opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Computerisation of Offices of Registrars of the Cooperative Societies
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Harish Dwivedi, Pushpendra Singh Chandel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 384 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/12/2023

## Computerisation of Offices of Registrars of the Cooperative Societies

## 384.    SHRI HARISH DWIVEDI: SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of COOPERATION ( सहकाįरता मंũी) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to take steps for computerisation of the offices of the Registrars of  the  Cooperative  Societies  and  Multi-  State  Cooperative  Societies  (MSCS)  across  the States/Union Territories;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with its status as on date; and
- (c) the benefits likely to accrue to the members of MSCSs from the said scheme?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकाįरता मंũी (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a)  to  (b):  Yes,  Sir.  The  integrated  digital  portal  for  the  office  of  Central  Registrar  of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) i.e., www.crcs.gov.in has been launched on 6th August, 2023.

Separately,  the  project  for  Computerisation  of  office  of  Registrars  of  Cooperative Societies  of  all  States  /  UTs  has  been  approved  as  Centrally  sponsored  project  with  total financial  outlay  of  Rs.  94.59  crore  under  which  funds  will  be  provided  to  States/UTs  for development  &  maintenance  of  RCS  portal  (based  on  concerned  State  /  UT  Cooperative Society Act) and for procurement of hardware & cloud infrastructure. The guidelines of the project have already been circulated.

- (c): The integrated digital CRCS portal for MSCS provides a complete digital ecosystem for MSCSs  including  Registration,  Amendment  of  Bye-laws,  Annual  return  filing,  Branch Opening, Appointment of Sale Officer, Appeal, Inspection, Inquiry, Liquidation, Management of Cooperative Education Fund, Cooperative Rehabilitation Reconstruction & Development Fund, Elections, etc. This will improve 'Ease of Doing Business' and transparency for the MSCS and their members as all the processes are digital and paperless.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 381 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Status of PM-KISAN in Odisha
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Aparajita Sarangi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 381

TO BE ANSWERED ON 5 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## STATUS OF PM-KISAN IN ODISHA

381. SHRIMATI APARAJITA SARANGI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) in terms of the number of beneficiaries and the amount of funds disbursed in the State of Odisha since its launch;
- (b) the details of number of women beneficiaries under PM-KISAN across the country and particularly in the State of Odisha; and
- (c) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  and  reach  the  unbanked  and underbanked segment of the population of Odisha?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a): In the State of Odisha, under PM-KISAN, benefits worth Rs. 9202.5 Crore have been transferred to 42.02 lakh beneficiaries since the inception of the Scheme.
- (b): 3.03 Crore women beneficiary across the nation have received the benefits of the PM-KISAN since its inception, out of which approx 10.24 lakh women beneficiaries belong to Odisha.
- (c): Aadhar seeded bank account is mandatory for getting benefit of the scheme, as the benefits under the PM-Kisan Scheme is transferred to Aadhar Seeded Bank Account of the beneficiary through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.  The Government has on boarded India  Post  Payments  Bank  to  provide  banking  services  at  the  doorstep  to  the  eligible beneficiaries across the country including Odisha.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 380 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Separate Budget for Agriculture
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: R.K. Singh Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 380

TO BE ANSWERED ON 5 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## SEPARATE BUDGET FOR AGRICULTURE

380. SHRI R.K. SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has released any separate budget for agriculture with the objective of making law for regulating the use of groundwater to increase the agricultural productivity to safeguard the farmers' welfare and to protect the interests of farmers and the common people dependent on groundwater;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) to (c): Both agriculture and water are state subjects. However, Government of India is  actively supporting and supplementing efforts of state governments by implementing a comprehensive set of schemes and programmes for the benefit of farmers across agriculture and allied sectors as well as promoting sustainable groundwater management. Apart from the schemes, Government of India has also taken several initiatives to enhance income and improve  quality  of  life  of  farmers  which  include  unprecedented  enhancement  in  budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Total budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has been increased to Rs. 1,25,035.79 crore during 2023-24.

