opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 399 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: 'Point of Call' Status to Kannur International Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. : 399

(To be answered on the 27 th  March 2025)

## 'POINT OF CALL' STATUS TO KANNUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

## *399. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to extend the 'Point of Call' status to Kannur International Airport without increasing the existing seat allotment for each carrier in view of the growing demand for international connectivity and the increasing passenger traffic in northern Kerala particularly in Kannur;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has any alternative suggestions/plans to facilitate the extension of international carrier services at Kannur Airport and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government would address this long-standing request in the larger interest of enhancing regional connectivity, promoting economic development and meeting the travel needs of a significant population in the region considering the fact that Kannur International Airport plays pivotal role in serving expatriates, business travelers and the general public in the northern part of Kerala and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

(Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

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

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) in respect of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 399 for reply on 27.03.2025 regarding "Point of Call Status to Kannur International Airport" asked by Shri K Sudhakaran. (a) to (d) Grant of point of call (PoC) to the designated carriers of foreign countries is a continuous process and is done through bilateral agreements on air services signed between India and foreign countries from time to time. The grant of PoC to the designated carriers of foreign countries depends on factors which include benefits to the Indian aviation sector, presence of Indian diaspora in that country, plans of Indian carriers, elements of reciprocity, balance of benefits and other relevant factors between two countries. At present, the Government of India promotes more international operations by Indian carriers from non-metro points including Kannur either directly or through their own domestic operations. Accordingly, non-metro points are not granted as new points of call in the Air Services Agreements (ASAs) to any foreign country. Moreover, in accordance with the extant guidelines, this Ministry while allocating traffic rights, gives priority to Indian carriers that intend to operate scheduled international passenger services from non-metro points.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 396 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Sarvodaya Ashram Khadi Village Industry
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Ranjan

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *396 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## SARVODAYA ASHRAM KHADI VILLAGE INDUSTRY

- *396. SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  there  was  a  large  trade  center  in  Sarvodaya Ashram  Khadi  Village  Industry  at  Ranipatra  in  Purnia  district  of  Bihar  from  where  goods manufactured  by  village  industries  were  traded  to  several  States  and  lakhs  of  families  earned their livelihood;
- (b) whether the Sarvodaya Ashram Khadi Village Industry which had been operating since the time of the country's independence has now been closed down, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the  Government proposes to  allocate  an  amount  of  Rs.  one hundred  crore  for revamping of Sarvodaya Ashram Khadi Village Industry at Ranipatra in Purnia district of Bihar with a view to create employment in the local area and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI JITAN RAM MANJHI)

- (a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE PARTS (a) to (c) of LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *396 FOR ANSWER ON 27.03.2025.

- (a): Yes. Sarvodaya Ashram Khadi Village Industry at Ranipatra in Purnia district of Bihar was a registered Khadi Institution with Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC) for running Khadi activities. As per the approved action plan of the said Ashram for FY 2006-07, it was to provide employment to 57 artisans.
- (b): Sarvodaya Ashram Khadi Village Industry at Ranipatra in Purnia district of Bihar was registered  under  society  Registration  Act,  1860  having  Registration  No.  20/1955-56  dated 15.09.1955. During the year 2009, a deep internal conflicts/dispute arose in Sarvodaya Ashram for control over the KI, which badly affected its working leading to closure of Khadi activities in the  institution.    Also,  due  to  non-furnishing  of  Annual  returns,  validity  of  its  Registration Certificate with KVIC lapsed.
- (c): Sarvodaya  Ashram  Khadi  Village  Industry  being an old Khadi  Institution, state Government  is  being  approached  for  making  a  revival  plan  of  the  Khadi  activities  and establishment of effective management in the Institution.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 394 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Hyderabad Metro Rail Project
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 394 TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 27, 2025 HYDERABAD METRO RAIL PROJECT

## NO. 394.      SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

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

- whether the State Government of Telangana has sent Phase-II proposals  for  the  Hyderabad  Metro  Rail  Projects  for  two corridors viz. BHEL-Lakdikapul and Nagole - LB Nagar covering 26  km  with  estimates  of  Rs.  9,100  crore  and  Airport  Metro Corridor from Raidurg to Shamshabad Airport covering 32 km for Rs. 6,250 crore with the request for some modifications to cater to a much larger section of the commuters and to spur
- (a) equitable growth in all parts of the city; and
- (b)
- (a) & (b):
- if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI MANOHAR LAL)

