opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Black Spots on Highways
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Chintamani Maharaj

be pleased to state:

- (a) the number  of black spots on National Highways  (NHs)  in Chhattisgarh;
- (b)  the  time  frame  set  for  permanent  rectification  of  the  said  black spots; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  use  AI  based  surveillance technology to identify black spots and enhance real time road safety and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) There are 257 black spots on National Highways (NHs) in the state
- of Chhattisgarh.
- (b)  Certain  locations  on  National  Highways  (NHs)  are  identified  as black  spots  based  on  occurrence  of  certain  number  of  accidents involving fatalities and grievous injuries. Government has taken steps for  immediate  short-term  measures  on  such  black  spots  like  road markings, signages, crash barriers, road studs, delineators, closure of junction of underpasses/ overpasses, etc. are also taken on such black spots as
- unauthorized  median  openings,  traffic  calming  measures,  etc.  Longterm measures like improvement of road geometrics, improvements, spot widening of carriageway, construction permanent rectification measures.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2395

ANSWERED ON 13 TH  MARCH, 2025

## BLACK SPOTS ON HIGHWAYS

2395. SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

Rectification  of  black  spots  is  a  continuous  process,  and  temporary measures are taken on immediate basis. Out of total 257 black spots identified on the NHs in the state of Chhattisgarh, long-term rectification has been completed on 200 black spots. (c)  Electronic  Detailed  Accident  Report  (e-DAR)  Project  has  been established  as  a  central  repository  for  reporting,  management  and analysis of road accidents data. Government has also issued guidelines in February, 2024 for taking advance action for removal of accident  spots  on  National  Highways  reported  on  e-DAR  platform thereby enhancing real-time road safety measures.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2391 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Empowering Marginalized Tribal Communities
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Gajendra  Singh Patel, Smt. Smita Uday Wagh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2391

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 13.03.2025

## EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

## 2391 . SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

## SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH PATEL:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the specific measures  being  taken  to ensure that the benefits of partnerships with entities/entrepreneurs reach the most marginalized tribal communities, particularly in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh;

(b) whether any financial or logistical support would be provided to tribal artisans to help them expand their businesses on e-commerce platforms and if so, the details thereof; and

(c)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  expanding  such  collaborations  with  other  rural development  institutions  to  further  promote  self-reliance  among  tribal  communities  in  the country including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c)  TRIFED  is  the  implementing  'Pradhan  Mantri  Janjatiya  Vikas  Mission'  (PMJVM) scheme  of  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  for  socio-economic  development  of  tribal  communities across the country including Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh.  Under the scheme of Institutional Support  for  Development  and  Marketing  of  Tribal  Products/Produce  empanelment  of  tribal artisan and procurement of various tribal products from them is the core initiatives for generating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.  As part of achieving the above core initiative, TRIFED  undertakes  retail  marketing  of  tribal  products  through  TRIBES  India  Outlets,  ECommerce  &  Exhibitions.    Partnerships  with  various  organisations  may  expand  the  reach  of tribal  products  by  prioritizing  their  inclusion  in  production  clusters,  providing  direct  market access and implementing fair pricing mechanisms.

Besides,  under  the  scheme  of  Pradhan  Mantri  Janjatiya  Adivasi  Nyay  Maha  Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), TRIFED has sanctioned 506 Particularly  Vulnerable  Tribal  Groups  (PVTG) Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in various states including Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh across the country to promote socio-economic upliftment of marginalized PVTGs.