Regarding  legislations  to  regulate  ground  water  use,  Ministry  of  Jal  Shakti  has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for regulation of its development.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 379 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: FM Transmitter in Darbhanga
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 379

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023)

FM TRANSMITTER IN DARBHANGA

379.  SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

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

- (a) whether approval has been granted by the Government to set up  5  KW  capacity  Frequency  Modulation  (FM)  transmitter  in Akashvani Kendra Darbhanga under the Boardcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme;
- (b) if so, when the said approval was granted;
- (c) whether the said transmitter has already been set up and the FM  broadcast  service  has  been  started  from  the  Akashvani Kendra;
- (d) if so, when this service was launched and started;
- (e) if not, the details of steps taken by the Government for setting up the same;
- (f) whether  the  Government  has  fixed  any  timeline  for  early setting  up  of  the  said  transmitter  and  start  broadcasting service;
- (g) the time by which such transmitter is likely to be set up; and
- (h) if not, the reasons therefor alongwith the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) to (h): The Government has approved a project to set up 5 kW FM transmitter  at  Akashvani    Darbhanga  under  the  Central  Sector Scheme (CSS) Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme on 20.10.2023.

The projects approved under BIND Scheme have to be completed by March, 2026.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 376 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Involvement of Panchayats in PDS
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: D.K. Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.376 ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023

## Involvement of Panchayats in PDS

## 376. SHRI D.K. SURESH:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to State:

- (a) whether the Government has received any representation seeking steps to take to  transform  the  process  of  the  Public  Distribution  System  by  enabling  the Panchayat bodies to procure and distribute grain locally;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken note that the Panchayats have the potential for capacity building, training or infrastructure;
- (d)  if  so,  the  Government  is  taking  any  steps  to  implement  the  idea  of transforming the process of the PDS by enabling the panchayat bodies; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL)

(a) to (e): Targeted Public Distribution System(TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State/UT Governments. Central Government is responsible only for procurement, allocation as per National Food Security Act, 2013(NFSA) and transportation of such foodgrains upto the designated depots of the Food Corporation of India in the State/UT. The operational responsibilities for lifting and distribution of foodgrains within the States/UTs, identification of eligible beneficiaries, issuance of ration cards to them, redressal of grievances and licensing, regulation, monitoring and operation of Fair Price Shops (including under Panchayats etc.) rest with the concerned State/UT Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 374 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Plan to Meet Future Requirements of MGNREGS
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Talari Rangaiah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 374 ANSWERED ON 05/12/2023

## PLAN TO MEET FUTURE REQUIREMENTS OF MGNREGS

## 374.  DR. TALARI RANGAIAH:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the allocated fund of 60 thousand crores under MGNREGS has been exhausted more than 95 per cent;
- (b) if  so,  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  maintain sufficient balances  to meet  the  demand  of  labour  for the MGNREGS as country is in experience of rainfall deficit; and
- (c) the  plan  of  the  Government  to  meet  future  requirements  of MGNREGS budget?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a)  to  (c):  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment  Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand driven wage employment Scheme. During the current financial year 2023-24 (as on 29.11.2023) an amount of Rs. 66,629.62 crore has been  released for wage, material & administrative components under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS.

Funds  are  released to the States/UTs on the basis of "agreed to" Labour  Budget  (LB)  and  performance  of  the  States/UTs  during  the financial year. Fund release to States/UTs is a continuous process and Central Government is committed to making funds available keeping in view the demand for work on the ground.

