive  Committee  of  WFI  to abstain,  as  an  interim  measure,  from  administering  and  managing the  day-to-day  activities  of  the  WFI.  Further,  as  a  purely  interim measure,  an  Oversight  Committee  headed  by  Ms.  M.C.  Mary  Kom, Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Awardee and Olympic Medallist, was appointed  by  the  Government  on  23.1.2023  to  enquire  into  the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and / or intimidation, financial irregularitiesand administrative lapses, levelled by prominent sportspersons; and to undertake day-to-day administration of WFI. As regards complaints from wrestlers, Delhi Police had registered 2 FIRs on 28.4.2023.  Chargesheet has been filed in the Court by Delhi Police. At present, the affairs of WFI, including the selection of athletes and making of entries for participation of sportspersons in international events, are being managed by that Ad hoc Committee constituted by  the  Indian  Olympic  Association  until  such  time  as  the  newly elected Executive Committee takes charge. (d)        Protesters  were  removed  from  Jantar  Mantar  as  they  had violated  the  orders  under  section  144  of  Criminal  Procedure  Code (Cr.PC) and a criminal case under Sections 147/149/186/188/332/353 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public  Property  (PDPP)  Act,  1984.  During  the  agitation,  proper security was provided by Delhi Police for the safety of wrestlers.

- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 62 (STARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Empanelment of Social Media Influencer Marketing Agencies
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. *62 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2023)

## EMPANELMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER MARKETING AGENCIES

## *62. SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any plan to ensure fair ad revenue distribution and prevent social media space monopolization with the increasing reliance on influencers for the Government advertising and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  has  empanelled  social  media influencer marketing agencies and if so, the detailed list of such agencies;
- (c) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Government  has  collaborated  or  intends  to collaborate  with  social  media  influencers  under  the  aforesaid  empanelment under a tender dated March 07, 2023 'Request for Empanelment (RFE) for selection of Influencer Marketing Agencies for Empanelment with MyGov' and if so, the detailed list of such influencers; and
- (d) the  details  of  the  amount  of  revenue(s)  spent  on  empanelment  of  aforesaid social  media  marketing  agencies/influencers  under  the  tender  dated  March 07, 2023?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS {SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR}

(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

********

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *62 FOR ANSWER ON 25.07.2023

(a) Central Bureau of Communications  (CBC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting undertakes campaigns  relating  to  publicity/  awareness  generation  of programmes/  schemes  of  Government  of India. For this purpose, the CBC has in place transparent Policy Guidelines for empanelment of media/agencies and release of advertisements  and  other  promotions  on  media  platforms, including for digital media/social media.

(b)  to  (d)  Ministry  of  Electronic  and  Information  Technology (MeitY) has informed that MyGov  has    in March,  2023 undertaken a process for empanelment of influencer marketing  agencies  with  an  objective  of  enabling  wider dissemination and enhance citizen engagement in respect of information  related  to  various  schemes/campaigns/initiatives of Government of India. Based on response to the bid, MyGov has  empanelled  four  agencies.  No  amount  has  been  spent under the said empanelment process till date.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 920 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Statehood to UT of Puducherry
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: K. Subbarayan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 920

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  JULY, 2023/ SRAVANA 3, 1945 (SAKA)

STATEHOOD TO UT OF PUDUCHERRY

920. SHRI SUBBARAYAN K.:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government is aware that sixteen resolutions were passed  by  the Puducherry  Legislative  Assembly between 1981  and 2021 demanding statehood to the Union Territory of Puducherry and were sent to the Union Government and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  any  Parliamentary  Standing  Committee  has  recommended Statehood to Puducherry; and

(c)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  whether  the  Union  Government  will endeavour  to  accomplish  this  task  in  the  interest  of  the  rights  of  the people of Puducherry?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a) to (c) The  Puducherry  Legislative  Assembly,  from  time  to  time,  has passed  resolutions  seeking  Statehood  to  the  UT  of  Puducherry.  The Department  related  Parliamentary  Standing  Committee  for  Home  Affairs had also recommended Statehood to UT of Puducherry in its 121 st  report. The resolution dated 19.07.2018 was received and considered in this Ministry  and  it  was  decided  to  continue  with  the  present  arrangement. Thereafter, no such resolution has been received from UT of Puducherry for grant of Statehood.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 908 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: PLI Scheme for ACC
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Imtiaz Jaleel Syed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 908

