opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 979 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Welfare Schemes for Rural and Farm Labourers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 979 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## WELFARE SCHEMES FOR RURAL AND FARM LABOURERS

## 979. SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:

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

- (a)the details of Government welfare schemes to uplift the rural and farm labourers;
- (b)whether the labourers in unorganised sector have been brought under the ESI Scheme, if so, the details thereof and if not, the measures taken by the Government in this direction;
- (c)the names of schemes and total amount allocated for the benefits
- during the last five years; and
- (d)the  details  of  any  additional  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to address  farm  labourers,  their  education,  and  living  conditions  and daily requirements?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Central Government runs various schemes for the upliftment and  welfare  of  labourers  including  rural  and  farm  labourers.  These schemes  include  (i)  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural  Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) (ii) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKYM)  (iii)  Pradhan  Mantri  Shram  Yogi  Maan-  Dhan  (PM-SYM)  (iv) Public Distribution System through One-Nation-One-Ration-Card Scheme under  National  Food  Security  Act  (v)  Deen  Dayal  Upadhyay  Gramin Kaushal  Yojana  (vi)  Mahatma  Gandhi  Bunkar  Bima  Yojana  (vii)  Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (viii) Pradhan Mantri Awas  Yojana (ix) PMSVANidhi  (x)  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (xi)  Pradhan Mantri  Jeevan  Jyoti  Bima  Yojana  (PMJJBY)  (xii)  Pradhan  Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) (xiii) Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY). Apart from this, State Governments also run  specific  schemes  for  the  welfare  of  the  farm  labourers  including agriculture labourers. Budget allocations and expenditure of schemes are as per provisions of the respective schemes.

The Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 is applicable to all factories and establishments having ten or more employees, drawing wages up to Rs 21,000/-  (Rs.  25,000/-  for  Persons  with  disability).  As such, the Act does not apply to the unorganised sector.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 978 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Projects under Swadesh Darshan and Sustainable Tourism Scheme
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Chintamani Maharaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+978

## ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## PROJECTS UNDER SWADESH DARSHAN

## AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SCHEME

## +978.  SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  prioritise  the  selection  of projects  under  the  Swadesh  Darshan  and  Sustainable  Tourism Scheme;
- (b) whether any specific criteria exist in this regard;
- (c) the  details  of  strategies  being  implemented  by  the  Government  to ensure the successful development of the approved projects, especially in lesser-known tourist destinations;
- (d) whether any initiatives  being  taken  to  promote  these  lesser-known destinations internationally; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Ministry  of  Tourism  launched  its  Swadesh  Darshan  scheme  in 2014-15  and  sanctioned  76  projects  in  the  country  under  identified thematic circuits for ₹5287.90 Crore in this scheme.  The  Ministry revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country and has sanctioned 34 projects for ₹791.25 Crore.

The projects under the scheme  are considered for sanctioning in consultation  with  the  concerned  State  Governments/UT  Administrations and on receipt of the project proposals from them, subject to adherence to the scheme guidelines, instructions issued by the Government from time to  time,  availability  of  funds,  inter-se  priority  etc.  Further,  Ministry  of Tourism regularly undertakes review meetings with the State Governments at different levels to ensure successful implementation of the sanctioned projects including those sanctioned at lesser known destinations.

Ministry of Tourism promotes various tourist destinations and products of the country including lesser known destinations in domestic and international markets  in  a  holistic  manner  under  the  brand  line  of 'Incredible India'. Such promotions are undertaken through various ongoing  initiatives  such  as  social  media  posts,  promotional  website, organizing events, extending support to tourism related fairs and festivals, participation in road shows etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 977 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: National Board for Preservation of Jain Culture
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Imran Masood

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.977 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## NATIONAL BOARD FOR PRESERVATION OF JAIN CULTURE

