opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 199 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Investment in the Care Economy
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 199 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## INVESTMENT IN THE CARE ECONOMY

## 199.  SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  International  Labour Organization's  (ILO's)  report  highlighting  that  53%  of  women  in India are outside the labour force due to care responsibilities, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)the  specific  steps  taken  by  the  Government  during  the  last  ten years to promote investment in the care economy and the progress made in this regard;
- (c)whether the Government has any plans to develop a robust care workforce including training and skill development programmes for workers in the care sector, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)the  measures  are  in  place  to  improve  the  working  conditions, wages, and social security benefits for care workers, particularly
- for women; and
- (e)the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  the  use  of technology in enhancing  the delivery of care services and improving the efficiency of the care sector?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (e): ILO's flagship report, World  Employment  and  Social Outlook: Trends 2025, highlights a significant increase in the labour force participation rate in Southern Asia, driven by increase in female participation,  particularly  in  India.  According  to  Periodic  Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India's female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for ages 15+ has increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.

The Government of India has undertaken various steps to promote  care  economy  and  increase  women  participation  in  the workforce.

Paid  maternity  leave  has  been  increased  from  12  to  26 weeks under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. The Act also requires the workplaces with 50 or more employees to provide day-care/creche facility.

Further,  the  Palna  sub-scheme  under  Mission  Shakti provides for Standalone crèches and Anganwadi cum crèches for all States/UTs w.e.f. 01 April 2022. In order to promote use of technology in  this  area,  the  Mission  Shakti  Dashboard  was  launched  on

22.01.2025 for monitoring and implementation of the scheme.

In  addition,  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Matru  Vandana  Yojana (PMMVY) is being implemented with the objective to provide cash incentive  for  partial  compensation  of  the  wage  loss  so  that  the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first child.

In order to promote skill development in this sector, the Home Management And Care Givers Sector Skill Council -HMCGSSC, is an apex body, which is working under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Skill

Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Development Corporation (NSDC).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 195 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Fake Universities
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 195 ANSWERED ON - 03/02/2025

## Fake Universities

195. Shri Y S Avinash Reddy:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 21 universities as 'fake' and not empowered to confer any degree, majority of which are in Delhi followed by Uttar Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon, State-wise;

(c)  whether  the  UGC  has  warned  students  not  to  take  admission  in  these  universities  and among  them,  at  least  21  self-styled,  unrecognised  institutions  which  are  functioning  in contravention of the UGC Act and are violating UGC guidelines, have been declared as fake universities;

(d) if so, the details thereof including the action taken by the Government thereon; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to punish the fake universities in order to curb them along with action taken/penalty imposed since 2014, State-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e):  The  list  of  fake  universities  is  available  on  the  website  of  the  University  Grants Commission  (UGC)  at  https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity.  Currently, 21 Institutions figure in the list. Maintenance of Law and order is a subject matter of State Governments. Accordingly, the Central Government has requested to Chief Secretaries of all the States and U.T. Administration to take legal action for closure of these institutions and take  appropriate  action  against  those  involved  in  defrauding  and  cheating  students  by misrepresenting themselves as "Universities", awarding degrees and using the  word "University" with their name. It was also requested to intimate the Central Government /UGC if there are other fake universities functioning in their States/UTs which are not included in the UGC list of Fake Universities.

Apart  from  issuing  public  Notices  for  general  awareness  through  social  media  and UGC website for cautioning the general public, students, parents and other stakeholder, the following steps have also been  taken  by  the  UGC/  Government  against  such  fake Universities:

- i. The  Government  as  well  as  the  UGC  have  requested  the  Chief  Secretaries  of  all State/UT Governments to take appropriate action against those involved in defrauding and  cheating  students  by  misrepresenting  themselves  as  'Universities',  awarding degrees and using the word 'University' with their name.
- ii. FIRs have been lodged against several self-styled institutions/universities.
- iii. Show  Causes  Notices/Warning  Notices  have  also  been  issued  to  the  unauthorized institutes awarding invalid degrees.

As a result, 12 fake universities were closed since 2014.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 189 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Amendment in FEMA Regulations
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †189

## ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025/MAGHA 14, 1946 (SAKA) AMENDMENT IN FEMA REGULATIONS

## †189.   SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has amended the FEMA regulations to allow the settlement of cases of foreign exchange violations while paying a penalty of up to Rs. 5 crore;
- (b) the number of people who will be benefited from the said change in the policy;
- (c) whether the said changes will be applicable to cases which were pending before the above decision taken by the Government; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) and (b): Section 15 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) provides that any contravention of the said Act may, on application made by the person committing such contravention, be compounded by officers of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Director of Enforcement (DoE) who are authorised in this behalf by the Central Government. The Central Government, in exercise of these powers conferred, had issued Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2000 which were superseded by Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2024 notified on September 12, 2024. These Rules provide the procedure of such compounding and authorises officers at various levels in RBI and DoE to compound contraventions as per the sums involved in the said contravention.