ANSWERED ON 25.07.2023

## PLI SCHEME FOR ACC

## 908. SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to restart the selection process for companies under the Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  criteria  and  parameters  that  will  be  considered  during  the  selection  process  to determine the eligible companies for the subsidy scheme;
- (c) whether  the  subsidy  scheme  is  likely  to  benefit  the  domestic  production  of  advanced battery cells in the country and if so, its likely impact on overall growth of the sector;
- (d) whether  there  is  any  plan  to  further  expand  the  PLI  scheme  for  ACC  in  future  to accommodate more companies and promote additional investment in the sector and  if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether any information is available on the expected job creation and skill development opportunities that may arise as a result of the implementation of the PLI scheme for ACC?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)

- (a) & (b): The proposal for re-bidding of balance 20 GWh out of 50 GWh, has been approved, in-principle by the competent authority.  Before re-bidding Stakeholder consultations are being carried  out.  Notice  for  stakeholder  consultation  has  been  published  on  the  Ministry  of  Heavy Industries website and the link is https://heavyindustries.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Noticeand-Questionnaire-for-ACC.pdf
- (c): Yes  Sir.  As  per  the  report  of  NITI  Aayog,  the  likely  demand  of  ACC  in  India  on  a conservative basis is estimated 106 GWh while on an accelerated basis it likely to be 260 GWh by 2030.  India is expected to be one of the largest markets for energy storage by 2030.  The scheme envisages  to  enhance  India's  manufacturing  capabilities  of  Advanced  Chemistry  Cell (ACC)  by  setting  up  of  Giga  scale  ACC  and  battery  manufacturing  facilities  in  India  with emphasis  on  maximum  domestic  value  addition.    This  scheme  will  promote  Make  in  India initiative.
- (d): No Sir.  There is no plan to expand the PLI Scheme beyond 50 GWh.  However, more companies may participate in re-bidding of balance 20 GWh.
- (e): As per information given by the selected Beneficiaries firms for 30 GWh, the expected employment shall be approximately 8628.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 906 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Auction of Enemy Properties
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Sajda Ahmed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 906

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  JULY, 2023/ SRAVANA 3, 1945 (SAKA)

AUCTION OF ENEMY PROPERTIES

906. SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has initiated the auction of enemy properties;

(b) if so, the details of the transparent process undertaken to auction such properties;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  published  a  list  of  enemy  properties across the country that will be auctioned and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the existing dwellers or tenants on these properties have been given priority in the auctions and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY KUMAR MISHRA)

(a) to (d) Yes sir. The management and disposal of Enemy Properties (both movable  and  immovable)  vested  in  the  Custodian  of  Enemy  Property  for Indian  is  a  continuous  process.  This  process  is  governed  by  the  Enemy Property  Act,  1968  and  its  rules  and  following  guidelines  issued  in  this regard, which are available in public domain :

*****

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 906 FOR 25.07.2023

(i) Guidelines for the Disposal of Enemy Property Order, 2018 ; (ii) The Procedure and Mechanism for sale of Enemy Share order, 2019; (iii)  The  procedure  and  Mechanism  for  Disposal  of  Immovable  Enemy Properties Order, 2020 and (iv) The Guidelines for the Disposal of Enemy Property (Amendment) order,

2023.
Lok Sabha Question No. 905 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Vacancies in NCBC
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.905 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2023

## VACANCIES IN NCBC

905. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI:

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

a) the total number of people presently appointed and vacancies in the National Commission for Backward classes (NCBC); (b) the reasons for not appointing the required number of members as per Article 338-B; and (c) the manner in which the Government plans to support and ensure the effective functioning of

- the NCBC when it has not appointed the required number of members?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