- A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 394 FOR ANSWER ON 27th MARCH 2025 REGARDING HYDERABAD METRO RAIL PROJECT BY SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR Government  of  Telangana  has  submitted  proposal  of  Hyderabad Metro  Phase-2  project  having  5  corridors  as  per  financing  option contained  in  para  E(iii)  of  the  Metro  Policy,  2017  extending  the existing  operational  line  of  Metro  Phase-1  project  implemented under  PPP  model.  In  the  present  form,  the  proposal  needs  to undergo  intensive  appraisal  process  at  different  level  in  Central Government as per relevant provisions of extant policy and approval of  project  depends  upon  outcome  of  such  appraisal  process  and availability of resources.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 393 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Construction of Road Connecting NH-7 to NH-39
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Rajesh Mishra

be pleased to state:

- (a) the expected timeline for completion of Sidhi to Singrauli section of NH-39;
- (b) whether the Government has any plans to construct the single lane  road  from  Katni  to  Singrauli  via  Beohari,  Tikri  and  Sarie  as  a National Highway considering the presence of several coal blocks and power plants  on  the  said  route/road,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  for  construction  of  the road from Chunar to Rajgarh (NH-7) via Ghorawal to Singrauli on NH-39 and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

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

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 393

## ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2025

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD CONNECTING NH-7 TO NH-39

†*393. DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  393  ANSWERED  ON  27 TH   MARCH, 2025  ASKED  BY  DR.  RAJESH  MISHRA  REGARDING  'CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD CONNECTING NH-7 TO NH-39'

(a)     The revised target date for completion of balance works of Sidhi to Singrauli section of NH-39 is December, 2025.

(b) The Government receives proposals from various State Governments/Union Territories (UTs), including from the State Government of  Madhya  Pradesh,  from  time  to  time,  for  declaration  / upgradation of State roads as National Highways (NHs). Decisions for declaration of State roads as NHs are taken from time to time based on  requirement  of  connectivity,  traffic  density,  inter-se  priority  and synergy with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. At present, there is no proposal for declaration of single lane road from Katni to Singrauli via Beohari, Tikri and Sarie as a NH under consideration.

(c)      The  road  from  Chunar  to  Rajgarh  (NH-7)  via  Ghorawal  upto Chitrangi is State road.  No proposal  for declaration of this road as a NH is under consideration.

However, the road from Chitrangi to Singrauli is part of NH-135C connecting  Singrauli  with  Prayagraj  via  Bagdara,  Pipra  in  Madhya Pradesh  and  Drumanodganj,  Koraon  in  Uttar  Pradesh.  Preparation  of Detailed Project Report has been  taken  up  for  development  of Chitrangi to Singrauli section of NH-135C to two-lanes NH standards with paved shoulders.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 390 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: NH Connecting Balrampur to Prayagraj
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Ram Shiromani Verma

be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  construct  the  road from  Chandanpur  (Pachpedwa)  in  Balrampur  district  in  Shravasti Parliamentary  Constituency  on  India-Nepal  border  through  Imilia Koder, Pachpedwa, Judikuiya Chauraha, Ganeshpur Bazaar, Utraula to Mankapur and Nawabganj to Ayodhya and Prayagraj as a National Highway (NH) in public interest; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (b)  A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION  NO. 390 ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2025