(c)  and  (d):  Any  compounding  application  pending  before  the  compounding  authority,  on  the  date  of commencement of Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2024 shall be governed by the provisions of the Foreign Exchange (Compounding Proceedings) Rules, 2000.
Lok Sabha Question No. 185 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Inclusion of Maithili Language in CTET
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 185 ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## Inclusion of Maithili Language in CTET

## †185. Shri Gopal Jee Thakur:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any discussion has been held in the Advisory and Implementation Committee of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for inclusion of Maithili language in Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) as it has been in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution along with the 20 other Indian languages, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  any  Committee  has  been  constituted  by  National  Council  of  Teacher Education (NCTE) for inclusion of Maithili language in CTET exam and to amend the syllabus;
- (c) whether the said matter  has been forwarded by  CBSE to Committee constituted by NCTE on 18.07.2024; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the said Committee?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The matter regarding inclusion of more languages including Maithili Language in CTET  Exam  was  discussed  in  the  meeting  of  CBSE's  Advisory  and  Implementation Committee on May  9, 2024. On the recommendation of CBSE's Advisory and Implementation Committee, the matter of including more languages in the CTET Exam was referred to NCTE for further Examination.  NCTE has constituted a Committee to revise TET guidelines  in  terms  of  NEP  2020  recommendation  regarding  5+3+3+4  pedagogical  and curriculum structure.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 183 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Incentives for Informers of Child Labours
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 183

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## INCENTIVES FOR INFORMERS OF CHILD LABOURS

183.  DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:

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

- (a)whether the Government has any data about the incentives given by the State Governments to the informers about the employment of child labour;
- (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether  the  Union  Government  has  any  plan  to  announce  such incentives  to  the  informers  who  provide  information  about  child labour employment;
- (d)if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) &(b): Labour  being  in  the  Concurrent  List,  the  data  is  not maintained centrally.
- (c) to (e): At present, there is no such proposal under consideration of Ministry of Labour & Employment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 179 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Foreign Universities in India under UGC Guidelines
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Appalanaidu Kalisetti

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-179

ANSWERED ON- 03/02/2025

## Foreign Universities in India under UGC Guidelines

179. Shri Appalanaidu Kalisetti:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of number of foreign universities that have applied to establish campuses in India under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, State-wise, particularly for Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) the details of the current status of these applications, including the number of institutions that have been granted approval and issued a letter of intent under these guidelines with a focus on Andhra Pradesh;
- (c) the proposed academic infrastructure and programs that these foreign institutions plan to offer in India;
- (d) the details of funds allocated by the Government to support the establishment of these foreign  campuses  in  the  country,  State-wise  with  specific  attention  to  funds  allocated  to Andhra Pradesh; and
- (e) the oversight mechanisms put in place by the Government under the UGC guidelines to monitor the functioning of these foreign campuses in India?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the UGC (Setting up and operation  of  Campuses  of  Foreign  Higher  Educational  Institutions  in  India)  Regulations, 2023. As informed by UGC, it has received online applications, complete in all respects, on its portal for setting up of their campuses in India from the University of Southampton, UK; Lincoln  University,  Malaysia;  Life  Chiropractic  College West,  USA;  and  Istituto  Europeo di Design,  Italy.  The  application  of  University  of  Southampton,  UK  has  been  approved  and Letter of Intent has been issued by UGC.

As per the application received from University of Southampton, the University plans to  have  its  campus  in  Gurugram,  Haryana  and  to  offer  courses  in  subjects  focusing  on business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences and life sciences.

- (d):  The  aforesaid  UGC  Regulations,  2023  do  not  specify  for  allocation  of  funds  by  the Government to support establishment of campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India.
- (e): Clause 10 of the aforesaid UGC Regulations, 2023 provides that the UGC shall have the power  to  visit  the  campus  and  examine  its  operations  to  ascertain  the  infrastructure, academic programmes and overall quality and suitability .

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Lok Sabha Question No. 175 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Birds Population in the Country
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Jagdambika Pal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 175

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## Birds Population in the Country

## 175. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

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

- (a) the current status of bird populations in the country over the past decade, particularly among species that rely on vertebrates, carrion, and invertebrates;
- (b) whether bird species endemic to the Western Ghats, The Himalayas, The Indo-Burma region and The Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, such as the Great Gray Shrike, Sarus Crane, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, experienced significant declines in their numbers during the said period, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of initiatives taken by the Government during the said period to address the challenges facing  bird  populations,  particularly  those  at  risk  due  to  habitat  loss  and changing ecological conditions; and
- (d) whether there are any notable improvements in the population of specific bird species, particularly  those  at  risk,  as  a  result  of  the  Government's  conservation  efforts  and initiatives, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) The  Ministry  undertakes  population  estimation  of  flagship  species  like  Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard. Population assessments are also carried  out  by  the  respective  States/Union  Territories  for  many  other  wild animals including birds.

