opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2433 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Ethanol blended Fuel in Madhya Pradesh
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2433

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 th  March, 2025

## ETHANOL BLENDED FUEL IN MADHYA PRADESH

## 2433.  SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether,  as  per  current  progress,  the  Government  is  on  way  to  achieve  targeted  20% ethanol blending of petrol by the year 2025;
- (b)  if so, whether the Government has any plans to roll out the ethanol blended fuel in the Madhya  Pradesh  and  also  to  set  up  2G  ethanol  bio-refineries  for  the  production  of ethanol  especially  in  the  districts  of  Panna,  Katni  and  town  of  Khajuraho  of  district Chhatarpur so as to help Sugarcane farmers in realising better price; and
- (c)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔य मंᮢी (᮰ी सुरेश गोपी)

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

- (a) The National Policy on Biofuels - 2018, as amended in 2022, inter-alia advanced the target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from 2030. Public  Sector  Oil  Marketing  Companies  (OMCs)  have  achieved  the  target  of  10%  ethanol blending  in  petrol  in  June  2022  i.e.  five  months  ahead  of  the  target  during  ESY  2021-22. Blending of ethanol further increased to 12.06% in ESY 2022-23, 14.60% in ESY 2023-24 and 17.98% in ESY 2024-25 upto 28 th February 2025. For the month of February 2025, ethanol blending of 19.68% was achieved by Public Sector OMCs.
- (b) to (c) Under the  Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, the Public Sector OMCs are currently selling upto 20% ethanol blended petrol based on availability of ethanol across the  country  including  in  the  State  of  Madhya  Pradesh.  The  Government  had  notified  the 'Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana' 2019,  amended  in  2024,  to  provide  financial  support  for  integrated  bio-ethanol  projects  for setting up Advanced Biofuels projects in the country using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable  feedstock.  Under  this  scheme,  a  total  of  14  commercial  scale  proposals  and  8 demonstration  scale  proposals  were  submitted  for  approval,  of  which  8  commercial  scale proposals  and  4  demonstration  scale  proposals  have  been  approved.  No  proposal  has  been received under this scheme from the state of Madhya Pradesh.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2432 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Progress and Prospects of Methanol blending in Transportation Fuels
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri B Y Raghavendra

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2432

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 th  March, 2025

## PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS OF METHANOL BLENDING IN TRANSPORTATION FUELS

## 2432.  SHRI B Y RAGHAVENDRA:

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृितक गैस मंᮢी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the current status of methanol blending in transportation fuels along with the details on the targets set under the methanol economy programme and the progress made so far;
- (b)  the steps taken/being taken by  the  Government  to  enhance  domestic  methanol production and develop the necessary infrastructure for large-scale methanol blending in petrol and diesel; and
- (c)  whether the Government has conducted any studies on the environmental and economic benefits  of  methanol  blending,  particularly  in  reducing  emissions  and  lowering  fuel costs and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔य मंᮢी (᮰ी सुरेश गोपी)

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c) Under National Coal Gasification Mission, Government aims to produce syngas to boost  domestic  production  of  various  chemicals  and  petrochemicals  including  methanol. Government  has  also  introduced  a  financial  incentive  scheme  to  promote  this  initiative. Additionally, M15 (15% methanol-gasoline blend) fuel has been introduced on a pilot scale in April  2022  by  Indian  Oil  Corporation  Limited  (IOCL)  in  Tinsukia,  Assam.  MD15  (15% methanol blended diesel) trials were also conducted jointly by NITI Aayog, the Automotive Research  Association  of  India  (ARAI),  and  Ashok  Leyland.  Government  has  not  set  any targets so far for methanol blending in transportation fuels. The Ministry of Road Transport &  Highways  has  mandated  mass  emission  standards  for  newly  manufactured  gasoline vehicles equipped with spark-ignition engines designed to run on gasoline, a 15% methanolgasoline blend (M15), an 85% methanol blend (M85), or pure methanol (M100), under the Central  Motor  Vehicle  Rules,  1989.  No  comprehensive  study  has  been  conducted  by Government so far to assess the environmental and economic benefits of methanol blending.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2429 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Privatisation of Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2429

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## PRIVATISATION OF AIRPORTS

## 2429. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

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be pleased to state:-

- (a) the number of airports leased out to private companies during the last three years;

(b) the rationale for leasing out airports to private companies; and

- (c) the details of the profit earned by each company from airport operations along with the share of the Government in the said profit?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a): During the last three years, no airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been leased out to private Concessionaire.

(b): Airports of AAI are leased out for their better management, utilising private sector efficiency and investment. States and passengers are the ultimate beneficiary of enhanced airport infrastructure and facilities created by private partner, who operates, manages and develops the leased airport under PPP. Airports have emerged as a nucleus of economic activities and have multiplier effect on the economy of the State. The revenue received by AAI from the leased airports is also utilised for the development of airport infrastructure across the country.

