opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3494 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: 'Theme'—A Touchstone for Central Public Sector Undertakings
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## 3494. Shri Jai Prakash:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  'Theme' -a  touchstone set by the Government for the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) for the purpose of releasing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds for the current financial year;
- (b) whether the Government has announced its theme to be followed by the CPSUs and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any authority or say over releasing CSR Funds under the concerned CPSUs;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the quantum of CSR Funds earmarked by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) under this Thematic Area for the current year?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a)  &  (b):  CSR  activities  of  corporates  including  Central  Public  Sector  Enterprises (CPSEs)  are  governed  as  per  Section  135  of  Companies  Act,  2013.  Based  on  the recommendations that emerged from the CPSEs Conclave held in April, 2018 related to utilization of CSR funds in a focused manner towards national priorities by adopting a theme-based approach every year, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has been issuing guidelines from the financial year 2018-19 to all administrative Ministries and CPSEs for adopting a theme-based focused approach every year on CSR expenditure by  the  CPSEs.  These  instructions,  inter-alia,  provide  that  CSR  expenditure  for  such thematic programmes should be around 60% of annual CSR expenditure of CPSEs and the aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog may be given preference in CSR expenditure. Annual theme for CSR activities of CPSEs for FY 2025-26 has not been notified so far.

- (c) & (d): In terms of provisions of Section 135 of Companies Act, 2013, CSR Committee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3494

Monday, August 11, 2025/Sravana 20, 1947 (Saka)

## 'THEME' -A TOUCHSTONE FOR CENTRAL PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

## QUESTION

of the Board of CSR eligible companies including CPSEs shall inter alia formulate and recommend the CSR policy to the Board and monitor the CSR policy of the company from  time  to  time.  These  provisions  also  provide  that  CSR  policy  includes  guiding principles  for  selection,  implementation  and  monitoring  of  activities  as  well  as formulation  of  annual  action  plan  and  the  manner  of  execution  of  such  projects  or programmes.

(e): As the thematic area for the current financial year has not been notified by DPE as yet, the question does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3492 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Loans to Victims affected by Natural Calamities
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3492

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025/ SRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## LOANS TO VICTIMS AFFECTED BY NATURAL CALAMITIES

## †3492. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the general guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India in 1984 were revised in 1989 with a view to widening the scope of assistance/loans to be provided by banks to the victims of floods, cyclones, landslides, riots etc.;
- (b) if so, the number of persons to whom the assistance has been provided in the affected States till date;
- (c) whether any fresh instructions have been issued to financial institutions in the affected States  to  provide  further  financial  assistance  to  the  persons  affected  by  the  severe  sea earthquake in December, 2004; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):   RBI  had issued Guidelines in 1984 for Banks to extend relief measures in the areas affected by Natural Calamities viz., floods, droughts, cyclones etc.  The scope of the said guidelines was extended to fishermen in 1989. Further, RBI vide its circular dated 30 December 2004 enhanced the amount of consumption loan for general purposes for people affected by the Tsunami.

The instructions of RBI on relief measures by banks in areas affected by natural calamities were consolidated and issued on  17 October 2018 which inter-alia provides restructuring of loans without downgrade in asset classification and sanctioning of fresh loans. Under the said consolidated guidelines cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, and cold wave/frost have been recognized as natural calamities.

As  reported  by  RBI,  about  7.84  lakh  loan  accounts  were  restructured/rescheduled  and approx.  13.60  lakh  fresh  loan  applications  were  sanctioned  for  the  people  affected  with natural calamity in different states during March 2020 to June 2025.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3486 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Promotion of Regional Languages in Schools
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Indra Hang Subba

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3486

ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## Promotion of Regional Languages in Schools