TRIFED has facilitated onboarding of more than 13,000 products made by tribal artisans/ producers on ecommerce platforms.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2379 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Pending Subsidies to MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B, Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2379 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## PENDING SUBSIDIES TO MSMEs

## 2379.   SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B: SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH:

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

- (a) the reasons for pending of MSME subsidies to beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu, including districts like  Kanniyakumari and Virudhunagar, for over ten years and the steps being taken to clear these arrears;
- (b) the specific reasons cited for the delay in disbursing MSME subsidies across Tamil Nadu and the district-wise breakdown of the pending subsidies, including the years they were allocated;
- (c) whether Tamil Nadu is the only State facing significant delays in the distribution of MSME subsidies,  if  so,  the  measures  being  taken  to  address  this  issue  particularly  in  districts  like Kanniyakumari and Virudhunagar; and
- (d) the timeline for fully clearing  MSME  subsidy  payments in Tamil Nadu  including Kanniyakumari  and  Virudhunagar  and  the  steps  being  taken  to  compensate  for  the  loss  faced  by beneficiaries due to these delays?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (d): Ministry  of  MSME,  through  Khadi  and  Village  Industries  Commission  (KVIC),  is implementing Prime Minister's Employment  Generation Programme  (PMEGP)  for  assisting entrepreneurs  in  setting  up  of  new  micro-enterprises  in  the  non-farm  sector.  Under  PMEGP, beneficiaries can avail of Margin Money (MM) subsidy ranging from 15% to 35% based on various geographical and demographical criteria.

The Scheme was approved for continuation for the period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 with the budgetary outlay of Rs. 13,554.42 crore on pan India basis. Funds are utilised based on the demand generated and loans sanctioned by the financial institutions pan India.  Banks appraise the projects both technically and economically and sanction the projects on the basis of viability of each project.  Accordingly,  MM  subsidy  is  disbursed  to  the  sanctioned  applications  based  on  the  funds allocated for the Scheme.

However, since the scheme exceeded its financial targets for the previous 3 financial years of the  15th  Finance  Cycle,  i.e.  2021-22,  2022-23,  and  2023-24,  there  is  a  budgetary  deficit  for  the financial years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26. Department of Expenditure has been approached seeking enhancement in the budgetary outlay for the Scheme. As and when the increased budget is received, Ministry will be in a position to clear the pending MM subsidy claims.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2372 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Sodium Content in Meals in Flights
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2372

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## SODIUM CONTENT IN MEALS IN FLIGHTS

## 2372. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- (a) : There is no such proposal in the Ministry.
- (b) to (d): FSSAI has inform that they take up awareness measures to address the adverse effects of consuming foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.

A campaign called 'Aaj se Thoda Kam' encourages consumers to be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to introduce any public health campaigns/initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive sodium intake, particularly in respect to meals served in flights and in public dining establishments and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to regulate/reduce the sodium content in food served on airplanes, given the health risks associated with excessive sodium consumption;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  implement  national guidelines/regulations to monitor and control sodium levels in food served in public spaces including restaurants, airports and airlines and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the measures being considered to encourage food manufacturers and service providersn including airlines to offer low sodium/healthier meal
- options to consumers; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to collaborate with airlines and food providers to reduce sodium content in airline meals and other public food offerings and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

gradually reduce their intake of fat, salt, and sugar through dietary modifications. Till now, more than 400 Eat Right Melas / Eat Right Millets Melas have been conducted throughout the country regarding awareness of healthier food options. Under Eat Right India initiatives, 2209 Eat Right Campuses, 2095 Eat Right School, 194 Eat Right Street Food Hub and 213 Eat Right Stations have been certified to ensure healthy, hygiene and safe food practices. Further, various online challenges, like - "Healthy Recipe Contest: Ghar Ki Rasoi- Tasty Bhi, Healthy Bhi," Tadke Bina Zaika (without the use of visible fat), Indigenous Food Challenge National Low Salt Cooking Challenge have also been conducted in order to spread awareness among the citizens of the country to reduce consumption of fat, salt and sugar. FSSAI has also mandated the mention of nutritional information on the labels including salt, sugar, Sodium and fat in bold letters and relatively increased font size on labels of packaged food items.