## 977. SHRI IMRAN MASOOD

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  event  or  programme  the  Government  is  likely  to  organise  on  the 2550 th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavira;
- (b) the  details  of  the  Government's  plans  to  preserve  the  religious  and  cultural  heritage  of  the minority Jain community;
- (c) whether the Government has any proposal to constitute a National Board for Preservation of Jain  culture  and  if  so,  the  time  by  which  it  is  likely  to  be  done  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  appoint  a  member  from  all  minority  communities  on rotation basis for the post of Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities and if so, the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a  to  d) The  Ministry  of  Culture  has  commemorated  the 2550 th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav  from  November  13,  2023  to  November  13,  2024  to  honor  the  life  and teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The celebrations were inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Mahaveer  Jayanti,  April  21,  2024.  To  mark  the  occasion,  Prime  Minister  released  a commemorative  stamp  and  coin  in  honor  of  Bhagwan  Mahaveer's  2550 th Nirvan Mahotsav.  During  the  inaugural  event,  Prime  Minister  paid  tribute  to  the  revered Bhagwan Mahaveer by offering rice and flower petals at his statue, signifying  respect and reverence for his profound spiritual contributions.

The ceremony also featured a captivating dance drama titled "Vartaman Mein Vardhaman," performed  by  schoolchildren,  which  beautifully  depicted  the  essence  of Bhagwan  Mahaveer's  life  and  teachings,  illustrating  his  message  of  non-violence, compassion, and truth. The commemoration continued throughout the year, with various events organized to highlight Bhagwan Mahaveer's teachings on non-violence, truth, and social justice. These activities aimed to engage people, especially the younger generation,  in  reflecting  on  the  relevance  of  Mahaveer's  values  in  today's  world, inspiring them to live by the principles of peace, compassion, and righteousness.

The  proposal  to  constitute  a  National  Board  for  Preservation  of  Jain  culture  and  the proposal to appoint a member from all minority communities on rotation basis for the post of Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities are not under consideration of Government.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 974 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Development of Rampath Gaman
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.

## †974

## ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF RAMPATH GAMAN

## †974 . SHRI GANESH SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  the  Madhya Pradesh  Government  has  made  a  plan  for  the  development  of  all pilgrimage sites under the development of Rampath Gaman;
- (b) if so, the details of status of the work undertaken for the construction of the Rampath Gaman National Highway from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot so far in respect of which foundation stone was laid by the Hon'ble Prime Minister;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to issue its advisory for construction of a four lane road from Chitrakoot to Satna Maihar Maa Sharda Shakti Peeth; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM             (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): Development of tourism destinations is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory Administration (UT). However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  its  Central  Sector  schemes  of 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritag e Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)',  'Swadesh  Darshan'  and 'Assistance  to  Central  Agencies  for Tourism  Infrastructure  Development' complements  tourism  development efforts  undertaken  by  the  State  Governments/UT  Administrations  by extending financial assistance in consultation with them.

No  proposal in the prescribed format regarding development  of  all pilgrimage  sites  under  the  development  of  Rampath  Gaman  has  been received from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. However, under Swadesh  Darshan  2.0,  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  sanctioned  a  project namely, ' Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot ' at a cost of Rs.27.21 crore.

Ministry  of  Tourism  does  not  maintain  the  data  regarding  the  status  of work undertaken for the construction of National Highways. Additionally, no proposal is under consideration of the Ministry of Tourism for issuing of advisory related to construction of four lane road from Chitrakoot to Satna

Maihar Maa Sharda Shakti Peeth.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 972 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: New Pension Scheme
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES *****

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 972

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY, 2025/ MAGHA 21, 1946 (SAKA)

## NEW PENSION SCHEME

## 972. Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  introduced  New  Pension  Scheme  in  place  of  the  existing National Pension Scheme;
- (b) whether it is true that a Committee has been constituted with representatives from Government and employees to thrash out contentious issues;
- (c) if so, the details of contentious issues identified;
- (d) whether the Committee has submitted its Report; and
- (e) if so, the recommendations made by the Committee and status of implementation of the same?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (e) As announced by Hon'ble Finance Minister on 24.03.2023, a Committee was set up under the chairmanship of Finance Secretary for suggesting measure to modify the National Pension System (NPS) with a view to improve the pensionary benefits of Government employees keeping in view the fiscal implications and impact on overall budgetary space. The Committee had extensive discussions with  the  major  stakeholders  including  Staff  Side  of  the  National  Council  (JCM)  and  State Government's. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the Union Cabinet approved the Unified  Pension  Scheme  (UPS)  on  24.08.2024.  The  UPS  has  been  notified  on  24.01.2025  for implementation from 01.04.2025. The features of UPS are as under:

