opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3750 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Commonwealth Games 2030
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Raja A

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3750

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2030

## 3750 SHRI RAJA A:

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

- (a) whether India has desired to hold Commonwealth Games 2030, in the wake of intent to host Olympics 2036;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether some of the disciplines removed in 2026 CWG which are popular in the country like hockey, badminton, wrestling, shooting would be included in the said Games for 2030 CWG;
- (d) whether joint efforts would be made with other friendly countries for including these disciplines in the CWG; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a) & (b) Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted an expression  of  interest  on  13 th   March,  2025  to  the  Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India. (c) to (e) Decision with regard to inclusion of sports discipline in the commonwealth games is taken by the CGF and the concerned host country. The CGF is the organization responsible for the direction and control  of  the  Commonwealth  Games,  the  Commonwealth  Sport movement and other related events. Earlier, the 2026 Commonwealth Games were to be hosted by Victoria, Australia but the host withdrew from the Games due to various reasons, primarily due to paucity of funds. Thereafter, the CGF found Glasgow, Scotland as the replacement host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This has led to  a  much  reduced  budget,  time  frame  and  a  reduced  sports programme as compared to the previous games. For these Games, only 10 sports have been selected. The selection was based on the four available venues within close proximity, the available budget and careful management of the total athlete numbers (maximum 3000). The Government wrote to the CGF President over the exclusion of nine major sports disciplines. Out of the excluded sports, Badminton, Cricket, Hockey, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, and Wrestling are highly popular in India. The CGF President has replied, inter alia, that having only 10 sports disciplines is a temporary position to secure the  2026  Games,  and  that  exclusion  of  any  sport  does  not  set  a precedence for inclusion in the future Games.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3749 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum in New Delhi
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Amrinder Singh Raja Warring

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3749 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## YUGE YUGEEN BHARAT NATIONAL MUSEUM IN NEW DELHI

## 3749. SHRI AMRINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal under consideration for establishment of Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum in New Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details along with progress made on thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has set any deadlines for completing the construction of the said museum, if so, the timelines thereof;
- (d) the details of the budget allocated for said project so far along with the total estimated budget for the said museum; and
- (e) the main purpose of the said project?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Yes Sir, the North and South Blocks in New Delhi are set to house the new national museum, named as Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. This initiative is part of the Central Vista  Redevelopment  Project.      It  includes  the  transformation  of  two  blocks  of  symmetrical buildings  into  museum  spaces  for  the  creation  of  a  new  National  Museum  elucidating  the thousands-year-old  civilizational  and  cultural  heritage.  An  agreement  has  been  signed  on  19 th December, 2024 between National  Museum & France Museums Development for the technical cooperation for the development of the upcoming museum.

(c)  to  (d) The  project  timeline  and  budget  allocation  is  contingent  on  the  outcomes  of  the feasibility study and subsequent formalities.

(e) This project aimed at showcasing India's cultural heritage - a celebration of timeless & eternal India to explore our proud past, illuminate the present & imagine the bright future.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3747 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Economic Affairs

## CHAITRA 3, 1947(SAKA)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3747 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY MARCH 24, 2025/ Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

## No.3747

Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed: Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current status of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and the number of new accounts opened under the said scheme during the last year; and
- (b) the details of the interest rates offered under the SSY scheme and the total amount deposited by beneficiaries so far?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## ( SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY )

- (a) The total number of accounts opened under Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSA) since its  inception  is  4,20,39,041.  The  number  of  new  accounts  opened  during  F.Y.  2023-24  is 37,07,229.
- (b)  The  rate  of  interest  under  SSA  for  Quarter-4  of  F.Y.  2024-25  is  8.2%  p.a.  and  the  total deposit under SSA as on 28.02.2025 is Rs. 2,73,466.69 crores.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3746 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Sports Policy for Development of Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Manish Jaiswal

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3746 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

Sports Policy for Development of Sports

†3746. Shri Manish Jaiswal:

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

(a) whether the Government propose to formulate a sports policy for the development of sports and sportsmen in the country; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports proposes to introduce/formulate new Sports Policy replacing the existing one in light of changing socio-economic factors, technological advancements, global developments and national aspirations in the field of Sports.

The first National Sports Policy (NSP) was launched in 1984 focusing on  the  need  to  develop  sports  infrastructure  and  make  physical education along with sports, an integral part of the school curriculum. The  NSP-1984  was  revised  in  2001  with  the  twin  objectives  i.e. 'Broad-basing of Sports'' and 'Achieving Excellence in Sports' at the national and international levels.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3745 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Target of 5 Trillion Dollar GDP by 2025
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3745

