opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1043 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Admission in Indian Universities and HEIs
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1043

ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## ADMISSION IN INDIAN UNIVERSITIES AND HEIS

## 1043 SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the UGC's decision to offer admissions twice a year in Indian universities and higher education institutes (HEIs), on the lines of foreign universities;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and estimated impact of the decision along with the advantages and shortcomings of the proposal;
- (c) whether the Government has evaluated the existing resources, infrastructural facilities, and support services in Indian Universities and HEIs to accommodate the new bi-annual admission system;
- (d) if so, the details and measures initiated to improve the resources, infrastructure, and support systems and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government is planning to enhance Indian HEIs' international collaborations and student exchange programs under the bi-annual admission system; and (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (f): The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 acknowledges that as India moves towards becoming a knowledge economy and society, more and more young Indians are likely  to  aspire  for  higher  education.  The  policy  also  envisions  to  achieve  50%  Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, by 2035.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been established under the UGC Act, 1956 for the co-ordination and determination of standards in Universities. As per the information received from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Commission in it's  580 th   meeting  held  on  15 th   May,  2024  has  approved  the  policy  of  allowing  Higher Educational  Institutions  (HEIs)  to  admit  students  twice  a  year,  in  July/August  and January/February.  However,  admitting  students  twice  a  year  is  optional  for  the  HEIs, depending on their preparedness to handle such biannual admissions. Willing HEIs have to  carefully  plan  to  admit  students  twice  a  year,  with  the  approval  of  the  institutional statutory  bodies,  based  on  the  availability  of  infrastructure,  teaching  resources,  and support systems. The mode of admission process, quality of education, access to support systems and adherence to the academic calendar have to be the same for all the students, regardless of the cycle in which they are admitted.

This  aims  to  increase  GER,  improve  access  to  higher  education,  provide  more flexibility for both students and HEIs, make better use of infrastructure, attract international students, and foster collaboration with Foreign Universities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1041 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: R&D Projects in IIT Guwahati and Kharagpur
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1041

ANSWERED ON-29/07/2024

## R&D Projects in IIT Guwahati and Kharagpur

## 1041 Shri Phani Bhusan Choudhury:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

the  details  of  Research  and  Development  (R&D)  projects  that  Indian  Institutes  of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur completed for the development of technology-based businesses using local resources for the development and prevention of disasters within 2000 km of their campuses?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

IIT Guwahati and IIT Kharagpur are premier institutions of the country and are actively involved  in  various  Research  and  Development  (R&D)  projects.  Their  broad  spectrum  of academic and research disciplines forms a comprehensive platform for addressing nationwide challenges  including  disaster  management.  Some  of  the  projects  undertaken  by  these institutions are mentioned hereinafter.

IIT Guwahati has addressed the problems related to flood & erosion by using naturebased solution utilizing native vegetation and indigenously developed technology. Concept of optimal Ecological Management Practices (EMPs) was developed to use judicious combination of native vegetations having economic value, rainwater harvesting etc. to bring down sediment and water yield from a degraded watershed to its natural status. Similarly, for controlling river bank erosion, a bioengineering method was conceptualized and implemented successfully with effective result by Brahmaputra Board with guidance of the institute in erosion effected reach of Majuli Island at Kardoiguri.

IIT  Kharagpur  has  worked  on  the  development  of  technologies  for  prevention  and management of disasters which includes (i) identifying locations of relief facilities (hospitals, shelters etc.) around the disaster point and means of reaching there in the shortest time, (ii) designing  of  early  warning  system  along  with  both  pre-disaster  and  post-disaster  planning through emergency communication to accelerate the evacuation before the disaster, and search, and rescue operations after the disaster, (iii) development of simulation system for predicting flash floods based on real-time rainfall data, (iv) extension of the technology in (iii) to the urban flood warning for the city, and (v) a pilot scale study on the seismic vulnerability assessment of different types of buildings in India.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1040 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Re-examination of NEET and UGC-NET Exams
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1040 ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## Re-examination of NEET and UGC-NET Exams

1040.  DR. D RAVI KUMAR:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning for re-examination of recent NEET and UGC-NET exams to  ensure  fair  evaluation  of  students'  performance  in  the  event  of  exam  misconduct  and cancellations, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government to communicate  the  decision  effectively  to  educational institutions, students, and parents to avoid confusion and anxiety;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  compensate  the  monetary  loss  and  trauma  that students faced during uncertainty regarding exams;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to ensure that such events don't take place in the future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (e) No Re-Examination of NEET(UG) 2024 is being planned. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in WPC 335/2024 and connected matters on the NEET(UG) 2024 Examination, in Order dated July 23 rd , 2024 has said that, 'Ordering the cancellation of the entire NEET(UG) 2024 examination is not justified on the application of the settled tests which have been propounded in the decisions of this Court or on the basis of the data and material available on the record.'