(e): There is no such proposal in the Ministry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2369 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: High Cost of Domestic LPG Cylinder in Lakshadweep
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2369 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 MARCH, 2025

## High Cost of Domestic LPG Cylinder in Lakshadweep

2369. Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the cost of a domestic LPG cylinder in Lakshadweep is 1,303.50, whereas in Kerala, it is only 812 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the reasons for this significant price disparity and the factors contributing to the high cost of LPG in Lakshadweep;
- (c) whether the Government has considered any specific measures to rationalize LPG pricing in Lakshadweep  and  align  it  with  the  rates  in  Kerala  to  alleviate  the  financial  burden  on  the islanders, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to subsidize or reduce the additional logistical costs associated with transporting LPG to remote islands like Lakshadweep;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  take  immediate  action  to  ensure  equitable  LPG  pricing  in Lakshadweep and promote the use of clean cooking fuel in line with Sustainable Development Goal (Affordable and Clean Energy), if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Government acknowledges that the high cost of LPG is forcing residents to rely on  traditional  cooking  fuels,  leading  to  environmental  and  health  concerns  particularly  for women and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛ मंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (f): Distribution of LPG in Lakshadweep islands is done by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) through Lakshadweep Co-operative Marketing Federation (LCMF), designated as the wholesale agent of Lakshadweep Administration under Public Distribution System. The price of domestic LPG in Lakshadweep islands is Rs. 1303.50 per 14.2 Kg cylinder. The current pricing  of  Lakshadweep  is  based  on  Kochi  market  in  Kerala.  Additional  transportation  and handling charges are charged from consumers by LCMF.

The Selling Price at Lakshadweep varies from island to island based on the expenditure incurred on  placement  of  cylinders  by  Lakshadweep  Co-operative  Marketing  Federation  (LCMF).  The amount  of  expenditure  incurred  on  placement  of  cylinders  includes  transportation  charges, handling and port charges and is worked out by LCMF. The incurred cost is advised by LCMF to cooperative society of each island and is charged from LPG consumers.

To ensure seamless LPG supplies in Lakshadweep islands, IOCL has hired two marine vessels MV  Elikalpeni  and  MV  Ganga  for  placement  of  LPG  cylinders  at  various  islands  of Lakshadweep, incurring additional costs which are currently being borne by IOCL.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2361 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Flights from Hubli Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2361

(To be answered on the 13 th  March 2025)

## FLIGHTS FROM HUBULI AIRPORT

## 2361. SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current occupancy rate of Delhi-Hubli flight operated by a private airline since its inception and the manner in which the demand has trended over the time;
- (b) the details of the proposed plans to expand Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum airports, including the extension of the runway and other
- infrastructure upgradation that are currently under consideration; (c) the steps being taken to increase the number of flights operating from
- Hubli airport;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to introduce new routes from the said airport and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is exploring potential partnerships with airlines to introduce larger aircrafts with higher passenger capacities at Hubli airport and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a): IndiGo commenced operations on the Delhi-Hubli route with 07 flights per week in each direction in November 2022 with A320 aircraft and flights on this route have been operating with an average load factor of 80% since its commencement.
- (b): The proposed infrastructure upgradation of AAI airports at Hubli and Belgaum is as under:
1. Hubli Airport:
- a.  A  new  terminal  building  with  an  area  of  16,000  sqm  is  under construction. Along with 3600sqm of existing building, the total terminal

building of 19,600 sqm will be able to cater to 3.5 MPPA, PDC-JAN 2026. b. There are no plans for extension of the 2600m x 45m runway and the existing apron has 7 bays, which may be expanded to 14 bays. 2. Belgaum Airport: a.  A  new  terminal building having an area of 16,000 sqm is under construction. Along with 3600sqm of existing building, the terminal b. There are no plans for the extension of the 2300m x 45m runway, but resurfacing/ strengthening has been planned and the existing apron has 6

building of 19,600 sqm will be able to cater to 3.5MPPA, PDC-FEB 2026. bays which may be expanded to 12 bays.