Financial  allocation  of  Rs.  60,000  crores  has  been  made  for Mahatma  Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme  (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) for the financial year 2023-24 at Budget Estimate (BE)

stage. Further, an amount of Rs.10,000 crore has been provided by the Ministry  of  Finance  as  an  advance  from  Contingency  Fund  of  India. Ministry seeks additional funds from Ministry of Finance as and when required for meeting the demand for work on the ground.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 373 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Promotion of Natural Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 373

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 05 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## PROMOTION OF NATURAL FARMING

## 373. SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the promotion of natural farming has become the need of the hour and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether  the  agriculture  sector  is  a  very  important  sector  and  to  bring  necessary changes in this sector with time is necessary; and

(c) if so, the details of the schemes being implemented by the Government to promote natural farming and encourage farmers to adopt the said method of farming in the country particularly in Gujarat?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) to (c): Government  is  promoting  natural  farming  since  2019-2020  through  a  subscheme  namely  Bharatiya  Prakritik  Krishi  Paddhati  (BPKP)  under  Paramparagat  Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). So far 4.09 lakh ha area has been sanctioned and Rs. 55.99 Crore has been released for natural farming in 8 states under BPKP across the country. An areas of  1.48  lakh  ha  have  also  been  sanctioned  for  promotion  of  natural  farming  along  the Ganga Corridor. To motivate farmers to adopt natural farming and to enhance the reach of natural  farming,  the  Government  has  formulated  National  Mission  on  Natural  Farming (NMNF) as a separate and independent scheme by up scaling the BPKP.

Government  of  Gujarat  has  informed  that  the  state  of  Gujarat  has  implemented following schemes for encouraging farmers for promotion of Natural faming:

-  Desi Cow Maintenance assistance scheme where Rs. 10,800 per annum financial assistance to farmer families.
-  Providing financial assistance of Rs. 10000/- per ha. to farmers family  engaged in Natural Farming under completely chemical free Dang district.
-  Establishment  of  Gujarat  Prakrutik  Krushi  Vikas  Board  for  promotion  of  natural faming in the state.
-  Special scheme for manpower to promote Natural Farming in the State.
-  Establishment  of  Gujarat  Natural  Farming  Science  University  for  research  and education regarding Natural Farming.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 369 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: India Sports Authority Centres
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †369 TO BE ANSWERD ON 05.12.2023

## India Sports Authority Centres

## †369. SHRI JASWANT SINGH BHABHOR:

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

- (a)  whether the Government has received any proposal for setting up  new  training  institutes  and  India  Sports  Authority  Centres  in Gujarat;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  if  not,  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  set  up
- such centres; and
- (d) whether any special provision exists for the athletes/archers of Gujarat particularly for the tribal districts like Dahod?

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

- No, Sir.  The  Government has not received  any proposal for setting up of new training institutes and Sports Authority of India
- (a) to (b): (SAI) Centres in the State of Gujarat.
- (c) to (d): 'Sports'  being  a  State  subject,  the  responsibility  for promotion  and  development  of  sports,  including  setting  up  of training centres  at  the  district  level,  rests  primarily  with  the respective State Governments. The Central Government supplements their efforts  through  various  schemes  as  well  as  the sports  promotional  schemes  run  by  the  Sports  Authority  of  India (SAI).  These  schemes  aim  to  identify  talented  sportspersons  in

various  age  groups  and  nurture  them  to  excel  at  national  and international  levels.  SAI  is  currently  implementing  one  National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) and one Extension Centre in the State of  Gujarat.  A  total  of  242  athletes  are  being  trained  in  these Centres. Apart from this, 68 athletes are being trained in 33 Khelo India  Centres  (KICs),  1  Khelo  India  State  Centre  of  Excellence (KISCE) and 16 Accredited Academies in the State of Gujarat.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 362 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Financial Assistance to Guiding and Scouting Organisations
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Rajendra Agrawal

## Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

## Government of India Department of Youth Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 362 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023

Financial Assistance to Guiding and Scouting Organisations

## 362. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL :

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

- (a)  the  details  of  the  financial  outlay  towards  the  assistance  to guiding and scouting organisations for the year 2023-24;
- (b) whether  the  allocation of funds  is sufficient to fulfil the outcomes; and
- (c)  if  not,  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  planning  to generate revenue or gather resources to conduct its activities?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## [SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

- (a) Under the scheme of Assistance to Scouting and Guiding, funds amounting  to  Rs.  1.50  Crore  have  been  allocated  for  the  year
- 2023-24.
- (b)  The  allocation  of  funds  under  the  scheme  of  Assistance  to Scouting and Guiding is sufficient.
- (c) Does not arise.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 360 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Jayadev Galla