The  National  Testing  Agency  (NTA)  which  conducts  the  UGC-NET  examination  has  already informed  candidates  vide  Public  Notice  dated  24 th   June,  2024    that  the  UGC-NET  June  2024 Examination  shall  now  be  conducted  between  21 st   August,  2024  and  4 th   September,  2024  in C.B.T. mode.

To suggest effective measures for transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations by the NTA,  the  Ministry  of  Education  has  constituted  on  22.06.2024  a  seven  member  High-Level Committee of Experts, headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman ISRO and Chairman BoG, IIT Kanpur to make recommendations on Reforms in mechanism of examination process, Improvement in Data Security protocols and Structure and functioning of NTA. The mandate of the Committee includes analysis of end-to-end examination process, thorough review of standard operating Procedures/Protocols and  evaluation of existing data security protocols. The committee shall submit report in two months.

As a deterrence to unfair means in public examinations, the Central Government has enacted the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024. This Act has come into force w.e.f. 21st June, 2024 and Rules have also been notified thereunder on 23rd June, 2024.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1039 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Welfare of Gig and Platform Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Dr. Mohammad Jawed, Shri Tanuj Punia, Shri Rajkumar Chahar, Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Shri Harish Chandra Meena, Dr. Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1039

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## WELFARE OF GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS

1039. DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED:

SHRI TANUJ PUNIA:

SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR:

SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

SHRI HARISH CHANDRA MEENA:

DR. AMAR SINGH:

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

- (a)whether the Government has introduced any welfare schemes and strategy to extend social welfare protections to Gig and platform
- workers;
- (b)if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether the Government is aware of the significant gap in health insurance coverage among Gig and platform workers; and
- (d)if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/being taken by the  Government  to  bridge  this  gap  and  improve  insurance coverage for Gig and platform workers?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The provisions of social security & welfare for the gig and platform workers have already been introduced 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 Code also provides for setting up a Social Security Fund to finance the welfare scheme.

The provisions of the Code are yet to come into effect.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1038 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Regulations on Crypto Assets
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1038 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## Regulations on Crypto Assets

1038 Shri Y S Avinash Reddy:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India is expected to hold wider discussions on the regulation of crypto assets after the G20 Leaders' Declaration welcomed the synthesis note by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Financial Stability Board (FSB) on crypto assets, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether there is consensus at the multi-lateral level on cryptocurrency and endorsement from the leaders; follow the global consensus on crypto assets which goes beyond G20 and one country alone; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof, along with the steps being taken in this regard and the results yielded so far?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): The  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF)  -  Financial  Stability  Board  (FSB) Synthesis Paper provides a coordinated and comprehensive policy and regulatory framework on crypto assets taking into account the full range of risks and risks specific to the emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). All jurisdictions, including India, are accordingly expected to evaluate the country specific characteristics and risks and engage with standard setting  bodies  and  the  G20  in  order  to  reach  an  appropriate  consideration  of  any  necessary measures on crypto assets.

There was a consensus at the G20 last year during India's Presidency, whereby the roadmap contained in the Synthesis Paper was adopted as the 'G20 Roadmap on Crypto Assets'. This roadmap also encourages the IMF, leveraging its extensive membership and network across continents, and the FSB, through its Regional Consultative Groups (RCGs) in Asia, the Middle East,  and  North  Africa,  to  take  specific  steps  to  build  institutional  capacity  beyond  G20 jurisdictions.  In  this  regard,  the  IMF  and  FSB  have  been  holding  various  workshops  and seminars involving non-G20 countries .

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1036 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: #Play True Campaign Conducted by NADA
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1036 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## #Play True Campaign Conducted by NADA

†1036 SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI:

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

- (a)  whether  the  National  Anti-Doping  Agency  (NADA)  has  recently conducted  #Play  True  Campaign  with  the  participants  across  the country;
- (b) the  number  of  participants  from  Odisha  State,  who  have participated in the said campaign; and
- (c) the details of objectives of the said campaign?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

- (a): Yes. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), an Autonomous Body under this Ministry, conducted an Anti-Doping Education and Awareness  campaign  from  15th  -  30th  April,  2024.  This  annual program was organised as a part of the Play True Day Celebrations of World  Anti-Doping  Agency  (WADA)  to  raise  awareness  about  AntiDoping among all the stakeholders.
- (b): The  total  number  of  participants  in  the  said  campaign  was 29,129. However, state-wise data regarding the participants was not maintained.
- (c): The objectives of the said campaign were:
-  To promote clean sports values and enhance awareness of Anti-Doping Activities.
-  To  empower  the  stakeholders  viz.  Athletes  and  Athlete Support Personnel with knowledge and resources to combat doping.
-  To  prepare  Athletes  and  Athlete  Support  Personnel  for  the Paris  Olympics  and  Paralympics  2024  with  regard  to  AntiDoping Protocols.
-  To encourage fair play and integrity in sports through social media campaigns and competitions.
-  To implement an effective monitoring and knowledge assessment system to reinforce Anti-Doping awareness.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1035 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Misutilisation of  University Funds
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1035