- Two (i) Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir; Chairman and (ii) Shri Bhuvan Bhushan Kamal, Member.
- (b) & (c): The vacant posts will be filled up by the Government at the earliest:

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 897 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: Fraudulent Practices in Visa Process
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Brijendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 897

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  JULY, 2023/ SRAVANA 3, 1945 (SAKA)

FRAUDULENT PRACTICES IN VISA PROCESS

897. SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fraudulent  practices  in  the visa process and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has details on the number of reported cases involving visa fraud agencies during the years 2021-23;

(c)  if  so,  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  against  the  visa  fraud agencies;

(d) whether the Government has implemented measures to strengthen the oversight and regulation of visa service providers; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e):  With  respect  to  e-Visas,  from  time  to  time  it  has  come  to  the notice  of  Government  that  some  unauthorized  and  unrecognized  private websites try to intermediate and facilitate issuance of India e-Visa. Some of them also appear similar to official Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in)  and  also  appear  through  the  search  engines. Govt. of India has taken several steps to minimize such a practice. In this regard  National  Informatics  Centre  (NIC)  has  coordinated  with  Google

search engine to ensure that Indian Visa official link appears prominently in  the search engine.  Secondly, Bureau of Immigration (BOI) refers from time  to  time  the  list  of  such  unauthorized  websites  to  CERT-In  (Indian Computer  Emergency  Response  Team)  to  disable  them  from  accessing Indian  official  visa  portal.    Thirdly,  Government  has  advised  all  Indian Missions/Posts  abroad  to  place  an  advisory  or  caution  notice  on  their website  or  through  social  media  platforms  for  the  benefit  of  foreigners applying for Indian Visa.

With  respect  to  Visa  processing  at  Indian  Missions  overseas,  bulk applications from touts or unauthorized agencies are not allowed/accepted in  order  to  prevent  fraudulent  practices. When any information regarding such unauthorized agents comes to the notice of the Indian Missions/Posts abroad, the same is taken up with the local authorities for action.

Visa  service  providers  are  engaged  by  Indian  Missions  under  the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). With respect to such service providers, it  is  specifically  mentioned  in  the  contract/Request  for  proposals  (RFPs) for tenders that Outsourced Service Providers (OSPs) will properly scrutinize the application forms submitted before forwarding the same to Indian Missions/Posts abroad. To avoid any lapses on their part, a check list is also maintained.  Regular inspections/surprise visits, are also carried out.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-25
Subject: National Mission on Natural Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Hema Malini

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 895

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 Th  JULY, 2023

## NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING

895. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  natural  farming  is  a  chemical  free  farming  method  based  on  locally available resources that encourages traditional indigenous methods and frees producers from dependence on external inputs and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  National  Mission  on  Natural  Farming  has  been  launched  by  the Government as a special effort to promote natural farming in  the  country  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (c) whether any incentive is also provided by the Government to the farmers engaged in natural farming under the said mission and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

क ृ षि एवं षकसान कल्याण मंत्री (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a): Yes  Sir,  Natural  farming  is  a  chemical  free  farming  method  based  on  locally available  resources  that  encourage  traditional  indigenous  methods  and  frees  producers from dependence on external inputs.

Government is promoting natural farming since 2019-2020 through a sub-scheme namely  Bharatiya  Prakritik  Krishi  Paddhati  (BPKP)  under  Paramparagat  Krishi  Vikas Yojana  (PKVY).  Natural  farming  is  chemical  free  farming  based  on  the  integrated agriculture and animal husbandry approach using livestock and local resources and relies on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations from local lives tocks.

So far 4.09 lakh ha area has been brought under natural farming in 8 states viz. Andhra  Pradesh,  Chhattisgarh,  Kerala,  Himachal  Pradesh,  Jharkhand,  Odisha,  Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under BPKP

Under  BPKP,  natural  faming  is  being  promoted  in  cluster  of  500  ha  and  financial assistance  of  Rs  12200.00  per  ha  for  three  years  is  provided  as  incentive  to  farmer through DBT.

- (b): No Sir.
- (c): Does not arise.

*******