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2025

## Target of 5 Trillion Dollar GDP by 2025

3745.  Com. Selvaraj V Shri Subbarayan K:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is going to achieve the target of 5 trillion dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the status as on date; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): As per the Second Advance Estimates of GDP released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the nominal GDP for 2024-25 is estimated at ₹ 331.03 lakh crore. With the average monthly exchange rate of the Indian Rupee to the US dollar at 84.4 for the period from April 2024 to February 2025, the aforementioned estimate of the nominal GDP for 2024-25 works out to be around US dollar 3.9 trillion. As per IMF's World  Economic  Outlook  Database  (October  2024),  India's  GDP  at  current  prices  is projected  to  be  around  US  dollar  4.3  trillion  by  2025-26.  The  unprecedented  global disruptions  witnessed  during  the  past  five  years,  primarily  due  to  the  pandemic  and adverse geopolitical developments, have impacted the growth trajectories across economies worldwide, including India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3744 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Plastic Pollution in Eco-Tourism Centers
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3744

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## PLASTIC POLLUTION IN ECO-TOURISM CENTERS

## 3744. DR . M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken specific measures to curb plastic pollution in eco-tourism centers across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, including policies, awareness campaigns, and enforcement mechanisms, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to implement strict regulations to control  plastic  waste  in  these  sensitive  areas,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is likely to consider introducing a " Plastic -Free Certification' for  eco -tourism destinations to encourage sustainable tourism practices, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the criteria that is likely to be used for certification, and the manner in  which  the  Government  ensure  strict  compliance  by  tourism stakeholders?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (e):  Development  and  upkeep  of  tourist  destinations,  including curbing of pollution is undertaken by the respective State Government / Union Territory (UT) Administration. Implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution is  undertaken  by  the  Central  Pollution  Control  Board (CPCB) under  the Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  &  Climate  Change  along  with  its counterparts State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) .

Environmental Sustainability is a key pillar in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry. In line with the strategy, Travel  for  LiFE  programme  has  been  initiated  to  promote  sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practice.

The  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  of  the  Ministry  has  been  revamped  as Swadesh  Darshan  2 . 0  with  the  objective  to  develop  sustainable  and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. The Scheme encourages adoption of principles of sustainable tourism including environmental sustainability, socio -cultural sustainability and economic sustainability. The Ministry of Tourism organised a thematic event on 'Towards a circular economy of plastics in tourism - the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative' in collaboration  with  the  United  Nations  Environment  Programme  (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on 19 June 2023 on the side lines of the fourth G20 Tourism Working Group at Goa. The event  focused  on  encouraging  engagement  of  tourism  stakeholders  to address plastic pollution through circular approaches across the tourism value chain.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3739 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Vijay Baghel

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3739 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## EMPLOYEES' PENSION SCHEME (EPS), 1995

3739. SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL:

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

- (a)whether the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, which is a statutory scheme under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), overrides the internal trust rules of exempted establishments;
- (b)if so, whether the EPFO is denying higher pension claims of eligible employees of SAILBhilai Steel Plant based on trust rules, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether there was no such condition imposed when the pensionable salary ceiling was increased from 6,500 to 15,000 in 2014; and
- (d)the details of legal basis which allow EPFO interprets trust rules as a precondition for higher pension eligibility?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Contribution on higher wages under the proviso to unamended para 11(3) of the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 is the employees' conscious choice between larger provident fund or larger pension expressed through their  employers in the form of a Joint Option. In the case of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant this choice against contribution  to  EPS  on  higher  wages  is  made  out  in  terms  of  the relevant rules framed for their exempted PF trust. Therefore, there is no conflict between the trust rules of exempted provident fund trusts and EPS.

EPFO had argued before the Supreme Court that employees who exited the EPS must abide by their choice between larger provident fund or larger pension. This argument was upheld by the Hon'ble Sup reme Court in EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B.  [2022]11  SCC

959. It held that employees' rights to pension crystallized at the time of their exit from EPS in terms of their choice made prior to such exit. Even the exception carved out under Art. 142 of the Constitution in para 44(iv) of that judgment was for employees who had remained undecided  between  larger  provident  fund  or  larger  pension  at  the time  of  the  omission  of  the  proviso  to  para  11(3)  from  EPS  on 01.09.2014. Accordingly, EPFO has implemented the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in letter and spirit.

Further, the trust rules are also guided by the Para 27AA of EPF scheme, 1952 where under condition no. 10 of Appendix A, the wage  ceiling  applicable  would  automatically  enhance  with  the enhancement  of  wage  ceilings  under  the  EPF  scheme,  1952. Accordingly, contribution on Pension fund on salary upto Rs. 15,000/is according to the condition of the Act & the scheme.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3738 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Share of Federal Tax Rates for States
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani, Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 3738

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 24 th  MARCH, 2025 CHAITRA 3, 1947 (SAKA)

## Share of Federal Tax Rates for States

## 3738. Shri V K Sreekandan: Ms. S Jothimani:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government is seeking any cut in the federal tax revenues received from States and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also true that the Government may recommend that the share to be reduced to 40% from the current 41%;
- (c) whether a swing of 1% in the States' share of tax revenues will provide about Rs. 350 billion to the Government based on the expected tax collections for the current year;
- (d) whether the Government held any discussions with the State Governments in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government is aware that such a cut will impact negatively on States' revenue and if so, the steps proposed to compensate States for their loss of revenue?