3486.  Dr. Indra Hang Subba:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the total  number of regional languages affiliated at Secondary and Senior Secondary level in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE);
- (b) whether there are any standing rules that limits the number of regional languages to get affiliation with the CBSE; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c) : Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) offers 40 languages at the secondary (IX-X) and 34 languages at senior secondary (XI-XII) level. 30 out of 40 are Indian languages at secondary level and 26 out of 34 at senior secondary level are Indian Regional  languages.  There  is  no  standing  rule  that  limits  the  number  of  regional languages for getting affiliation with CBSE.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3485 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Reimbursement of Pending dues to Telangana
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3485 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 11 th  August,2025 SRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## REIMBURSEMENT OF PENDING DUES TO TELANGANA

## 3485. SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the State Government of Telangana has sent any request to the Government to expedite the reimbursement of Rs. 408.49 crore payable to the Government of Telangana along with applicable interest; and
- (b) If so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) To (b) Yes, The Government of Telangana vide letter no. 6/IST CELL/Fin./2022, dated 05.07.2022 has requested reimbursement of Rs.408.48 crore from the Government of Andhra Pradesh regarding expenditure  incurred on constitutional and statutory  bodies such as the High  Court,  Raj  Bhavan,  and  other  common  institutions  that  served  both  the  States.  In  a meeting  held on 03.02.2025, both the State Governments were requested to reconcile the expenditure  on  common  institutions  with  the  Principal  Accountant  Generals  (AGs)  of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Union Home Secretary has also written to Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) on 25.06.2025 for expediting the reconciliation of expenditure on Common Institutions to facilitate finalization of accounts between the two States by the AGs of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3484 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Online Examination Centres in Ladakh
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Mohmad Haneefa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3484

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 11 AUGUST, 2025 / 20 SRAVANA, 1947 (SAKA)

## ONLINE EXAMINATION CENTRES IN LADAKH

## 3484.  SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that candidates from the UT of Ladakh aspiring to appear in recruitment examinations conducted by IBPS and other banking institutions are compelled to travel to Jammu, Srinagar or other far-off locations due to the absence of examination centres in Ladakh;

(b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  permanent  centres  for  conducting  online examination in Ladakh for the convenience of aspirants, keeping in view the geographical isolation, harsh climatic conditions and high travel costs;

(c) whether the Government proposes to issue directions to the banks to conduct departmental and promotional exams for employees posted in Ladakh within the UT itself; and;

(d)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  this  issue  and  to  ensure  equitable  access  to employment opportunities for the youth in Ladakh?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):  Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is a test conducting agency engaged by the  member  organisations  including  Public  Sector  Banks  (PSBs)  for  conducting  recruitment examinations.  The  candidates  while  applying  for  the  recruitment  examinations  opt  for  an examination centre and based on the number of applications received, IBPS allots the examination centre  to  accommodate  the  candidates  for  examinations.  The  availability  and  allocation  of examination centres are determined by IBPS  based on the logistical and administrative considerations.

As per IBPS, Leh & Kargil in Ladakh have been notified as the examination centres for the upcoming  banking  recruitment  examination  in  the  year  2025.  IBPS  has  also  informed  that  no examinations are conducted in adverse climatic conditions.

For the departmental and promotional examinations, in case the employees are required to travel  outside  Ladakh,  banks  reimburse  expenses  incurred  on  travelling  including  lodging  and boarding, as per their respective eligibility. Further, in order to ensure inclusive recruitment, banks (as per their business requirements) consistently strive to provide equitable access to employment opportunities for candidates from remote regions, including the youth of Ladakh.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Reduction in Custom Duty on Crude Edible Oil
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3483

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025/ SRAVANA 20, 1947(SAKA)

