opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Expansion of Telecom and Digital Connectivity
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4470 ANSWERED ON 20 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## EXPANSION OF TELECOM AND DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

## 4470.   SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  there  are  targeted  initiatives  under  implementation  to  bring  high-speed  internet connectivity to the last mile in remote and hilly regions;

(b) the manner in which the Government ensuring affordable access to mobile and broadband services in underserved rural and economically weaker areas; and

(c) the details of the progress of national digital literacy campaigns and the manner in which they are being adapted for low-income and low-connectivity districts?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) & (b) Government  is  implementing  various  schemes  under  Digital  Bharat  Nidhi  for expansion of internet facilities through installation of 4G mobile towers in the rural and remote areas of the country under 4G saturation project. In addition, BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide high-speed broadband connectivity such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections etc. to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages on demand basis.

(c) Schemes  like  Pradhan  Mantri  Gramin  Digital  Saksharta  Abhiyan  (PMGDISHA)  were launched under the Digital India Programme to achieve digital literacy leading to training of 6.39 crore individuals across the country. Further, a total of 14,12,476 candidates have been certified in last  5  years  in  various  digital  literacy  courses  provided  by  National  Institute  of  Electronics  & Information Technology (NIELIT).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4466 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: PMGKAY
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Satpal Brahamchari, Shri Jai Parkash

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4466 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20TH AUGUST, 2025

## PMGKAY

## 4466 SHRI JAI PARKASH: SHRI SATPAL BRAHAMCHARI:

Will  the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Pradhan Mantri  Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)  has been effectively implemented in Hisar and Sonipat Lok  Sabha constituencies ofHaryana;
- (b) if  so, the number of beneficiaries benefited, the quantity offoodgrains  distributed and the regularity of the distribution  under the said scheme in the said constituencies;
- (c) whether the Government has adopted  technological measures like e-POS machines, Aadhaar authentication etc. to ensure transparency in the distribution  system;
- (d) if  not, whether the Government proposes to monitor  or take any corrective measures to ensure that the benefits  of the  said scheme reach all  the beneficiaries;  and
- (e) if  so, the details thereoP

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

- (a) &  (b):  The Pradhan Mantri  Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)  is  being successfully implemented in the State of Haryana including the Hisar and Sonipat Lok  Sabha Constituencies.

At  present, the State Government ofHaryana  has identified  beneficiaries upto the maximum permissible limit  i.e. 126.49 lakh beneficiaries determined for the State under the Act,  for receiving foodgrains free of  cost. Constituency-wise beneficiary  data is  not  maintained by  the  Central Government

The details of  the quantity of  foodgrains distributed in  the districts of  Hisar and Sonipat during the current year (i.e. 2025) are as follows:  -

| District   | Quantity (in MT) +   |
|------------|----------------------|
| Hisar      | 46753.335MT          |
| Sonipat    | 34593.615MT          |

(c) to (e): As part of the technology driven Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) reforms, with  the aim to improve the transparency  and accountability in the TPDS, ration cards/beneficiaries database have been completely digitized (100%) in  all  States/UTs. The transparency portal and online grievance  redressal facility/Toll-free number have been implemented in all States/UTs. Also, online  allocation has been implemented in all  States/UTs and supply chain has been computerized in  3 1 States/UTs (except  UTs  of Chandigarh,  Puduchemy and Urban  area ofDadra  &  Nagar Haveli which  have adopted DBT  Cash Transfer scheme). Further, for  better tracking of  foodgrains distribution,  nearly 5.41 Lakh (99.6%) out of total 5.43 Lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country have been automated by  installing  ePoS devices for  the distribution  of  foodgrains in a transparent manner (electronically)  through biometric/  Aadhaar  authentication of beneficiaries.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4460 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Optical Fiber Network Connectivity
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Smt. Manju Sharma, Shri  Chhotelal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4460 ANSWERED ON 20 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## OPTICAL FIBER NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

## †4460.  SMT. MANJU SHARMA: SHRI CHHOTELAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  Gram  Panchayats  connected  through  BSNL  optical  fiber  network  in  the country particularly in Jaipur Lok Sabha Constituency district/tehsil-wise;
- (b) the number of gram panchayats that are still deprived of this service and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to provide optical fiber network connectivity to all the gram panchayats and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  funds allocated by the Government for laying fiber network in the Jaipur Lok Sabha Constituency during the last five years;