- (i) Assured payout at rate of 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. This payout to be proportionate for lesser service period up to a minimum of 10 years of service.
- (ii) Assured family payout at the rate of 60% of pension of the employee immediately before his/her demise to surviving spouse.
- (iii) Assured minimum payout of Rs.10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service.
- (iv) Inflation  indexation  on  assured  payout,  on  assured  family  payout,  and  assured  minimum payout.  Dearness  Relief  based  on  All  India  Consumer  Price  Index  for  Industrial  Workers (AICPI-IW) as in case of serving employees.
- (v) Lump sum payment at  superannuation  in  addition  of  gratuity  at  rate  of  1/10 th of  monthly emoluments (pay+DA) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of service, this payment will not reduce the quantum of assured payout.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 971 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Authorization of LSGI Heads to Kill Wild Boars
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

`

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 971

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## Authorization of LSGI Heads to Kill Wild Boars

## 971. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the order issued by the State Government of Kerala  authorizing  the  heads  of  all  Local  Self  Government  Institutions  (LSGIs)  as Honorary Wildlife Wardens and entrusting them with the power to kill wild boars that stray into human settlements and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government considers that Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides a legal basis for issuing such an order en masse to all LSGI heads, and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government is of the opinion that Section 11 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, mandates that the person authorized by the Chief Wildlife Warden for hunting any animal  must  possess  certain  qualifications,  and  if  so,  whether  the  Government  has formulated  any  policy  or  guidelines  for  the  Chief  Wildlife  Warden  to  exercise  such powers under Section 11 of the Act and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (c) The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, empowers the State Government to appoint Honorary  Wild  Life  Wardens  who  shall  be  subordinate  to  the  Chief  Wild  Life Warden. Further, the Act also provides that the Chief Wild Life Warden, with the previous approval of the State Government may delegate all or any of his powers and duties under the Act to any officer subordinate to him, except with respect to grant of permission for hunting wild animals listed in Schedule I under Section 11 (1) (a) of the Act.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 967 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Ancient Martial Art 'Kalaripayattu'
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-967 ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## ANCIENT MARTIAL ART 'KALARIPAYATTU'

## 967. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  noted  that  Kalaripayattu,  an  ancient  Indian  martial  arts form that can be traced back to the Sangam period in Southern India is a scientific sport that requires great mind-body coordination and agility and therefore, deserves special promotion and encouragement;
- (b) whether the Government is contemplating any Scheme to promote the Northern style of Kalari,  also  known  as  Vadakkan  Kalari,  popular  in  Malabar  region  and  is  generally regarded as the "original," form of Kalaripayattu; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) The  word  Kalari  stands  for  gymnasium  or  a  place  of  study  and  Payattu  means  a combat.

Some historians credit the development of Kalaripayattu to the Sangam age (BC 200600  CE)  mentioning  of  combat  with  sword  etc.  in  the  Sangam  literature  Purananuru  and Akananuru.

South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, has arranged Kalaripayattu performances during the last three years with details as under:

## 2022-2023 :

- i. Akhila Bharat Shourya Parva Mahotsav at Karnataka.
- ii. Karaikal Carnival at Puducherry.
- iii. Chikmagaluru Cultural Fest at Karnataka.
- iv. Youth Empowerment Programme at Karnataka.

## 2023-2024:

- i. World Folklore day Celebrations at Kerala.
- ii. Dasara Festival at Karnataka.
- iii. Karikal Carnival at Puducherry.
- iv. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav at Telangana.
- v. Summer festival at Tamil Nadu.

## 2024-2025 (upto January, 2025):

- i. Onam Celebration at Karnataka.
- ii. Fete-de-Puducherry at Puducherry.
- iii. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at Gujarat.

