opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4281 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Soil Health and Fertility Scheme
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4281

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## SOIL HEALTH AND FERTILITY SCHEME

4281. DR. C M RAMESH:

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

- (a) the number of farmers in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) the  number  of  soil  samples  tested  in  Anakapalli  under  Soil  Health  and  Fertility Scheme;
- (c) whether it is true that 27,500 soil samples were collected and tested in Anakapalli;
- (d) if so, the details of farmers benefited from above tests and soil health cards issued; and
- (e) the  efforts  being  made  to  include  all  farmers  in  the  district  under  Soil  Health  and Fertility Scheme and carryout soil samples tested?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a): As reported by State Government of Andhra Pradesh, there are 3,89,433 numbers of farm  holdings  in  Anakapalli  district.  ( Source:  District  statistical  Officer,  Anakapalli District )

(b) to (d): Ankapalli  district  in  Andhra  Pradesh  was  formed  in  2022.  During  2023-24  to 2025-26 (as on 11.08.2025 ),  53,854 soil samples were collected from the individual farmer's holding and 35,240 soil health cards (SHCs)  have been issued under the scheme. The details are as under-

| Year    |   Target |   Number of samples collected |   Number of samples tested & SHC issued and Farmers benefited |
|---------|----------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2023-24 |    10000 |                         10002 |                                                         10002 |
| 2024-25 |    18800 |                         18800 |                                                         18800 |
| 2025-26 |    25052 |                         25052 |                                                          6438 |
| Total   |    53852 |                         53854 |                                                         35240 |

## ( Source: State Government of Andhra Pradesh and SHC Portal )

(e): State Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that need based soil samples are collected from the farm holdings. Most of the farmers  are with small and marginal holdings. Awareness generation is an ongoing activity regarding increase in productivity by following Soil Health card recommendations. State Government of Andhra Pradesh is using field functionaries,  scientists  and  Agricultural  Technology  Management  Agency  (ATMA)  for  the purpose.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4280 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: CSR Projects by Steel PSUs
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4280

FOR ANSWER ON 1 9 .08.2025

## CSR PROJECTS BY STEEL PSUS

## 4280.  SHRI KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the details regarding the list of CSR projects carried out by all Steel PSUs during the last ten years across the country, State-wise, district-wise particularly in Andhra Pradesh and especially in Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b) the details regarding the total number of beneficiaries especially women and SC/ST communities  in  Andhra  Pradesh,  district-wise  especially  in  Bapatla  Lok  Sabha Constituency;
- (c) the details regarding the total amount of funding allocated by Steel PSU companies for CSR activities in Andhra Pradesh during the last ten years, sector and district-wise, especially in Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency; and

(d) whether there are any CSR projects that have been pending over the last ten years, if so, the details thereof and the steps undertaken to expedite such projects especially those in Bapatla Lok Sabha Constituency?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE     (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

- (a) CSR  projects  by  Steel  Central  Public  Sector  Enterprises  (CPSEs)  are undertaken as per Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. These projects focus on areas such as education, health, women empowerment, rural development, sanitation, and  environment  sustainability,  mainly  in  the  vicinity  of  Steel  Plants,  Mines,  and Townships. Over the last ten years, projects have been implemented across several states including Andhra Pradesh. However, State-wise, district-wise, or constituencyspecific data is not maintained.
- (b)     CSR initiatives broadly benefit local communities, including SC/STs and women, particularly in areas surrounding Steel CPSE  operations. Exact number of beneficiaries,  district-wise  or  for  Bapatla,  is  not  maintained  as  most  projects  are community-oriented and not individual-specific.
- (c)     CSR funds are not allocated State-wise, CSR projects by CPSE under Ministry of Steel are mainly carried out in periphery of Steel Plants, Steel Townships and Mines which  are  predominantly  inhabited  by  Scheduled  Tribes,  Scheduled  Castes  and Backward population.
- (d)     As per reports given by CPSEs under Ministry of Steel, there are no CSR projects pending over the last ten years.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4278 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Purchase of Intermediate Rolls and Work Rolls by BSL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4278

FOR ANSWER ON 1 9 .08.2025

## PURCHASE OF INTERMEDIATE ROLLS AND WORK ROLLS BY BSL

4278.  SHRI DULU MAHATO:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that huge quantity of Intermediate Rolls and Work Rolls have been purchased for HSM & CRM shops in BSL, which are still lying in stores and not being utilised;
- (b) whether new rolls being purchased on a daily basis despite this situation and its total cost is about Rs. 16 crore;
- (c)  whether  the  concerned  authorities  have  enquired  into  the  reasons  for  this unnecessary and financially detrimental purchase;
- (d) whether the Government is taking immediate steps to check this financial wastage and ensures purchases as per requirements; and
- (e)  whether the Government proposes to strengthen the procurement process and stock control system at BSL to prevent such unnecessary purchases in future?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE     (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(e):    Steel sector is deregulated, where the government's role is primarily that of a facilitator. This allows  steel  companies to make  independent decisions regarding their operations based on market dynamics and commercial considerations.