NH CONNECTING BALRAMPUR TO PRAYAGRAJ †*390. SHRI RAM SHIROMANI VERMA:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (b) OF LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  390  ANSWERED  ON  27.03.2025 ASKED BY SHRI RAM SHIROMANI VERMA REGARDING NH CONNECTING BALRAMPUR TO PRAYAGRAJ. The Government in Ministry of Road Transport &Highways is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in the country including those in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The  Government  keeps  on  receiving  proposals  from  various State  Governments  /  Union  Territories  (UTs),  including  from  the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, for declaration / upgradation of State roads including State Highways (SHs), as NHs. The Government  considers  declaration  of  some  of  the  State  roads, including SHs, as NHs from time to time based on the requirement of  connectivity,  inter-se  priority  and  synergy  with  PM  Gati  Shakti National Master Plan. The length of NHs in the State of Uttar Pradesh has increased from 7986 km in 2014 to about 12,123 km at present. The  road  stretch  from  Chandanpur  in  Balrampur  district  to Utraula  via  Imilia  Koder  -  Pachpedwa  -  Judikuiya  Chauraha  Ganeshpur Bazaar, is 46.6 km long.  In this stretch, 1.1 km stretch from Pachpedwa to Judikuiya Chauraha is part of National Highway NH-730; which has been developed to 2 Lane with Paved shoulder configuration on 31.03.2021 under the work of "Rehabilitation & Upgradation  of  Tulsipur-Barhani  section  Km  351.00  to  385.00  of  NH730'. The remaining stretch of 45.5 km is Main District Road (MDR road) under the jurisdiction of State Government of Uttar Pradesh.    Further  the  58km  stretch  from  Utraula  to  Nawabganj via  Mankapur is a State Highway (SH-9) and is under the jurisdiction of State Government of Uttar Pradesh. The  158  km  road  section  from  Nawabganj  to  Prayagraj  via Ayodhya  has  already  been  declared  as  National  Highway  (NH330).  In this road stretch of NH 330, 51 km has been developed to four  lane  NH  standards  while  107  km  has  been  developed  as  two lane with Paved shoulder NH standard / two lane NH configuration.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 389 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Water Storage Capacity of Aji Dam
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *389

ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## WATER STORAGE CAPACITY OF AJI DAM

SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA

*389.

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

the  details  of  measures  implemented/being  implemented  by  the  Government  in  partnership  with  the  State Government of Gujarat to boost the water storage capacity at Aji Dam?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF JAL SHAKTI

(SHRI C R PAATIL)

A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART OF STARRED QUESTION NO. *389 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025 IN LOK SABHA REGARDING 'WATER STORAGE CAPACITY OF AJI DAM'

Government  of  India  is  implementing  the  Dam  Rehabilitation  and  Improvement  Project  (DRIP) Phase II and III with funding assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank  (AIIB).  Under  DRIP,  there  is  provision  for  need  based  desiltation  and  to  undertake  sediment management works for priority reservoirs to restore the lost capacity to the extent possible.

Gujarat Water Resource Department (WRD) is one of the participating Implementing Agencies under DRIP scheme. As per Union Cabinet approval for  the  DRIP  Phase  II  &  III  Scheme,  provision  exists  for safety  improvement  of  six  dams  of  Gujarat  at  an  estimated  cost  of  Rs.  400  crore.  Gujarat  WRD  has  not proposed to undertake any rehabilitation work to boost/augment its water storage capacity. As mentioned by the State Government, the water stored in Aji dam/reservoir is only used to meet the drinking water supply to Rajkot city under SAUNI YOJANA.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4597 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Shri Renuka Ji Dam Project
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

†4597.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4597

ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## SHRI RENUKA JI DAM PROJECT

SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) the current status of the construction work of Shri Renuka Ji Dam Project approved by the Government;

(b) the details of the construction work completed so far and yet to be completed;

(c) the details of the total funds utilised on the construction work so far; and

(d) the time by which the construction work of the said dam is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) to (d) Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL), a public sector company of Government of Himachal Pradesh is implementing Renuka ji Project of Himachal Pradesh.

HPPCL has stated that the geological investigations for Diversion tunnels have been completed and specification drawings are under preparation. Further, 947.4 hectare private land has been acquired out of total requirement of 954.27 hectare for the project. Expenditure made under the project till February, 2025 is Rs. 2,468.56 crore. Expenditure has been made mainly on land acquisition, depositing required funds for environmental  clearance  in  Compensatory  Afforestation  Fund  Management  and  Planning  Authority' (CAMPA), investigations etc.