## ANSWER

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

(a  to  e): According  to  Article 280(3)(a)  of  the  Constitution,  the  Finance Commission  has  the  mandate  to  make  recommendations  on  the  distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds. For preparing its report,  the  Finance  Commission  consults  all  stakeholders,  which  includes among others, the Union and State Governments. It also examines wide range of indicators  while  assessing  the  resource  requirements  of  the  Union  and  the States. The 16 th Finance Commission has not yet submitted its report.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3736 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Resurgence of Ancient Sects
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3736

ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## RESURGENCE OF ANCIENT SECTS

## 3736. DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has observed a resurgence of ancient sects, particularly during events like the Kumbh Mela;
- (b) the details of the factors contributing to this revival and its significance in contemporary Indian society; and
- (c) the details of the steps taken/to be taken by the Government to support and preserve the traditions of these sects while promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  Kumbh Mela is a significant  Hindu  pilgrimage  festival  and  one  of  the  largest religious  gatherings  in  the  world,  where  millions  of  devotees  converge  to  bathe  in  sacred rivers.  During  this  event,  many  ancient  sects,  spiritual  organizations,  and  religious  leaders come together, often showcasing rituals, traditions and practices that have been passed down through centuries.
- (b) The resurgence of ancient sects in India is driven by factors such as a growing interest in cultural and spiritual heritage coupled with the search for deeper meaning amid modern religious challenges. Social media and religious tourism have also played a role in spreading awareness of these  sects.  This  revival  is  significant  in  contemporary  society  as  it  helps  to preserve traditional practices, offers an alternative to materialism, fosters social cohesion and strengthens national pride in India's cultural roots.
- (c) The government supports events like Kumbh Mela, which preserves the traditions of ancient sects while promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity of India. Ministry of Culture also  organizes/  supports  a  number  of  cultural  festivals/  programmes  like  Kashi  Tamil Sangamam, MadhavpurGhed, Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs etc.  where all  types  of  audience  including the ancient sects participate ensuring inclusivity and cultural diversity.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3735 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Organisation of PM Internship Mela
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora, Shri Basavaraj Bommai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  3735

ANSWERED ON MONDAY THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2025

Chaitra 3, 1947 (SAKA)

Organisation of PM Internship Mela

3735. Shri Basavaraj Bommai: Shri Kuldeep Indora:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a):  whether  the  Government  has  organized  Prime  Minister  Internship  Scheme (PMIS)  Mela  in  collaboration  with  various  industry  federations  and  corporate houses  in various States of the country including  the  Sriganganagar  and Hanumangarh districts of Rajasthan;

(b) if so, the details along with its objectives thereof; and

(c) whether any mechanism is in place to track and assess the skill enhancement of interns during and after the programme and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

- (a)  &  (b):  The  Ministry  of  Corporate  Affairs  is  actively  working  with  various stakeholders  such  as  state  governments,  central  government  ministries  & departments, and industry associations for promotion and implementation of the scheme. Extensive Information, Education and Communication activities are being carried out to reach out to the target groups in various districts across the country.

Regional PMIS Day was celebrated on 28th February 2025 in all the districts of Rajasthan,  including  Sriganganagar  and  Hanumangarh.  In  this  event,  seminars were conducted in various ITIs and Polytechnic institutes in Rajasthan.

- (c):  As  per  the  Guidelines  of  the  PM  Internship  Scheme -Pilot  Project,  the companies are expected to provide the person an actual working experience on a skill in which the company is directly involved. The companies are also required to strictly  ensure that at least half of the internship period would be in the actual work/ real-life business environment, not in classroom. Further, the Guidelines also provide  that  companies  shall  follow  their  own  mechanism  for  assessing  the candidates on a periodic basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3734 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Central Government Schemes for Government Schools of Himachal Pradesh
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3734 ANSWERED ON - 24/03/2025

## Central Government Schemes for Government Schools of Himachal Pradesh

†3734. Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether a central team was sent to investigate the Central Government Schemes being implemented in the Government schools of Himachal Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) whether the said report is likely to be helpful in deciding the future budget allocation by the Centre?

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

(a) to (c): There was no such team sent to investigate the central government schemes being implemented in the government schools of Himachal Pradesh by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. However, regular follow-ups and review  meetings  are  conducted  with  all  States  and  Union  Territories, including Himachal  Pradesh,  to  monitor  the  progress  and  address  issues  related  to  the implementation  of  various  schemes  and  interventions  such  as  Samagra  Shiksha, STARS, PM SHRI, PM POSHAN, ULLAS, etc.

These  review  meetings  are  regularly  attended  by  senior  officers  from  the  Education Departments  of  States/UTs  and  Autonomous  Bodies.  They  serve  as  a  platform  to facilitate  resolution  of  bottlenecks,  provide  necessary  handholding  and  guidance, exchange best practices, monitor progress and implementation.

The annual plans are prepared by the States and UTs based on their requirements and priority and this is reflected in their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B). These  plans  are  then  appraised  and  approved/estimated  by  Project  Approval  Board (PAB) in consultation with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of the scheme.

*****