opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2468 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Recognition of Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts as 
Centre of Excellence
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2468

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## RECOGNITION OF RAJA RAVI VARMA COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

## 2468. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal or scope to recognize the Raja Ravi Varma College of  Fine  Arts,  Mavelikkara,  Kerala,  as  a  Centre  of  Excellence,  considering  its  historical  and cultural significance and contributions to the development of Indian fine arts;
- (b) if so, the current status of the proposal and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to provide academic, financial and institutional support to the college;
- (c) whether the Government has any existing schemes or programmes to recognize and promote institutions of national importance in the field of fine arts and visual culture;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to undertake scientific conservation and preservation of the ancient Buddha statue located in Mavelikkara, which holds archaeological and cultural value; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (e) No Sir. At present, there is no proposal under consideration.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2466 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Non-utilization of Funds under Central Pollution Scheme
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2466

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Non-utilization of Funds under Central Pollution Scheme

2466.   ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

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

- (a) whether  the Government noted the observation of the Parliamentary Panel that majority of funds allocated for control of pollution under Central Pollution Scheme in 2024-25 has not been utilized;
- (b) if so, the details thereof:
- (c) the reasons for underutilization of funds while the country is facing significant pollution challenges; and
- (d) whether the Government has taken any action in this regard, 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 of Environment, Forest and Climate Change acknowledged the para 2.3  and  5.4  of    the  392 nd report  on    Demands  for  Grants  (2025-26)  of  the  Ministry  of Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  (demand  no.  28)  of  the  Department-related Parliamentary  Standing  Committee  on  Science  and  Technology,  Environment,  Forests  and Climate Change.

The utilization of funds in FY 2024-25 'Control of Pollution' scheme in March, 2025 is to be seen in the context of clubbing together of funds for FY 2024-25 & 2025-26. The Cabinet approved an amount of Rs. 1949.80 crore for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 in March, 2025 along with the direction that unutilised funds of FY 2024-25 will be carried over/ re-allocated to FY 2025-26. There is no actual loss/surrender of any amount in the scheme for 2024-25

Ministry has received Rs.853.90 crore in the current FY 2025-26 (under BE 2025-26) and  funds  of  Rs.410.885  crore  has  since  been  released  under  the  Central  Sector  Scheme 'Control  of  Pollution'  so  far.  The  Ministry  has  taken  all  possible  measures  like  advance planning, preparation and execution of proposals pertaining to 'Control of Pollution' Scheme in a time bound manner to utilize the budgetary allocation under the scheme.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2461 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Establishment of a Museum in Sinauli-Tilwara region of Baghpat
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2461

ANSWERED ON-04.08.2025

## ESTABLISHMENT OF A MUSEUM IN SINAULI-TILWARA REGION OF BAGHPAT

## ✝ 2461. DR. RAJKUMAR SANGWAN:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Sinauli-Tilwara region under Baghpat Lok Sabha Constituency of Uttar Pradesh is a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization;

(b)  whether  excavations  carried  out  by  the  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  at  this  site  have yielded  evidence  such  as  chariots,  human  skeletons  and  horse  remains  taken  to  be  crucial signifier  of  Vedic-era  presence  and  if  so,  the  details  of  the  measures  taken  to  preserve  these remains; and

(c) whether the Government has any proposal to establish a museum in the Sinauli and Tilwara region of Baghpat for the preservation and display of these invaluable evidence and if so, the time by which it is likely to be carried out and if not, the reasons therefor including the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) Sinauli-Tilwara has yielded significant archaeological remains of Chalcolithic culture.

(b) Excavations conducted at Sinauli and Tilwara have yielded a number of skeletons, chariots and other artifacts of Chalcolithic culture. However, no horse remains were reported.