## Mangalore airport is under lease with the Adani Group.

(c) to (e): Hubli Airport is currently connected to Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune through IndiGo Airlines. IndiGo operates both ATR and A320 Neo-type aircraft from Hubli Airport.

With the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in March 1994, Indian domestic aviation has been deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type and free to select whatever markets and networks they wish to service and operate. Hence, it is up to the airline operators to consider the introduction of air services to/from any airport in  the  country  depending  upon  their  operational  and  commercial viabilities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2360 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Swachh Bharat Mission in Gujarat
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2360 ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## SWACHH BHARAT MISSION IN GUJARAT

## †2360. SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the funds allocated to Gujarat including Kachchh Parliamentary Constituency under the Swachh Bharat Mission during the last five years and the current year, year-wise; and
- (b)  the  details  of  the  initiatives  undertaken,  work  completed and proposed projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

- (a) Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)], funds are released to State/UT. Centre share funds released to the State of Gujarat under SBM(G) in the last 5 years and the current year is as under:
- (b) Government  had  launched  Swachh  Bharat  Mission  (Grameen)  [SBM(G)]  with  effect from 2nd October, 2014 with the main aim to make the rural areas (including tribal areas) of the country Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October, 2019 by providing access to toilets to all the  rural  households.  All  the  villages  in  the  country  including  Gujarat  had  already  declared themselves ODF as on 2.10.2019.  Having achieved the outcome of the ODF, Phase II of SBM (G) is being implemented during the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26, with the focus on ODF sustainability  and  to  cover  all  the  villages  with  solid  and  liquid  waste  management  i.e. converting  the  villages  from  ODF  to  ODF  Plus  (Model).  The  scheme  is  being  implemented rural  areas  of  Country  including  Gujarat  and  Kachchh  district.  Out  of  17,971  villages  in Gujarat,  17,752  villages  have  been  declared  Open  Defecation  Free  (ODF)  Plus  (Aspiring  3,622, Rising-929, Model-13,201) so far. Out of 898 villages in Kachchh district, 897 villages have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus (Aspiring -121, Rising-47, Model-729) so far.

In Rs Crore

| Financial Year            |   Funds released |
|---------------------------|------------------|
| 2019-20                   |           238.45 |
| 2020-21                   |           312.56 |
| 2021-22                   |           171.37 |
| 2022-23                   |            53.63 |
| 2023-24                   |           109.61 |
| 2024-25 (till 10.03.2025) |           150    |
| Total                     |          1035.62 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2357 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-13
Subject: Loss of Land due to Erosion
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2357

ANSWERED ON 13.03.2025

## LOSS OF LAND DUE TO EROSION

## 2357.   SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey to ascertain the area of land lost due to erosion across the country during the last twenty-five years, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the area of land lost in West Bengal due to erosion;

(c) whether the Government has any data to indicate the number of persons displaced due to erosion along the river Ganga in West Bengal, particularly in the district of Murshidabad and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the country lost land due to erosion on the Indo-Bangladesh Border along West Bengal and if so, the details thereof along with its effect on the international border?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) to (d) The country faces the problem of flood and erosion in varying degrees in different parts including Murshidabad district in the state of West Bengal. Central Water Commission has carried out a morphological study of Ganga river using Remote Sensing Techniques for the period 1970 - 2010, through IIT Roorkee indicating erosion of 4289.32 hectares and deposition of 724 hectares in a reach of 50 km in the upstream of Farakka Barrage in Murshidabad District.

Erosion in the common border rivers between India and Bangladesh affects the border. The Statewise area of land lost due to erosion across the country is not maintained centrally. However, the damages due to heavy rain and floods are compiled by Central Water Commission after receipt of confirmation from respective States/UTs. The details are available at https://cwc.gov.in/sites/default/files/report-flood-damagestatistics.pdf.

*****