- (c):  Does not arise in view (a) above.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Expansion of Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Azad Kirti Jha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2426 (To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## EXPANSION OF KAZI NAZRUL ISLAM AIRPORT

## 2426. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing passenger and cargo traffic demands at Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur-Andal, West Bengal having its strategic importance as a gateway to South Bengal and parts of Jharkhand and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has any proposal for the expansion of the said airport to enhance its capacity and infrastructure, including the terminal building, runway and other facilities; and
- (c) if so, the details of the proposed expansion plan, including timelines fixed and allocation of the budget thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) to (c): Government of India had granted 'In-Principle' approval to a private company, namely Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited (BAPL) for setting up of Greenfield Airport in Durgapur, West Bengal. The airport was operationalized in May, 2015. The upgradation of infrastructure/ facilities at airports, including Durgapur Airport, is a continuous process, which is undertaken by the airport operator concerned (in this case- BAPL) depending upon commercial viability, traffic demand, availability of land, operational requirements etc.

Presently at Durgapur Airport, Passenger Handling Capacity is 1.2 Million Passenger Per Annum (MPPA) & Cargo Handling Capacity is 14500 Metric Ton (MT), whereas the airport has handled approx. 0.5 Million Passengers & approx. 500 Metric Ton (MT) of cargo in the FY 2023-24 due to less traffic & less cargo demand. As such the Airport is having sufficient capacity to handle the existing passenger & cargo traffic and may not require immediate need for expansion.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Budget Allocation for UDAN Scheme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2421

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR UDAN SCHEME

## 2421. SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware that, despite plans to add 120 new destinations under the UDAN scheme, the budget allocation for the Regional Connectivity Scheme has been reduced to Rs. 540 crore in the 2025-26 budget;
- (b) if so, the rationale behind the reduction in allocation in light of the
- expansion objectives;
- (c) whether the reduced budgetary allocation is anticipated to affect the implementation timeline of the new destinations and the overall regional connectivity goals;
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  of  any  assessments  conducted  by  the  Ministry regarding potential challenges due to this budget reduction; and (e) the specific measures undertaken by the Government to ensure that the UDAN scheme's expansion proceeds as planned despite the decreased financial allocation?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (e) : Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik  (RCS-UDAN),  Rs.  4500  crore  has  been  allocated  for r e v i v a l / u p g r a d a t i o n o f u n s e r v e d a n d u n d e r s e r v e d Airports/Heliports/Water Aerodromes owned by Airports Authority of India (AAI) / State Governments / Central Public Sector Undertakings / Ministry of Defence under Phase I of the Scheme which is valid till March 2025. Further, an amount of Rs. 1000 crore has been allocated under Phase-II of the Scheme.

The government has announced the launch of modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and cater to 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The proposal for Budgetary allocation will be submitted on formulation of the modified UDAN Scheme.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Maintenance of the Devapur-Kotwa section of NH-27
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2420

ANSWERED ON 13 TH  MARCH, 2025

## MAINTENANCE OF THE DEVAPUR-KOTWA SECTION OF NH-27

2420.   DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a)      whether  performance-based  maintenance  contract  has  been awarded for the maintenance of the Devapur-Kotwa section of NH-27;
- (b)      if  so,  the  details  regarding  the  total  amount  sanctioned  and spent for the said project;
- (c)      whether  any  stipulated  time  for  completion  of  the  above  said work has been provided, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)     whether the maintenance work of National Highway-27 in district Gopalganj of Bihar has been completed and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e)      whether accident-prone black spots rectification work and also construction of underpasses coming on National Highway-27 has been completed in district Gopalganj of Bihar and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (e)    Yes Sir,  Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) of 05 years duration has already been awarded on 15.03.2024 and the work has also been commenced on 27.06.2024. The total sanctioned amount for the project is Rs. 126.02 crore; however, the funds are yet to  be  released  to  the  contractor.  Furthermore,  to  eliminate  accident black  spots,  underpasses  are  under  construction  as  a  long-term mitigation  measure  with  schedule  date  of  completion  in  December, 2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2415 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: MoU between TRIFED and Tea Trunk
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Godam Nagesh, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Shri Radheshyam Rathiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2415

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 13.03.2025

## MOU BETWEEN TRIFED AND TEA TRUNK

## 2415. DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

SHRI RADHESHYAM RATHIYA:

SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI:

SHRI GODAM NAGESH :

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which the TRIFED-Tea Trunk MoU specifically contributes in expanding the market outreach of tribal products;
- (b) the details of expected economic benefits from the MoU for tribal artisans;

(c) whether TRIFED and Tea Trunk explore digital and e-commerce platforms to maximize the reach of tribal products; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) to (d) The MoU between TRIFED and Tea Trunk was signed on 17.02.2025 with the objective to expand market access for tribal artisans and improve income by integrating tribal products into Tea Trunk's retail and online platform. The collaboration aims to enhance visibility of tribal products in premium markets, attracting a wider customer base, while improving branding, packaging  and quality  standards. The partnership  may  also streamline supply chains reducing costs and maximizing economic benefits for artisans.