The excavated objects are kept under safe custody with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

(c)  No  such  proposal  is  under  consideration.  Artifacts  found  from  excavations  are  duly documented and preserved by the ASI for research and study.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2457 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Indian Labour Conference
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Raja Ram Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2457 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## INDIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE

## 2457. SHRI RAJA RAM SINGH:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  convene  the  annual tripartite Indian Labour Conference (ILC), as last conference held in 2017, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with bypassing the consultation with the ILC;
- (b)whether the recently passed Labour Codes were consulted with ILC, if so, the details thereof along with consultation report and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether the Government is planning for a labour inspection, as per the ILO's convention on labour inspection, C. 48, 1947 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)whether  the  Government  is  considering  the  enactment  of  any legislation for mandating the recognition of trade union in light of the constitutional guarantee of the right to organize and collectivize Article 19(1)(c) and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): The 46 th  Session of the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) was held in New Delhi from 20-21 July, 2015. The Government has been holding  tripartite  consultations  involving  representatives  of  the Government,  employers,  and  workers  to  deliberate  on  important labour policies/issues from time to time.
- (b): There have been widespread consultations while finalizing all 4 Labour Codes including nine tripartite consultations which were undertaken  on  10.03.2015,  13.04.2015,  06.05.2015,  14.07.2015, 06.10.2015,  04.10.2017,  22.11.2018,  27.11.2018  and  05.11.2019

inviting all Central Trade Unions, Employers' Associations and State Governments. The stakeholders had participated in the afore-said tripartite  meetings  and  gave  suggestions  on  various  aspects  of Labour Codes. (c): India has not ratified International Labour Organization's (ILO) Convention No. 48, 1935. However, as regards, Labour Inspection Convention (C-81), 1947 is concerned, the same has been ratified by India and has an established legal and institutional framework for labour inspections. (d): The  Trade  Unions  Act,  1926  has  been  subsumed  into  the Industrial  Relations  Code,  2020,  which  provides  for  recognition  of trade unions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2450 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Exemption for  Khadi & Village Industries Products from GST
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Adv K. Francis George

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2450

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 04, 2025/ SRAVANA 13, 1947(SAKA)

## EXEMPTION FOR KHADI & VILLAGE INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS FROM GST

2450. ADV K. FRANCIS GEORGE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  the  products  of Khadi  &  Village  Industries  Commission  (KVIC)  are  handmade  and  the cost of production is high;
- (b)  whether  it  is  also  a  fact  that  certain  products  of  KVIC  are  being taxed upto12 per cent of GST; and
- (c)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  exempt  all  Khadi products from GST to 54 provide/sustain employment in this traditional
- sector of the country?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  The  production  process  of  Khadi  products  is  hand  spun  and  hand woven in nature and it is a labour/artisan intensive activity.  Due to this fully  manual  nature  of  operations  in  manufacturing  Khadi  and  Village Industry  products,  the  manufacturing  cost  constitutes  a  significant
- portion of the overall product cost.
- (b)  GST  rates  are  prescribed  on  the  recommendations  of  GST  Council, which  is  a  constitutional  body  comprising  of  representatives  from States/UTs  and  Centre.  Khadi  yarn  and  Khadi  fabric  sold  from  KVIC outlets,  Gandhi  Topi  and  Indian  National  flag  attract  Nil  GST.  Most handmade  textile products attract concessional GST  rate of 5%. Handmade  articles  of  apparel  and  clothing  accessories,  knitted  or crocheted, of sale value upto Rs. 1000 per piece attracts 5% GST and 12% otherwise.
- (c) The GST Council in its 45th meeting held on 17th September, 2021, has constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rate Rationalisation. The  terms  of  reference  of  the  GoM  include  review  of  the  current  rate slab structure of GST and recommend rationalization of rates.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Central Labour Organisations
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2439

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## CENTRAL LABOUR ORGANISATIONS

†2439. SHRI AMRA RAM:

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

- (a)the  details  of  the  demand  letters  received  by  the  Government during the general strike of the Central Labour Organizations on 9 August, 2023;
- (b)the  details  of  the  action  taken  or  likely  to  be  taken  by  the Government in this regard;
- (c)the details of the number of man-days lost due to the said strike; and
- (d)whether the Government proposes to address the said issue, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): No strike notices or demand letters were received directly by the Office of Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) which handles strike  notice/industrial  dispute  of  Central  Sphere.  However,  input about a nationwide protest by Central Trade Unions on 09.08.2023 was received from other official source. As per these inputs, demands included  scrapping  of  Labour  Codes,  stopping  PSU  privatization, changes  to pension and employment  policies, and expanding MGNREGA.  The  Office  of  CLC(C),  the  Central  Industrial  Relations Machinery of Ministry of Labour and Employment, who function for maintaining  industrial  peace  and  harmony  functions  under  the statutory provisions of The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, reported no actual  instances  of  strikes  or  protests.  The  demands  raised  were related  to  broader  policy  matters,  and  no  related  proposals  are currently pending with this Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2438 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Enhancement of Seats in IITs
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri E Tukaram

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2438 ANSWERED ON-04/08/2025

## Enhancement of Seats in IITs

## 2438. Shri E Tukaram:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government intends to increase the seats in the existing Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across the Country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of seats proposed to be increased and measures being taken to enhance infrastructure and faculty capacity with timelines; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d):  In  the  Budget  speech  2025-26,  it  has  been  announced  to  create  additional infrastructure  in  the  five  IITs,  which  were  started  after  2014  to  facilitate  education  for additional 6,500 students. Accordingly, Union Cabinet in its meeting held in May, 2025 has approved expansion of academic and infrastructure capacity including creation of Research Park of five new IITs which had been established in the State/UT of Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati), Kerala (IIT Palakkad), Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai), Jammu & Kashmir (IIT Jammu) and Karnataka (IIT Dharwad) with a total outlay of Rs. 11,828.79 crore.

Besides the above, the government has recently approved a total of Rs. 1,942 Crore for expansion  of  academic  &  hostel  infrastructure,  and  development  of  Research  Park  for  IIT Jodhpur, IIT Patna and IIT Indore through Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA).

IITs offer cutting-edge educational programs and world-class infrastructure, fostering a  culture  of  innovation  and  critical  thinking.  Globally  recognized  for  alumni  who  lead  in research,  engineering,  technology,  management,  and  entrepreneurship,  IITs  have  made  a significant impact worldwide.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2434 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Satpal Brahamchari

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2434 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas

## † 2434. Shri Satpal Brahamchari:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal or has any plan to open a Kendriya Vidyalaya at Pandupindara, Haryana;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Haryana or local administration for land and necessary infrastructure; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the said proposal is likely to be cleared?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) Opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) is a continuous process. KVs are opened primarily to cater to the educational needs of the wards of transferable Central Government  Employees  including  Defence  &  Para-military personnel, Central Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Central Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) by providing a common programme of education throughout the country. Proposals for opening of new KVs may be sponsored by Ministries or Departments of the Government of India / State Governments / Union Territories (UTs) Administrations, with commitment to provide requisite resources including land and temporary accommodation for setting up a new KV as per norms.  The proposals are subject to approval of the competent authority as per extant procedures. At present, 35  KVs  are  functional  in  the  State  of  Haryana.  As  per  information  received  from Kendriya  Vidyalaya  Sangathan,  no  proposal  for  establishment  of  a  new  KV  at Pandupindara, District Jind, Haryana has been received from the State Government / District Administration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2433 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Land for  Kendriya Vidyalaya in Bihar
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2433 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Land for Kendriya Vidyalaya in Bihar

## 2433.  Dr. Alok Kumar Suman:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) established in Gopalganj district of Bihar has no building despite availability of land and the KV did not pursue the matter with the district administration, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that the Government proposes to construct building on the above land in consultation with the district administration and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  State  Government  of  Bihar  has  submitted  a  memorandum  in  this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the details of steps being taken by the Government to address the specific demand of Bihar in light of the proposal and memorandum submitted for construction of building on land?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) As per information received from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Kendriya Vidyalaya  (KV),  Gopalganj  was  opened  in  the  year  2004  in  Civil  Sector  under  the sponsorship of the State Government of Bihar and is running in temporary accommodation as the State Government could not provide suitable land for construction of permanent building as per KVS norms.  After persistent persuasions and follow up with the State Government of Bihar at various levels by the Ministry of Education and KVS, the State Government  of  Bihar,  vide  order  dated  29.07.2025,  has  now  accorded  approval  for transfer  of  land  measuring  4.63  acres  in  favour  of  KVS  for  construction  of  permanent school building of KV, Gopalganj.