(b) & (c) Ministry of Culture runs two schemes viz. Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory  Grant)  and  Cultural  Function  &  Production  Grant  (CFPG)  in  which  financial assistance is provided for all genres of performing arts including Kalaripayattu. Under GuruShishya Parampara (Repertory Grant), the amount of assistance for Guru is Rs. 15,000/- p.m. and for the Shishya is Rs. 2,000-10,000/- p.m. depending upon the age of the artist and under CFPG,  the  maximum  grant  provided  is  Rs.  5.00  lakh  to  an  organization  for  organizing Seminars,  Conference,  Research,  Workshops,  Festivals,  Exhibitions,  Symposia,  Production of Dance, Drama-Theatre, Music etc. which can be increased to Rs. 20.00 lakh in exceptional cases.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 965 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Increments for College Teachers upon Acquiring  Ph.D.
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 965

ANSWERED ON- 10/02/2025

## INCREMENTS FOR COLLEGE TEACHERS UPON ACQUIRING PH.D.

## 965. ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE:

- Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a)  whether the Government is granting advance increments to college teachers who acquire  Ph.D.  degree  during  their  service,  as  per  the  provisions  under  the  UGC Regulations, 2018; (b)  whether  there  are  any  existing  directives  or  orders  of  the  Government  that supersede or modify  the  UGC  Regulations,  2018  concerning  advance  increments  for Ph.D. qualifications obtained during service; (c) the specific aspects of these directives differ from the UGC Regulations, 2018 and in which manner they prioritised over UGC provisions; and (d)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  any  revision  or  allowances  to  restore  the advance increment benefits for college teachers who attain Ph.D. degree during their
- service?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): The Ministry of Education, vide its letter No.1-7/2015-U.ll(1) dated 2 nd November  2017,  issued  scheme  of  revision  of  pay  of  teachers  and  equivalent cadres  in  Universities  and  Colleges  following  the  revision  of  pay  scales  of  Central Government employees on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). As per Para 8 of the said letter, 'The incentive structure is built-in in the pay structure itself wherein those having M.Phil. or Ph.D. degree will progress faster under CAS.  Therefore,  there  shall  be  no  incentives  in  the  form  of  advance  increments  for obtaining the degrees of M.Phil. or Ph.D'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 962 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Career Counselling Centres in Universities
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri P C Mohan, Shri Damodar Agrawal, Shri Dharambir Singh, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Anoop Pradhan Valmiki, Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap, Shri Shankar Lalwani, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Smt. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya, Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 962 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 FEBRUARY, 2025

## CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRES IN UNIVERSITIES

## 962.   DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL:

SHRI DHARAMBIR SINGH:

SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

SHRI SHANKAR LALWANI:

SHRI P C MOHAN:

SHRI ANOOP PRADHAN VALMIKI:

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA:

SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP:

SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  objectives  to  set  up  career  counselling  centres  in Universities  and  their  long  term  impact  on  students  and  the  time  by which these centres are set up;
- (b) the manner in which Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is structured to  ensure  effective  collaboration  among  industrial  bodies,  Universities and the Government in these centres;
- (c) the role likely to be played by the Industrial bodies like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM to operate these career counselling centres successfully;
- (d) whether any specific skill development programmes or resources are to be provided to the students by these centres to bridge the gap between educational and industry specific requirements; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) Under the National Career Service Scheme, the Ministry of Labour and Employment,  Government  of  India  has  approved  400  Model  Career  Centres (MCCs) across the country for providing career related services including job search  &  matching,  career  counselling,  vocational  guidance,  information  on skill development courses, information on online & offline job fairs, employability assessment, employability enhancement training programmes etc. through National Career Service Portal -a digital platform [www.ncs.gov.in]. The  list of MCCs  operating  all  over India (including Universities) may  be seen at https://dge.gov.in/dge/sites/default/files/202212/List%20of%20400%20Model%20Career%20Centres.pdf. The  respective  State/UT  governments  can  replicate  this  model  in  their employment exchanges/institutes. As per guidelines, MCCs have the option to jointly operate under the PPP model with the support of Industry organisations such as CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM etc. or with the support of vocational schools,

skill institutes, private players etc.

*****