(e) whether  the  Government  has  made  any  provision  to  provide  optical  fiber  network connectivity to the remaining Gram Panchayats and if so, the details thereof including the funds sanctioned during the current year;

- (f) whether dozens of gram panchayats in Robertsganj Sonbhadra Lok Sabha Constituency lack mobile towers facility; and
- (g) the time by which full-fledged communication services are likely to be started in the said Lok Sabha Constituency?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

( a ) to (e) BharatNet Project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity  to  all  Gram  Panchayats  (GPs)  in  the  country.  The details  of  District-wise  Gram Panchayats (GPs) to be connected through optical fiber on BharatNet is available on Digital Bharat Nidhi website (https://usof.gov.in/en/parliament-questions).

The Government has allocated total fund of Rs. 986.04 Crore to Rajasthan including Jaipur Lok Sabha Constituency under BharatNet Project during the last five years (FY 2020-21 to 202425).

The Government has sanctioned Rs. 22,000 Crores for BharatNet Project in the current FY 2025-26.

(f) & (g) In  Robertsganj  and  Chandauli  District  of  Uttar  Pradesh,  total  132  towers  for  4G mobile services covering 170 villages are proposed, out of which 60 towers covering 73 villages have been installed as on 31.07.2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4458 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Passenger Trains on Jaipur-Delhi Route
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4458 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## PASSENGER TRAINS ON JAIPUR-DELHI ROUTE

†4458. SHRI AMRA RAM:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  Whether  the  Government  proposes  to  run  passenger  trains  on Jaipur Ringas Neem Ka Thana Delhi route and Jaipur Sikar Kolkata Sikar  Delhi  route  and  run  a  local  train  from  Jaipur  in  the  morning and from Churu Sikar to Jaipur in the evening;
- (b)  if  so,  the  time  by  when  the  said  train  services  are  likely  to  be started and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  restore  the  halt  of  Delhi Ringas Ajmer Shatabdi at Renewal for the convenience of hundreds of villagers to catch this train as it was before Corona period and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (c)    Introduction  of  new  trains,  increase  in  frequency  of existing trains, extension of existing trains etc. on any route/section depends on various factors which include:
- Capacity of that section,
- Availability of path,
- Availability of required rolling stock,
- ●
- Availability of matching infrastructure for rolling stock,
- Maintenance requirement of railway tracks and other assets

Considering  the  above  factors,  presently,  Jaipur-Ringas  sector  is served by 24 train services while Ringas-Nim Ka Thana-Delhi sector is served by 14 train services. Similarly, Jaipur is connected to Delhi by 56 train services. Passengers of Jaipur desirous of travelling to Delhi via Nim ka Thana, may do so by availing services from Ringas station. Further, Jaipur is connected to Churu and Sikar by 12 and 24 train services  respectively.  These  include  the  services  which  operate from Jaipur to Churu/Sikar in the morning and from Churu/Sikar to Jaipur in the evening. Jaipur  is  also  directly  connected  to  Kolkata  by  10  Express  train services. To increase the capacity of the rail network and hence to run more trains, Indian Railways have taken up network expansion works in a big way. Provision  of  additional  stoppages  of  the  existing  trains  depend  on the  demand  pattern,  availability  of  extra  time  in  the  section, availability of matching infrastructure (Platform length etc.). Considering these factors, Renwal is presently being served by 14 Mail/Express train services. Of these, 06 train services  each connect  Renwal  to  Delhi  and  Ajmer.    Moreover,  12065/66  AjmerDelhi Sarai Rohilla Jan Shatabdi Express (via Ringas-Nim Ka Thana) has scheduled stoppage at Ringas/Phulera. 12015/16 Daurai(Ajmer)New Delhi Shatabdi Express does not pass through Renwal.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4453 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Diversification Initiatives by Coal Companies
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Dr. Rajesh Mishra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4453

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## DIVERSIFICATION INITIATIVES BY COAL COMPANIES

## † 4453.   DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a) the major diversification initiatives taken by the coal companies to reduce dependence on coal mining;