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## ANSWER
Lok Sabha Question No. 2410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Death of Coir Board Employee
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Hibi Eden, Adv Dean Kuriakose

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2410 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## DEATH OF COIR BOARD EMPLOYEE

2410 ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE: SHRI HIBI EDEN:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the death of an employee of Coir Board in February 2025 due to the harassment and ill-treatment at work place, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any inquiry has been initiated and action taken by the Government against senior officials  of  the  Board  who  had  forced  the  deceased  employee  to  inflate  cost  estimates  for exhibitions, seminars and showroom relocations and change the Secretary-in-Charge's designation to Secretary and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the reasons for issuing the transfer order for the said employee from hometown Kochi to Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh;
- (d) whether such transfer order was in violation of service rules, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the reasons for showing lack of sensitivity by the management while dealing with a cancer survivor employee; and
- (f) whether the complaints filed by the said employee were looked into by the Ministry and if so, the details of the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (f): The  Ministry  received  information  about  the  death  of  Smt.  Jolly  Madhu,  an employee of Coir Board, while under medical treatment at a hospital in Kochi on 10 th February, 2025.    Certain  complaints  about  her  alleged  harassment  by  officials  in  Coir  Board  along  with allegations regarding financial irregularities by officials in Coir Board were also received in the Ministry.

An independent Committee has been constituted in the Ministry under a Joint Secretary level officer, to inquire into the matter and submit a report. Additionally, a Committee constituted under  a  senior  finance  functionary,  has  been  mandated  to  undertake  thorough  review  of  the financial management in Coir Board and submit its report.  The inquiry by both the independent committees is in progress.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Sewage and Septage Management in Kavali City
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2409

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 13, 2025

## SEWAGE AND SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT IN KAVALI CITY

## NO. 2409. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:

Will the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has proposed any project to provide Sewage and Septage management in Kavali city with an estimated cost of Rs. 13.5 crores in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, if so, the details and the date of commencement thereof;
- (b) whether it is true that  the  said  project  is  still  going-on  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons for delay along with the time by which the said project is going to be completed; and
- (d) whether there is any cost and time overrun of the said project and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (d): As  informed  by  the  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh,  under  Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), two (02) Sewage and Septage management projects worth ₹19.29 crore have been taken up in Kavali city. One project worth ₹13.49 crore is at implementation stage.

| S.NO.   | Title                                                                  | Milestone               |   Project Cost (in ₹ crore) |   Physical Progress (in ₹ crore) |
|---------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|
| 1       | Construction of STP - 2 no (4+3) MLD and septage management            | Work Completed          |                        5.48 |                             5.48 |
| 2       | Construction of STP - 2 no (4+3) MLD and septage management - Phase II | At Implementation Stage |                       13.49 |                            13.35 |
| Total   | Total                                                                  | Total                   |                       19.29 |                            18.83 |

The State Government has informed that the progress of works has been delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic, non-availability of construction materials through Government portal on regular basis, etc. The State Government has further  informed  that  there  is  no  cost  overrun  and  the  tentative  date  of completion of project is July 2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Implementation of Project ISHAN
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2399

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT ISHAN

## 2399. SHRI ANTO ANTONY

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current implementation status of Project ISHAN along with the key milestones achieved so far in this regard;
- (b) the percentage of Indian airspace that has already been integrated under the said project;
- (c) the expected timeline for full implementation of the said project;
- (d) the details of the funds allocated for the said project; and
- (e) the percentage of the said funds utilized so far?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a)  to  (e):  Project  ISHAN  (Indian  Single  Sky  Harmonised  Air  Traffic Management tentatively at Nagpur) is an initiative of Airports Authority of India (AAI) aimed at streamlining air traffic management (ATM) by unifying the four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in India into one continuous airspace. The project is currently at the conceptualisation stage, and its implementation is contingent upon the feasibility and viability assessment.
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Lok Sabha Question No. 2397 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Support to MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2397 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## SUPPORT TO MSME's

## 2397.       SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to enhance the investment and turnover limit for classification of all MSMEs to 2.5 and 2 times respectively to help them achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  progress  made  and  funds  sanctioned/spent,  States and district-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) and (b):   The revision in the definition of MSMEs has been announced in the Budget announcement 2025.  The  investment  and  turnover  limits  have  been  revised  to  2.5  and  2  times  respectively  for classification of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The details are as given below:

| Classification   |   Current Investment in Plant and Machinery (In Rs. Cr.) |   Investment in Plant and Machinery (In Rs. Cr.) |   Current Turnover (In Rs. Cr.) |   Turnover (In Rs. Cr.) |
|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Micro            |                                                        1 |                                              2.5 |                               5 |                      10 |
| Small            |                                                       10 |                                             25   |                              50 |                     100 |
| Medium           |                                                       50 |                                            125   |                             250 |                     500 |

By increasing the investment and turnover limits for classification, MSMEs may achieve greater efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital, while retaining the status and benefits of existing MSME schemes.

The  Central  Government  supplements  the  efforts  of  the  State/UT  Government  in  supporting MSMEs through its various schemes, programmes and policy initiatives, which inter alia include Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme, Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana etc.

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