## REDUCTION IN CUSTOM DUTY ON CRUDE EDIBLE OIL

## 3483. SHRI PUTTA MAHESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any study/survey regarding the impact of reduction in customs duty on crude edible oils on Indian oil palm farmers;
- (b)  whether  the  Government has considered  utilising a dynamic import duty  mechanism  to  maintain  Crude  Palm  Oil  (CPO)  prices,  if  so,  the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has considered potential impact of reduction in import duty on crude palm oil could have on the domestic manufacture of palm oil; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a)  Basic  Custom  Duty  (BCD)  was  reduced  from  20%  to  10%  on  crude edible  oils  with  effect  from  1 st   June,  2025.  The  objective  behind  the reduction  of  customs  duty  on  crude  edible  oils  is  not  to  undermine domestic cultivation but rather to create a balanced environment where domestic refining is enhanced, consumer prices are reduced and farmers continue to receive fair compensation for their produce.
- (b)  A  dynamic  import  duty  structure  on  edible  oils  in  India  has  certain disadvantages. Since India relies on imports for about 60% of its edible oil needs,  domestic  prices  are  heavily  influenced  by  international  market rates.  Due  to  the  extreme  volatility  of  global  prices,  using  a  dynamic import  duty  system  is  unlikely  to  effectively  stabilize  or  control  prices within the domestic market.
- (c) & (d) The recent reduction of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on crude edible  oils,  including  crude  sunflower,  soybean  and  palm  oils, besides alleviating the inflationary pressures on edible oil prices, is aimed  at  higher  utilisation  of  domestic  refineries  and  promoting local edible oil refining industry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Outcome of COP-29
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3482

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## Outcome of COP-29

## 3482.   DR. C M RAMESH:

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

- (a) the reaction of the Government at the outcome of COP-29, particularly with climate finance at Baku;
- (b) whether US$300 billion per year by 2035 is sufficient that too from wide varieties of sources, including private, rather than public finances;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  rejected  the  deal  in  its  present  form  and  if  so,  the alternative now for like-minded countries on this deal to get a deal of US$1.3 trillion per year till 2030;
- (d) whether the outcome not mean that COP-29 failed to deliver binding commitments, real finances and meaningful action to curb climate crisis; and
- (e) if so, the way out now for developing countries?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e)  India  had  expressed  its  disappointment  with  the  New  Collective  Quantified  Goal (NCQG)  outcome  of  COP  29  at  Baku  as  it  does  not  address  the  needs  and  priorities  of developing  countries  and  is  incompatible  with  the  principle  of  Common  but  Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and Equity.

The  mobilisation  target  of  USD  300  billion  annually  by  2035  is  substantially insufficient to address the financing needs of developing nations, which are estimated to be between USD 5.1-6.8 trillion for up to 2030 (or USD 455-584 billion per year) by the Standing Committee  on  Finance  under  United  Nations  Framework  Convention  on  Climate  Change (UNFCCC).

Further, the categorisation of  climate-related  outflows  and  financial  efforts  by multilateral development banks (MDBs) as contributions to the USD 300 billion goal would include contributions from developing countries (which are shareholders in MDBs), despite UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement mandating that developed countries provide and take lead in mobilising climate finance for developing countries.

India has submitted its view on the 'Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T'.  It is mentioned that the roadmap must reflect the perspectives and concerns of developing country Parties and that its suggestions must adhere to the principles of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, including  equity,  common  but  differentiated  responsibilities  and  respective  capabilities (CBDR-RC) and the principles of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: World Environment Day, 2025
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3479 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## World Environment Day 2025

## 3479:   SHRI JUGAL KISHORE

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

- (a) the key components of the national campaign to eliminate plastic pollution launched on World Environment Day 2025;
- (b) the  significance  of  the  National  Plastic  Waste  Reporting  Portal  launched  on  World Environment Day 2025; and
- (c) the manner in which this campaign aligns with the objectives of 'Swachhata Hi Seva' and 'Mission LIFE'?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): The National Plastic Pollution Reduction Campaign (NPPRC) was launched on 5th June 2025. The Campaign includes activities to reduce plastic pollution in Tiger Reserves and urban and rural areas under Swachhta Hi Sewa programme. The campaign aligns with one of the theme of Mission LiFE, which is reducing single-use plastics. The activities under the campaign include focus on reducing use of avoidable single use plastics in government offices, especially during Special Campaign 5.0. A Hackathon on eco-alternatives to single-use plastics and engaging youth through creative competition such as poem writing, slogan writing and skits (Nukkad Nataks) on the theme of Ending Plastic Pollution is part of the campaign.