(b) whether any of the said companies have acquired non-coal mineral blocks;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d)  whether  there  are  any  plans  to  acquire  important  mineral  blocks  domestically  or internationally;

(e) if so, the current status of the said efforts; and

(f) the efforts made by the coal companies in this regard in Singrauli district?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a): The major diversification initiatives taken by coal companies to reduce dependence on coal mining are as under:

- (i) Setting up of Coal or Lignite Gasification projects
- (ii) Setting up of Thermal Power Plants and Pumped Storage Projects
- (iii) Exploration and development of critical minerals
- (iv) Setting up of Renewable Energy projects

(b) & (c): Coal India Limited (CIL) has secured two non-coal mineral blocks - (i) Khattali Chhoti Graphite Block in Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh, and (ii) Oranga-Revatipur Graphite and Vanadium Block in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh.

NLC India  Limited (NLCIL) has been declared  successful bidder  for  two  non-coal mineral  blocks  - (i) Semhardih  Phosphorite  and  Limestone  Block,  Chhattisgarh,  and  (ii) Raipura Phosphorite and Limestone Block, Chhattisgarh.

(d) & (e): PSUs under Ministry of Coal participate in auctions for critical mineral acquisition assets, both domestically and internationally. They have also approached agencies in different parts of the world directly to acquire such minerals. They have also signed MOUs with foreign as well as domestic institutions as part of efforts to secure critical mineral blocks.

(f): Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) is doing Exploration of the non-coal minerals through National Mineral Exploration Trust funding  (NMET)  for diversification. CMPDI has completed one R&D project for the analysis of the concentration of Rare Earth Elements (REE) in coal in the Singrauli Coalfield.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4447 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Conversion of AIIMS, Delhi into Leading Medical Research & Practice Institute
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  4447

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## CONVERSION OF AIIMS, DELHI INTO LEADING MEDICAL RESEARCH & PRACTICE INSTITUTE

## †4447. SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH: SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether NITI Aayog has formed a high-level committee to prepare a roadmap for transforming  AIIMS,  New  Delhi  into  a  premier  institution  for  medical  research  and practice;
- (b) if  so,  the  time  by  which  this  comprehensive  report  is  likely  to  be  submitted  to  the Central Government;
- (c) whether the report is likely to be made public for wider stakeholder consultations and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the recommendations of this NITI Aayog panel also address the challenges and opportunities  for  the  network  of  new  AIIMS  institutions  being  established  across  the country and if not, any separate plans are being considered for them;
- (e) whether the aforesaid panel is considering decentralising AIIMS Delhi's services across the National Capital Region (NCR) to reduce patient load on the main campus; and
- (f) if so, the specific satellite centres or facilities being identified for this expansion?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a)  to  (f):  To  create  a  roadmap  to  transform  AIIMS,  New  Delhi,  into  a  premier  institution for Medical  Research  and  Practice,  a  Committee  led  by  Dr.  V.  K.  Paul,  Member  of  NITI Aayog, has  been  formed.  This  Committee's  mandate  involves  thoroughly  examining  the existing systems  and  processes  at  AIIMS  and  proposing  significant  reforms.  The  Terms  of Reference for the Committee include identifying ways to streamline patient inflow, developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal clinical, academic, and research outcomes, enhancing governance and transparency, and recommending strategies for financial prudence, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in managing AIIMS, New Delhi.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4446 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Photovoltaic Module Testing and Calibration Lab
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4446

ANSWERED ON 20/08/2025

## PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE TESTING AND CALIBRATION LAB

## 4446. SHRI KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASAs DR. SANJAY JAISWAL

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of objectives and capabilities of the new PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE);
- (b) the manner in which the NISE support domestic solar manufacturing under the Productive Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme through Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-compliant testing and certification of emerging solar technologies;
- (c) the details of increase in India's installed solar capacity and indigenous manufacturing since 2014 along with the targets set for the year 2030; and
- (d) the details of NISE's workforce development initiatives including the number of Suryamitras trained so far?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) The objective of the test facility at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is to conduct testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules and issuing reports in accordance with various Indian and international  standards.  NISE  is  also  offering  testing  and  calibration  for  various  IS/IEC standards.
- (b)  NISE  provides  technical  support  for  qualitative  and  testing  requirements  under  the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for setting up Manufacturing Capacities for High Efficiency  Solar  PV  Modules  in  the  country. T he  role  of  NISE  also  includes  conducting commissioning checks and throughput assessment at the manufacturing facilities, as well as testing of module efficiency and temperature coefficient as per relevant BIS standards.
- (c) As on 31.03.2014, the installed solar capacity of the country was ~2.82 GW, which has increased to ~119.02 GW as on 31.07.2025.

