opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Primary Agricultural Credit
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2395 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  DECEMBER, 2024

## Primary Agricultural Credit

## 2395. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal:

Will the Minister of Cooperation ( सहकारिता मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposals  to  establish  Primary  Agricultural  Credit Societies (PACS) in underserved regions like West Champaran to enhance credit access for farmers; and
- (b) if so, the details of the proposed coverage and implementation schedule?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. The Government  on  15.02.2023, has approved the Plan for strengthening cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots. The  Plan  entails  establishment  of  new  multipurpose  PACS,  Dairy  and  Fishery  cooperative societies covering all the Panchayats/ villages in the country including the underserved regions in the next five years, through convergence of various existing GOI schemes, including Dairy Infrastructure  Development  Fund  (DIDF),  National  Programme  for  Dairy  Development (NPDD), PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), etc, with the support of National Bank for Agricultural  and  Rural  Development  (NABARD),  National  Dairy  Development  Board (NDDB), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State Governments.

As per National Cooperative Database, there are 303 Gram Panchayats and 315 PACS in West Champaran district of the State of Bihar.

In order to ensure effective and timely implementation of the plan, Ministry of Cooperation in coordination with NABARD, NDDB and NFDB has launched a Standard Operating Procedure (Margdarshika)  on  19.9.2024,  indicating  the  targets  and  timelines  for  all  stakeholders concerned. As per Margdarshika, Joint Working Committee (JWC) at the district level have been formed by States/ UTs to ensure timely execution of the plan at the grassroot level. As reported by the State of Bihar, JWC has been constituted in all 38 districts of the State, including West Champaran.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Promoting the use of Hydroponics and Aeroponics
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2393

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 th     DECEMBER, 2024

## PROMOTING THE USE OF HYDROPONICS AND AEROPONICS

2393.  Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष और िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government plans to promote and support the use of hydroponics and aeroponics in agriculture in the country, if so, the details thereof; (b) the manner in which the Government intend to address the challenges of water scarcity in agriculture through innovative methods like hydroponics; (c) the details of initiatives taken/ will be taken to create awareness and educate/ encourage farmers to adopt sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional farming methods, such as hydroponics and aeroponics; (d) the details on any funding or subsidies allocated for research and development of hydroponics and aeroponics in agriculture; (e) the manner in which the Government ensure that hydroponically grown produce meets quality and safety standards for domestic consumption and export; and (f) whether any plans exist to establish large-scale hydroponic farms in the country, similar to the project in Indiana, US?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) to (c):  Hydroponic and Aeroponics are technologies to cultivate crops in soilless media. The technologies are successful where the quality of soil is poor and there is nematode infestation.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Institutes and Universities are engaged  in  development  and  standardization  of  technologies  for  Hydroponics  and Aeroponics for different regions of the country. ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla and ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow are providing trainings and demonstrations to interested stakeholders to create awareness among farmers for adoption of Hydroponic & Aeroponics. Agriculture/ Horticulture Universities are also educating farmers about the benefits of these technologies in water scares areas of the country.

(d): Various ICAR-Research  Institutes and State Agriculture Universities are engaged in research and development of Hydroponics and Aeroponics as per their mandate within existing budgetary allocations.

(e): At present, existing standards of Agmark, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are applicable.

(f): No such proposal is under consideration of Government at this stage.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2387 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Brijmohan Agrawal

## GOVERNMENTOF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2387

ANSWERED ON: 10.12.2024

## EMPOWERMENT OFPANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

## †2387. SHRI BRIJMOHAN AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has launched any specific scheme for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Chhattisgarh;

- (b) if so, the criteria fixed in this regard;
- (c) the names of the districts where the said scheme has been effectively implemented; and

(d) the details of funds allocated for the development of Panchayats along with the amount of funds already spent out of the aforesaid funds so far;

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (c) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is already implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) with the primary objective of developing governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through capacity building and training of elected representatives and their functionaries and other stakeholders with special focus on Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) and providing infrastructural support like Gram Panchayat Bhawan and computers and peripherals. Also, the Central Components of revamped RGSA viz; Incentivization of Panchayats (IoP) and Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayats schemes are implemented by the MoPR. Under IoP scheme, Awards including financial incentives are given to best performing Panchayats in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services and public good. Under Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayats (MMP-ePanchayat), various e-governance projects are funded towards

digitalization of Panchayats to bring in efficiency, accountability and transparency in the functioning of the PRIs for their overall transformation. All these three schemes are implemented for all the levels of Panchayats in all States and Union Territories of India including in Chhattisgarh and in all its Districts.