The National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal was launched on 5 th  June 2025. As per Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024, notified on 14 th  March, 2024, every urban local body,  Panchayat  at  District  Level,  State  Pollution  Control  Boards,  and  Pollution  Control Committees shall prepare and submit annual report in the prescribed form on the portal. The mandatory online submission of annual reports is a transformational step in moving away from multi  step  physical  reporting.  The portal  captures information  with  respect  to  plastic  waste generated, characterization & assessment of plastic waste, infrastructure details with respect to collection,  transportation  &  processing  of  plastic  waste,  Enforcement  of  ban  on  identified single use plastic items, and action taken for violation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, from urban local bodies and Panchayats at District Level.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3478 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Preservation of Orans
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3478

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## Preservation of Orans

## 3478.  SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any information on the sacred  groves  that  exist in  the country and whether there is any criteria to determine the same;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken for the preservation of such groves and encouragement of forest worship by the local communities;
- (d) the steps taken to formalise such communities and to bring such areas under the purview of various biodiversity related laws; and
- (e) the steps taken for the protection of the Orans in Rajasthan?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) and (d) Sacred  groves  are  community  conserved  land  parcels,  which  usually  have  a religious and cultural significance and contribute in conserving local biodiversity. The  Wild  Life  (Protection)  Act,  1972  empowers  State  Government  and  Union Territory  for  declaration  of  any  private  or  community  land,  as  a  community reserve, for protecting fauna, flora and traditional or cultural conservation values and practices. Additionally, in accordance with Section 37 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023) the State Governments in consultation with local bodies may notify such areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).

The Ministry supports protection and conservation of sacred groves with a strong focus on community participation and eco-development initiatives.

- (e) In  compliance  of  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court  order  dated  18-12-2024,  an  expert committee has been constituted by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to review the progress of identification, ground survey, satellite mapping, classification of sacred groves such as Orans, Dev-vans, Rundhs or by any other name in the State of Rajasthan.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3477 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Gig and Platform Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Smt. Shambhavi, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Shri Rajesh Verma, Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3477 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS

## 3477. SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE:

SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR:

SMT. SHAMBHAVI:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  assessment  to quantify the significant and growing number of gig and platform workers in the country, recognizing their vital contribution to the modern economy and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)the details of the current status of formulating a dedicated social security framework for the said workers under the visionary Code on Social Security, 2020, to provide them with benefits like health insurance and old-age protection;
- (c)the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government taking  to  ensure  that  gig  and  platform  workers  receive  fair earnings, safe working conditions and adequate grievance redressal mechanisms in collaboration with the aggregator platforms;
- (d)whether  the  Government  is  planning  specific  skill  development initiatives  tailored  to  the  needs  of  platform  workers  to  enhance their long-term career prospects and income-earning potential and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)the  details  of  the  Government's  long -term  vision  to  create  a supportive ecosystem for the gig economy, balancing the flexibility it offers?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a) to (e):  As per an estimation by NITI Aayog vide its report titled 'India`s Booming Gig and Platform Economy' published in June 2022, the  number  of  gig  workers  and  platform  workers  in  the  country

was7.7 million in 2020-21 which is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30. The report is available at https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/202206/25th\_June\_Final\_Report\_27062022.pdf

For  the  first  time,  the  definition  of  'gig  workers'  and 'platform  workers'  and  provisions  related  to  the  same  have  been provided  in  the  Code  on  Social  Security,  2020  which  has  been enacted by the Parliament.

The Code provides for framing of suitable social security measures for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc.

The Government in its Budget Announcement for financial year 2025-26 has announced several key measures for the welfare of Gig workers  of online platforms (platform workers) viz. their registration on the e-Shram portal, issuance of identity cards, and extension of health care benefits under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

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