The installed solar PV module manufacturing capacity in the country in 2014 was around 2.3 GW which has increased to around 91.6 GW as of 31.07.2025, as per the Approved List of Models & manufacturers (ALMM).

- (d) NISE through the Suryamitra Skill Development Programme has so far trained 63,713 nos. of Suryamitra technicians.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4440 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Status of Calling Name Presentation Facility in Mobile Networks
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4440 ANSWERED ON 20 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## STATUS OF CALLING NAME PRESENTATION FACILITY IN MOBILE NETWORKS

## 4440.   SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the status of implementation of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) facility in mobile networks;

- (b) the expected timeframe for the facility to become fully operational across the country;
- (c) whether this facility will be available only on smartphones; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) to (d) Recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 'Introduction  of  Calling  Name  Presentation  (CNAP)  Service  in  Indian  Telecommunication Network' has been received, wherein TRAI has recommended that prior to the implementation of CNAP service on pan-India basis in Indian telecommunication network, a trial and assessment of implementation  of  CNAP  service  should  be  undertaken.  The  trial  and assessment  of  the implementation of CNAP service for 4G and above technologies has been conducted by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in their telecommunication networks. On the basis of outcome of such trial and assessment by TSPs, the Government shall take decision on implementation of CNAP service in mobile networks.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Efficiency of C-CARES  2.0 Portal
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4439 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## Efficiency of C-CARES 2.0 Portal

## 4439. Shri Ve Vaithilingam:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  recently  launched  C-CARES 2.0 Portal of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization  (CMPFO)  would  improve  efficiency  and  transparency  in  provident  fund  and pension services of coal sector workers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) : Yes Sir.
- (b): The details are as under:-
- (i)         Since the launch of the C-CARES portal, there is consistent improvement in the number of Provident Fund and Pension Claim settlements.
- (ii)        Now, the disbursement of Provident Fund/Provident Fund Advance claims is directly credited to the accounts of members from Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization online.
- (iii)       The mobile application launched as part of C-CARES 2.0 enables members to track Provident Fund, Provident Fund Advance and Pension claims over a mobile phone itself. This is a crucial step towards building a fair and transparent system.
- (iv)       Also, the Pension Payment Order generated after the settlement of pension claim is stored automatically into the Digi Locker.  This can be accessed anytime and from anywhere.
- (v) All the data pertaining to members/family/employment/ledger/claims are stored in CCARES application which is accessible to all authorized users as a single window system.
- (c): Not Applicable.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4436 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Black Marketing of Essential Commodities
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## Government of India Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

## Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4436

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## BLACK MARKETING OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

## 4436.  SHRI ESWARASAMY K:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number of raids were carried out during the last five years to check black marketing of essential commodities in States/Union Territories;
- (b) the details of the quantity of wheat, sugar, rice and other commodities seized during raids; and
- (c) whether the of persons were arrested in such raids and if so, the details thereof along with number and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L.VERMA)

- (a) to  (c) : Details  regarding the number of raids, value of goods confiscated, and persons arrested during the raids carried out in the last five years to check black marketing of essential commodities,  as reported by the States/Union Territories, are as follows:

|   S.No |   Year | No. of Raids Carried out   |   Value of Goods Confiscated (in crores) | No. of Persons Arrested   |
|--------|--------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------|
|      1 |   2020 | 1,65,250                   |                                    65.7  | 10,005                    |
|      2 |   2021 | 1,39,159                   |                                   121.31 | 17,897                    |
|      3 |   2022 | 1,29,370                   |                                   246.75 | 32,162                    |
|      4 |   2023 | 1,38,777                   |                                   159.62 | 18,868                    |
|      5 |   2024 | 1,17,092                   |                                  1623.78 | 19,536                    |

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