The steps taken by the Ministry for protection of wildlife including bird species of the country include:

- i. The  Wild  Life  (Protection)  Act,  1972  lists  208  species  of  birds  in Schedule I and 1134 species of birds in Schedule-II, thereby according them protection from hunting.
- ii. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- iii. The ministry has notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) rules, 2017, for better protection of wetlands in the country.
- iv. A  specific  component  of  'Recovery  programmes  for  saving  critically endangered  species and habitats' is included in the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Development of Wildlife Habitats'  for focused conservation action on 22 critically endangered  species including Bustards, Edible nest Swiftlets, Nicobar Megapode, Jerdon's Courser and Vultures.
- v. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/UT governments for protection and management of Protected Areas under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Development of Wildlife Habitats'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 174 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Khelo India Centre in the Country particularly in Yavatmal-Washim
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †174 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

Khelo India Centre in the Country particularly in Yavatmal-Washim

†174. SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH:

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

- (a)  the  total  number  of  athletes  trained  under  Khelo  India  Centres  (KICs), State and district-wise;
- (b)  the  details  of  the  achievements  made  by  the  said  athletes  at  State, National and International level;
- (c) the total number of KICs and sports academies across the country, State and district-wise particularly in Yavatmal-Washim district of Maharashtra;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  the  said  centre  in  said Parliamentary Constituency of Maharashtra;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (f)  the  details  of  funds  allocated  for  the  purpose  and  utilised  by  the  said centres during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and
- (g) the details of the criteria to set up the said centre?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## ANSWER { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

- (a)  and  (b)  State-wise  and  district-wise  athletes  who  got  trained  at  Khelo India Centres (KICs), including in Maharashtra and the details of achievements by these athletes at State, National and International levels are  available  at  https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-indiacenters.

(c) State-wise and district-wise details of operational KICs and Accredited Academies  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  including  in  Maharashtra,  are available at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-indiacenters. (d) and (e) Yes, Sir. One KIC in Yavatmal for Hockey and one KIC in Washim for  Kabaddi  has  been  notified  under  Khelo  India  Scheme.  Details  of  the same  are  available  at  https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-kheloindia-centers. (f) State-wise details of funds allocated and utilized for the establishment/creation,  operation  and  upgradation  of  sports  infrastructure in  KICs  during  the  last  three  years  and  the  current  year  are  available  at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-india-centers. (g)  The  detailed  guidelines  for  implementation  of  KICs  are  available  at https://dashboard.kheloindia.gov.in/state-wise-khelo-india-centers.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 173 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Maha Kumbh Mela
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Sambit Patra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .†173

## ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## MAHA KUMBH MELA

## †173 . DR. SAMBIT PATRA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  status  of  implementation  of  the  scheme  formulated  by  the Ministry for the Maha Kumbh Mela being organised in Sangam city of Prayagraj;
- (b) whether the Ministry has prepared any plan for foreign visitors/tourists and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the programmes proposed/likely to be organised by the Ministry during the said Maha Kumbh Mela; and
- (d) whether any scheme  has been formulated for promotion and conservation of Indian culture along with drawing foreign tourists to the  Kumbh  Mela  through  audio-visual  media  from  the  country  and abroad and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Tourism is promoting Maha Kumbh 2025 through various initiatives. Ministry has set up an Incredible India Pavilion in Mela area  to  provide  information,  and  to  engage  tourists  including  foreign tourists,  media,  influencers  etc.  New  creatives,  a  Digital  brochure  of various  tour  packages,  flight  options,  accommodation  options  etc.  for Maha Kumbh have been prepared and circulated. Additionally, a dedicated Maha  Kumbh  Tourist  Infoline  (1800111363)  has  been  established  for tourists.

The  promotion  of  Maha  Kumbh  is  also  being  done  through  social  media handles of Ministry of Tourism.

India  Tourism  Development  Corporation  (ITDC),  a  PSU  of  Ministry  of Tourism has setup 80 Luxury tent accommodation at Tent City, Prayagraj.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 172 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Dearness Allowance of Central Government Employee during COVID-19
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Anand Bhadauria

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure

## Lok Sabha

Un-Starred Question No 172 To be answered on Monday, 3* February 2025 Magha 14, 1946 (Saka)

## Dearness Allowance of Central Government Employees during COVID-19

## 172: Shri Anand Bhadauria :

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state :

- a) Whether dearness allowance and dearness relief for Central Government employees and pensioners during the Covid-19 were withheld for 18 months but not seized;
- b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons for its seizure by the Government;
- c) Whether the Government would release the same to ensure spending by the Government employees and thereby help in boosting the faltering economy of the Country;
- d) If so, the details thereof ;
- e) If not, the reasons therefor?

## Answer

## Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Pankaj Chaudhary)

- (a) & (b) The decision to freeze three installments of Dearness Allowance (DA) / Dearness Relief (DR) to Central Government employees/ pensioners due from 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 & 01.01.2021 was taken in the context of COVID-19, which caused economic disruption, so as to ease pressure on Government finances.
- (c) No.
- (d) Does not arise.
- (e) The adverse financial impact of pandemic in 2020 and the financing of welfare measures taken by the Government had a fiscal spill over beyond FY 2020-21. Therefore, arrears of DA/DR were not considered feasible.

*****