Rolls are normally procured in Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) through the Centralized Procurement Agency (CPA) on a three-year cycle, pursuant to duly approved Task Force recommendations based on annual production plan of the mills, consumption  patterns  and  the  requirement  for  maintaining  circulation  norms  and safety stock.

Stocks are reviewed by SAIL's Internal and Government audits wherein stock position  and  consumption  patterns of  rolls  are  examined  and  appropriate action  is taken by SAIL based on audit observations and recommendations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4274 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: National Social Assistance Component Programme Scheme
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4274 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE COMPONENT PROGRAMME SCHEME 4274. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:

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

- (a) whether it is fact that. funds allocated under the National Social Assistance Component Programme Scheme are not utilised for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes of the country during the last ten years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details about the unutilized funds under the National Social Assistance Programme during the last ten years; and
- (d) whether it is fact that budget allocated under the National Social Assistance Component Programme for Scheduled Castes urgently need enhancement, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

(a) to (c): As per information provided by Ministry of Rural Development separate budget provision for Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries is made from 2021-22. The details of funds allocated, released and unutilized in SC heads under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for the period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25 are as given below:

(Rs. In Crore)

| Financial Year   | Allocation   | Released   |   Unutilised funds |
|------------------|--------------|------------|--------------------|
| 2021-22          | 1,655.03     | 1,597.56   |              57.47 |
| 2022-23          | 1,722.54     | 1,808.86   |               0    |
| 2023-24          | 1,735.36     | 1,733.19   |               2.17 |
| 2024-2025        | 1,732.86     | 1,732.86   |               0    |

(d): Based on various recommendations and evaluation studies, a proposal for revamping of NSAP, which inter-alia included revision in eligibility criteria, rate of assistance and sharing arrangement with the States was considered during continuation of NSAP for the 15th Financial Commission cycle (2021-26). However, Government had approved continuation of NSAP schemes in its present form. The annual overall budget outlay under NSAP is sought as per actual requirements based on total number of beneficiaries and rate of assistance.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Fisheries Infrastructure in Assam under PMMSY
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Kripanath Mallah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4260 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## Fisheries Infrastructure in Assam under PMMSY

## 4260.  Shri Kripanath Mallah:

Will the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying be pleased to state:

(a) the initiatives being taken by the Government to enhance fisheries infrastructure

- in Assam under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY); and
- (b)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  working  to  improve  employment opportunities in the fisheries sector in Assam?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING: (SHRI GEORGE KURIAN)

(a) and (b): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the year 2020-21 has rolled out a flagship scheme the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with highest ever investment of Rs. 20,050 crores in  the  fisheries  sector  in  all  the  States/Union  Territories  including  Assam  State. PMMSY inter-alia, envisages to  address critical gaps in fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, reduction of post-harvest losses, traceability etc.  For holistic  development  of  the  fisheries  sector  in  the  state  of  Assam,  Department  of Fisheries, Government of India accorded approval to the projects at a total cost of Rs. 541.63 crore with the central share of Rs. 298.44 crore during last 5 years. The major projects and activities supported under PMMSY to Government of Assam includes, 2125 ha of Construction of new ponds, 106 units of establishment of new freshwater finfish hatcheries, 150 unit of reservoir cages, 39 units of Re-circulatory  Aquaculture System(RAS), 625 ha integrated fish farming, 168 no of Ornamental Fisheries units, 183 Nos of Biofloc units, 112 units of Feed mills, 9 units of Cold storages, 2 units of Brood banks, 14 units of Promotion of Recreational Fisheries, Construction of one riverine fish landing centre and Integrated Aquapark, 260 Pen culture units, 12 units of  Live  fish  vending  Centres  and Whole  sale fish  market.  Under PMMSY, 172196 employment opportunity (both direct and indirect) has been generated in Government of Assam.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4258 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Waste Disposal Facility on Minicoy Island
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4258

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 28, 1947 (SAKA)

WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY ON MINICOY ISLAND

4258. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any representation regarding the need for a secure and compliant waste disposal facility on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep;
- (b)  whether  the  current  waste  disposal  site  poses  a  risk  to  the  marine ecosystem and surrounding environment;
- (c)  the  steps  taken  or  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Lakshadweep Administration to develop a scientific and environmentally compliant waste management facility at Minicoy; and
- (d)  the  timeline  for  implementation  of  a  long-term  waste  management solution for the island?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (d): The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration has informed that  the  Administration  has  received  representations  from  local  persons regarding the waste disposal facility at Minicoy Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The current waste disposal site is a designated Central

Garbage  Depository  for  segregation,  processing  and storage of waste for

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 4258 FOR 19.08.2025

further transportation to the mainland. The site is away from the populated area of the island and waste does not go into the sea.