Construction  of  permanent  buildings  for  KVs  is  a  continuous  process,  which depends upon identification of suitable land, completion of transfer / lease formalities in favour  of  KVS  by  the  sponsoring  authorities,  submission  of  drawings  /  estimates  by construction agency, availability of funds and requisite approvals etc.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2428 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Heritage Site for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2428 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## HERITAGE SITE FOR INCLUSION IN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

## 2428.  SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number of new heritage sites being proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the timelines set for this process;
- (b) whether the Government has any new grant schemes or special funds for allocation to support the restoration and preservation of community heritage sites across the country; and
- (c) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  strengthening  and  promoting  local museums and cultural centres to enhance public outreach?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) This  year,  the  nomination  dossier  titled  Ancient  Buddhist  Site,  Sarnath  has  been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for the 2025-26 nomination cycle. As per the Operational  Guidelines,  2024,  only  one  property  can  be  submitted  for  the  inscription process in any given cycle. The nomination process takes approximately 1.5 years from the date of submission of the dossier, after following the process of inscription as laid down in Operational Guidelines,2024.
- (b) No  Sir,  there  is  no  specific  grant  scheme  or  special  fund  allocated  to  support  the restoration  and  preservation  of  community  heritage  sites.  However,  all  monuments protected  by  the  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  are  in  a  good  state  of  preservation. Conservation work is carried out using the allocated budget, based on availability and requirement.
- (c) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains 52 site museums, including those in remote areas, and is adopting digital technologies to enhance visitor experiences. It also undertakes  outreach  programs  to  raise  awareness  and  engagement,  especially  among youth, for the preservation of cultural heritage. Ministry also gives grants under Museum Grant Scheme for local museums.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Hiring of Social Media Influencers for Tourism Promotion
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2422 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## HIRING OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS FOR TOURISM PROMOTION

## 2422. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  increasing  role  of social media influencers in the promotion of tourism;
- (b) whether the State Governments and the Central Government has any plans/guidelines for hiring social influencers for tourism promotion; and
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  funds  utilised  by  the Union  Government  and  State  Government  thereon  during  the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): Yes, the Ministry actively promotes the country's tourism destinations,  products  and  various  activities  through  its  official social  media  platforms  on  a  regular  basis.  The  Ministry  engages with  social  media  influencers  both  through  collaboration  requests received  and  through  public  engagement  initiatives  to  promote tourism  destinations,  products,  experiences  and  events  organised by the Ministry from time to time.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Establishment of IIM in Hyderabad
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Kadiyam Kavya

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2420 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Establishment of IIM in Hyderabad

## 2420.   Dr. Kadiyam Kavya:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Government of Telangana for setting up an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Hyderabad;
- (b) whether Telangana is the only State, where IIM has not been established, despite having adequate infrastructure and land;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the current status of the proposal and the reasons for delay in granting approval in this regard;
- (e)  whether the Government proposes to establish an IIM in Hyderabad in the near future; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof with expected timeline?

## A N S W E R

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

(a) to (f) At present there are 21 IIMs in the country out of which 7 IIMs categorised as 3 rd Generation IIMs were established during the year 2015-2016. The list of IIMs along with the respective States of establishment may be seen at https://www.education.gov.in/en/parl\_ques. At  present  no  proposal  for  setting  up  an  IIM  at  Hyderabad  is  under  consideration  at  the Ministry.

*****