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 360 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023

National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons

360. SHRI JAYADEV GALLA:

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

- (a) the amount of funds allotted from the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons  during  the  last  five  years  to  each  State  and  Union Territory especially Andhra Pradesh;
- (b)  the  total  number  of  sportspersons  covered  under  the  schemes that availed funding under the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons during the last five years, State-wise especially from Andhra Pradesh;
- (c) whether the Government has carried out any initiative/activities to increase awareness; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  and  (b)  The  details  of  the  financial  assistance  given  under  the scheme of 'Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons' (earlier 'Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund  for  Sportspersons'  )  to  the  sportspersons  along  with  their numbers,  State/UT  wise  including  Andhra  Pradesh  in  the  last  five years is given on the Ministry's website https://yas.nic.in

(c) and (d) To increase the awareness  of the scheme,  the Government  publicizes  the  Scheme  through  various  modes  like website, social media, Press Information Bureau(PIB) etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 356 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Job Reservation for Disabled
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Rajiv Pratap Rudy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 356 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023

## JOB RESERVATION FOR DISABLED

## 356. SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT सामािजक Ɋाय और अिधकाįरता मंũी be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  public  sector  companies  are  required  to  reserve  4%  of  all  jobs  for  disabled  people  in compliance with Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016; if so, the details thereof;

- (b) whether it is a fact that even as growing number of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) embrace affirmative action and commit to hiring a diverse workforce, India's top PSUs have only 3 persons with disabilities for every 1,000 employees on roll, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to increase representation of Persons with Disability (PwD) in top organizations ?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Yes, sir. As per Section 34(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, not less than  four  percent  reservation  in  vacancies  for  persons  with  benchmark  disabilities  (persons  with disabilities having 40% disability or more) is applicable to all Government establishments including public sector companies.
- (b)  The data is not centrally maintained.
- (c)  Section  20  of  the  RPwD  Act,  2016  mandates  every  government  establishment  to  provide reasonable accommodation and appropriate barrier free and conducive environment to employees with disability. Further, the Department implements National Action Plan for Skill Development of PwDs with a view to provide quality vocational training with high employability focusing only on PwDs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 351 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Safe Disposal of EV Batteries
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Maddila  Gurumoorthy, Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 351 ANSWERED ON 05.12.2023

## SAFE DISPOSAL OF EV BATTERIES

## 351. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY: SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY:

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

- (a) whether it is true that Electric Vehicles (EV) battery life is 6-7 years after which it needs to be recycled which is complex as the battery contains many toxic materials that are tough to dispose of;
- (b) if so, the guidelines introduced by the Government to ensure safe disposal of EV batteries;
- (c) whether it is also true that EVs in the country are said to increase pollution as the batteries are charged from coal-generated electricity;
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to increase renewable energy sources for EVs in the country;
- (e) whether the Government plans to mandate standardised charging port for electric scooters as otherwise, each maker has to set up separate charging infrastructure across the country; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a) & (b): Sir, as per the information received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India notified the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 on 22 nd August,  2022  to  ensure  environmentally  sound  management  of  waste  batteries  including waste batteries from Electric Vehicles.

Under the rules, Producers including importers of batteries have been prescribed Extended Producer  Responsibility  (EPR)  targets  for  collection  and  recycling/refurbishment  of  waste batteries.    Public  Waste  Management  Authorities  have  been  mandated  to  hand  over  collected waste  batteries  to  the  producers  or  agencies  acting  on  their  behalf  or  the  entity  engaged  in refurbishment or recycling activities.

All entities involved in collection, segregation and treatment of waste batteries have been mandated to hand these over to registered refurbishers or recyclers.  Consumer have been provided responsibility  to  discard  waste  batteries  separately  from  other  waste  streams  especially  from mixed waste, domestic waste streams.

- (c): No Sir.
- (d): Does not arise in respect of part (c) of the reply.
- (e) & (f): Sir, no such plan is under consideration in the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

*******