The completion of the construction works of the project is scheduled in June, 2030.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Bio-ATF Programme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4596

(To be answered on the 27 th  March 2025)

## BIO-ATF PROGRAMME

4596. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the total number of greenfield airports constructed since 2014;
- (b) whether the Government has prepared a bio-ATF programme to achieve the decarbonization targets of the aviation sector;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has constituted a bio-aviation turbine fuel programme committee; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the work to be carried out by the said committee?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) 12 (Twelve) Greenfield airports viz. Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi,  Orvakal  (Kurnool),  Sindhudurg,  Kushinagar,  Itanagar (Hollongi), Mopa, Shivamogga and Rajkot (Hirasar) have been constructed and operationalised since 2014.
- (b) to (e)  To realise the goals of decarbonisation of Aviation Sector, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) had constituted a Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Programme Committee to take forward the Bio-ATF programme in the country to promote use of clean fuels. The terms of reference  of  the  Committee  included,  inter-alia,  raw  materials

production/demand,  technology,  BIS  Standards,  effects  on  engine performance etc. Based on the comments received from the stakeholders, the capacities of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plants coming up in the country and projected ATF sales, the following initial indicative blending percentages of SAF in ATF have been approved by the National Biofuels Coordination Committee initially for International flights: 1% SAF indicative blending target by 2027, 2% SAF blending target by 2028 and 5% SAF blending target by 2030.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4594 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Redevelopment of NH 322
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal for the redevelopment of National Highway322 from Darbhanga to Musrigharari in Bihar, if so, the details thereof; and (b)  the  total  amount  allocated  for  this  redevelopment  and  the  extent  to which the width of this approximately 47 kilometre-long National Highway is proposed to be increased?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (b)  At present, the NH-322 from Darbhanga to Samastipur is 2 lane and Samastipur to Musarighari is 4 lane. Development and maintenance of National  Highways,  including  of  NH-322  in  Bihar,  is  a  continuous  process which  is  taken  up  as  per  the  traffic  and  its  growth,  inter-se  priority  and synergy  with  PM  Gati  Shakti  National  Master  Plan.   Performance  Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) work has been sanctioned for Rs. 39.37 crores for maintenance of Darbhanga - Samastipur section of NH-322.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4594 ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2025

REDEVELOPMENT OF NH-322

4594.  SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 4591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Upgradation of SH-25 in Karnataka
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government has received the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the proposal from the State  Government  of Karnataka  to  upgrade  SH-25  as  a  National  Highway  owing  to  its socio-economic significance, if so, the details thereof along with the action initiated by the Union Government thereon;
- (b)  the  reasons  for  the  pendency  of  the  upgradation  of  the  said highway; and
- (c)  the  duration  for  which the proposal has been pending with the Union Government along with the time frame by which it is likely to be approved or sanctioned?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to c)  Government in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs). State Highway (SH) - 25 is a State road and development of State roads is the responsibility of the

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4591 ANSWERED ON 27 TH  MARCH, 2025

## UPGRADATON OF SH-25 IN KARNATAKA

4591.   Dr. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मं त्री

respective State Government.  Government  keeps  on  receiving proposals from various State Governments/UTs, etc., including from the State Government of Karnataka for declaration / up-gradation of State roads including SHs as NHs. Government considers declaration of some of the State roads including SHs as NHs from time  to  time  based  on  the  requirements  of  connectivity,  inter-se priority, traffic density and synergy with PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4585 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Protection of Tribal Artisans
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Bunty Vivek Sahu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4585

TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## PROTECTION OF TRIBAL ARTISANS

†4585. SHRI BUNTY VIVEK SAHU:

Will the Minister of Tribal Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) the expected economic impact on tribal artisans and entrepreneurs through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in this regard;
- (b)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  planning  to  ensure  that  the  participation  of  large corporations does not lead to the exploitation of tribal producers;
- (c) the measures taken/being taken to protect traditional tribal knowledge and intellectual property while engaging with corporate and international organisations; and
- (d) the manner in which the said MoU is aligned with the broader trade and cultural diplomatic objectives of India?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): TRIFED has entered into collaboration with organisations like Reliance Retail, HCL Foundation and Torajamelo Indonesia to encourage tribal entrepreneurship. The MoUs, have been signed to support the tribal artisans with following main objectives:

- i. Improving product designs.
- ii. Infusion of technology.
- iii. Enhancement of market access.

These MoUs aim to strengthen and spread the tribal products and promoting their culture in various parts of the country. These collaborations aim to provide wider market access through their online and offline platforms and assist in sustainable livelihoods to all sections including Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The initiatives will drive entrepreneurship, skill development, and global recognition of tribal craftsmanship.

*****