The Administration has undertaken scientific and environmentally compliant waste management measures at Minicoy, which include, door-todoor collection, segregation, packing, transportation of unusable waste to the mainland for recycling. The Administration is committed to improve the waste  management  and  disposal  services  in  the  Union  Territory  of Lakshadweep.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4253 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Impact of Genome edited Rice in Sustainable Agriculture
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4253

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## IMPACT OF GENOME EDITED RICE IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

4253. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that India has recently released world's first genome edited rice varieties ;
- (b) the manner in which the two varieties -DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 -game changer in sustainable agriculture;
- (c) the details of additional Paddy production could be achieved with the above varieties, the quality  of  water  per  hectare  can  be  saved  and  to  what  extent  the  new  varieties  are  climateresistant; and
- (d) whether it is true that the above varieties are suitable to only selected States, including Andhra Pradesh, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

- (a) & (b): Yes. The genome edited variety DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) gives 20-25% higher grain yield, and matures 20-25 days early than Samba Mahsuri.  It performs well even under 50% of recommended dose of  fertilizers.  Similarly,  Pusa  Rice  DST  1  has  shown  strong  tolerance  to coastal and inland salinity. Both these varieties help saving water and fertilizers and are suitable in stressed ecologies which will prove game changer in sustainable agriculture.
- (c): The new varieties are climate resilient. Because of earliness, DRR Dhan saves 1-2 irrigation and  has  shown  moderate  tolerance  against  drought.      Pusa  DST  Rice  1  has  shown  strong tolerance (10-30% yield advantage over parent variety) under inland salinity, alkalinity and coastal salinity areas.

Yes, both these varieties have been identified for the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka,  Tamil  Nadu,  Puducherry,  Kerala,  Chhattisgarh,  Maharashtra,  Madhya  Pradesh,

- (d): Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4247 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Review of functioning of SAIL and its Subsidiaries
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan, Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4247

FOR ANSWER ON 1 9 .08.2025

## REVIEW OF FUNCTIONING OF SAIL AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

4247.  THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN: DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government has taken a decision to review the functioning of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and its Subsidiaries;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
- (c) the total number of subsidiaries functioning under the purview of SAIL, name-wise; and
- (d) the details of total profits/loss made by SAIL and its Subsidiaries for the last three years?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE     (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(c):     Functioning of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and its Subsidiaries is reviewed on a regular basis by the Government to monitor the performance. There is  one  operational  subsidiary  functioning  under  the  purview  of  SAIL  i.e.  SAIL Refractory Company Ltd. (SRCL).

- (d)  Total profit/loss made by SAIL and its Subsidiary for the last 03 years is as follows:-

| PROFITS EARNED BY SAIL & ITS SUBSIDIARY Profit Before Tax(PBT) (Rs/Cr)   | PROFITS EARNED BY SAIL & ITS SUBSIDIARY Profit Before Tax(PBT) (Rs/Cr)   | PROFITS EARNED BY SAIL & ITS SUBSIDIARY Profit Before Tax(PBT) (Rs/Cr)   |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| YEAR                                                                     | SAIL                                                                     | SRCL                                                                     |
| 2022-23                                                                  | 2637                                                                     | 24                                                                       |
| 2023-24                                                                  | 3688                                                                     | 28                                                                       |
| 2024-25                                                                  | 3009                                                                     | 23                                                                       |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4245 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Increase in Minimum Wage Rate
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4245

## ANSWERED ON 19/08/2025

## INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE RATE

4245. Com. Selvaraj V:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Expert  Committee  on  Fixing National Minimum Wage  has suggested to increase the minimum  wage  rate  under  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme from Rs. 267 a day in financial year 2024 to Rs. 375 a day; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto?

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## ANSWER (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

(a)&(b): Mahatma Gandhi National Rural  Employment  Guarantee Scheme  (Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGS)  is  a  demand  driven  wage employment  Scheme.  It  provides  livelihood  security,  i.e.  fall  back options  for  livelihood  for  the  rural  households,  when  no  better employment opportunity is available.

Regarding  fixation  of  wage  rate  of  Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGS workers  it  is  stated  that  as  per  Section  6  (1)  of  Mahatma  Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), 2005, the Central Government may, by notification, specify the  wage  rate  for  its  beneficiaries.  Accordingly  since  FY 201112 the Government  of  India  has  been  determining  the  wage  rates of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS workers using the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL).

The Ministry of Rural Development revises the wage rate every financial  year  based  on  change  in  Consumer  Price  Index  for Agricultural  Labour  (CPI-AL).  The  index  is  different  for  different States/UTs as notified  by  Labour  Bureau, Shimla.  If  the  calculated wage  rate  of  any  State/UT  as  per  the  index  for  the  current  year results in lower wage rate than the wage rate of previous year, it is being protected by maintaining the previous year's wage rate. The revised wage  rate  is made  applicable  from  1st April of  each financial year. However, each State/UT can provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.

Using  the  above methodology, Central  Government  has  revised the notified wage rate for FY 2025-26 which is around 5% (average) more than of FY 2024-25.

*****