ANSWERED ON- 29/07/2024

## MISUTILISATION OF UNIVERSITY FUNDS 1035. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  one  crore  plus  rupees  is  being spent  from  University  Funds  by  the  vice  chancellors  of  Kerala  University  of Fisheries  and  Ocean  Studies  (KUFOS),  Kannur  University,  and  Calicut University  in  Kerala  to  argue  their  cases  in  Supreme  Court  and  in  legal charges; (b) whether the Government  has sought a response from the State Government of Kerala in this matter; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR.SUKANTA MAJUMDAR ) (a) to (d): State Universities are established by an Act of the State Legislature and comes  under  purview  of  the  concerned  State   Government. Academic  as  well  as  administrative and  financial matters  of the state University are governed by the rules/regulations made under the provisions of the  Act  by  which  it  has  been  established.  Managing  and  monitoring  of expenditure  of  a  State  University  does  not  come  under  the  purview  of  the Central Government.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Sovereign Green Bonds
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1033

To be answered on Monday, July 29, 2024 / 7 Shravan, 1946 (Saka)

## Sovereign Green Bonds

1033.Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the status and future plans regarding the issuance of Sovereign Green Bonds in India;
- (b) whether the funds raised from these bonds will be utilized for sustainable and green projects, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the expected impact of these bonds on promoting environment friendly initiatives and reducing carbon emissions?

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

(a) to (c):  The Government of India has raised ₹16,000 crore & ₹20,000 crore, through the  issuance of  Sovereign Green Bonds in the Financial Year 2022-23 & 2023-24 respectively.  The  Government  has  further  notified  to  raise  ₹12,000  crore  through Sovereign Green Bonds in its borrowing calendar for the first half of FY 2024-25 (April 01, 2024 to September 30, 2024). The proceeds from these bonds were allocated/utilised under the eligible green schemes/projects of the Ministries/Departments such as New and Renewable Energy, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Housing and Urban Affairs,  Railways etc. The  proceeds are being deployed in the public sector projects which help in reducing the economy's carbon intensity, as per the Framework of Sovereign Green Bonds released by the Government of India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Removal of GST from Dairy Societies
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1032

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024

## REMOVAL OF GST FROM DAIRY SOCIETIES

## 1032. ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE वित्त मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plans to remove the GST imposed on dairy societies, insurance products, especially medical or health insurance, which have many positive effects on the society; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendation of the GST Council, which  is  a  constitutional  body  comprising  of  representatives  from  both  the  Centre  and  the States/UTs.  There is no recommendation from the GST Council to remove the GST imposed on dairy societies, insurance products, especially medical or health insurance.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1026 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Loss to Kerala Exchequer due to Canadian Company
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 1026 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 29th JULY 2024 7 Shravan, 1946 (Saka)

Loss to Kerala Exchequer due to Canadian Company

1026. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the Canadian based company M/s SNC Lavlin, rebranded as AtkinsRealis Group Inc., which has caused loss to the Kerala exchequer, including the Kerala hydroelectric dam scandal and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b)      whether the Government is aware that M/s SNC Lavlin, also known as AtkinsRealis Group Inc., is functional in India under various names and  if  so,  the  names  of  the  companies  that  are  functioning  in  the country as a subsidiary of SNC Lavlin company;
- (c)     whether any of the subsidiary companies are functional in Kerala; and
- (d)     If so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways;

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

- (a) As regards rebranding of 'SNC Lavlin to AtkinsRealis Group Inc.' as per MCA-21 filing, there is no such foreign company with said name having place of business in India.

(b) to (d) - does not arise

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1020 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: EPF Pension
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri K Radhakrishnan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1020 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## EPF PENSION

## 1020. SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN:

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

- (a)whether the Government has taken any steps for implementing the Supreme  Court  verdict  in  the  EPF  Pension  case  dated  4th November 2022, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government has calculated the amount required for payment of EPF pension to subscribers proportionate to salary as ordered by the Supreme Court, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether the Government is aware that huge amount is remaining in the EPF pension fund without claimants/legal heirs, if so, the
- details thereof; and
- (d)whether the Government will consider utilizing the said amount pension  for  paying  pension  proportionatly  to  salary,  if  so,  the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): As per directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's Judgment  dated  04.11.2022,  instruction  were  issued  by  EPFO  for calling  applications  from  eligible  pensioners.    Online  facility  was provided for submitting applications for validation of joint option upto 11 th  July, 2023. The applications so received are being processed by EPFO, as per applicable rules.
- (b): Hon'ble  Supreme  Court's  judgement  has  been  complied with  and  the  pension  is  being  calculated  in  accordance  with  the provisions of the EPS,1995 which provides for pro-rata calculations.

(c) & (d): The pension fund under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS,  1995)  is  a  pooled  fund.  In  the  pension  fund,  individual accounts are not maintained. Members of EPS,1995 are eligible for Withdrawal Benefit or Pension depending on their eligibility based on the number of years of Service.

As per currently available actuarial evaluation, the pension fund is in deficit.

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