(d) The funds allocated/spent under the Central Finance Commissions Grants and funds released under the schemes of RGSA/revamped RGSA and IoP for development of Panchayats in Chhattisgarh during the last five years as under:

|                                                |   (Rs. in crore) |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------|
| Allocation under Finance Commission Grants     |          6356.94 |
| Releases &spent under RGSA/revamped RGSAscheme |            29.54 |
| Releases &spent under IoP scheme               |             7.38 |

## Note:

1. Prior to 2022-23 funds were released under RGSA scheme and from 2022-23 onwards funds are released under re-vamped RGSA.
2. Under IoP, since 2023 the award money is directly transferred to Panchayats
3. No fund is released under MMP-ePanchayat Scheme.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2385 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Eradication of Manual Scavenging
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Raja Ram Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2385 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2024

## ERADICATION OF MANUAL SCAVENGING

## 2385.SHRI RAJA RAM SINGH:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps towards eradication of manual scavenging as per the order of the Supreme Court dated 20 October 2023 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 324 of 2020, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the effective steps taken by the Government to ensure compliance by the Union Government with the said directions?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a) and (b): As per the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013)" manual scavenging is a banned activity in the country with effect from 6.12.2013.

Hon'ble Supreme Court of India vide order dated 20.10.2023 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 324/2020 in the case of Dr. Balram Singh Vs. Union of India and others has directed for fresh survey of manual scavengers as per MS Act, 2013 and MS Rules, 2013.

In compliance of the order of the Supreme Court, States/UTs were provided survey guidelines and requested to conduct survey of manual scavengers after Constituting District Level Survey Committees and other Committees.

A mobile application and portal has also been developed to capture the data of Manual Scavengers and insanitary latrines in urban and rural areas, if any.

Out of 766 districts, 249 districts have declared themselves as Manual Scavengers free districts and uploaded the certificate on portal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Promotion of Palm Oil Farming
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2384

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## PROMOTION OF PALM OIL FARMING

## 2384. SHRI RAMASAHAYAM RAGHURAM REDDY:-

Will     the     Minister   of    AGRICULTURE   AND   FARMERS     WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

(a)   whether  the  Government  plans  to  launch  a  dedicated  programme  for  the promotion of palm oil farming; (b)  if so, the details thereof; (c)   whether  the  Government  plans  to  introduce  a  new  programme  for  developing techniques for sustainable palm oil farming, particularly to address the concerns regarding falling water table in Telangana; (d)  if so, the details thereof; (e)  whether the Government plans to announce a scheme to encourage exports of palm oil; and (f)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHAUDHARY)

- (a):  The Government of India is already implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), since August 2021 for promoting oil palm farming, with a total approved outlay of Rs 11,040 crore for the

period 2021-22 to 2025-26. (b):  The NMEO-OP strives to boost oil palm cultivation in the country through area expansion,  production  inputs,  market  support  and  technology  transfer.  It  provides assistance  for  planting,  intercropping,  irrigation,  mechanization,  and  replanting, alongside price assurance through viability gap funding to the farmers. The scheme also promotes new technologies, farmer training, and infrastructure development to

- enhance productivity and efficiency.

(c)  &  (d):  Oil  palm  farming  under the  NMEO-OP prioritizes sustainability by strictly prohibiting deforestation and restricting plantations to existing agricultural lands. As per Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Oil Palm cultivation does not adversely affect the underground water availability and it requires less water compared to crops like Banana, Sugarcane and Rice. Besides, drip irrigation and water harvesting structures alongwith oil palm plantation is being promoted under NMEO-OP, in all the states including Telangana by way of subsidy to ensure optimum utilisation of water. (e) & (f): No such plan under-consideration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2383 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Creation of Agriculture Council
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2383

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## CREATION OF AGRICULTURE COUNCIL

2383. Shri S Jagathratchakan:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष और िकसान कʞाण

मंũी be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has any plans to create an Agriculture Council similar to the  GST  Council  to  engage  with  diverse  farm  sectors  and  States  for  nationwide reforms; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps that are proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष और िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) :  No Sir, there is no such proposals as on date.

- (b) & (c ) : Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2381 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Houses Constructed for CAPF
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tejasvi Surya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2381

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2024/ AGRAHAYANA 19, 1946 (SAKA)

HOUSES CONSTRUCTED FOR CAPF

†2381. SHRI TEJASVI SURYA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  details  and  number  of  houses  constructed  for  the  Central  Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel during the last five years, year-wise;

(b)  whether  the  level  of  satisfaction  regarding  provision  of  houses  has improved during the said period, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details and number of barracks constructed during the said period, year-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

- (a) Total 18,874 houses have been constructed for Central Armed Police

Force (CAPF) personnel in the last five years. Details are as under:

| Year                      | 2019-20   | 2020-21   | 2021-22   | 2022-23   | 2023-24   |
|---------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| No. of houses constructed | 7,039     | 1,991     | 4,072     | 2,492     | 3,280     |

- (b) Housing satisfaction level has increased from 42% to 48.89% during the said period.
- (c) Total  250  barracks  have  been  constructed  during  the  said  period. Details are as under:

| Year                        |   2019-20 |   2020-21 |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |
|-----------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| No. of barracks constructed |        56 |        47 |        56 |        40 |        51 |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2379 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Protect Textile Industry
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Amrinder Singh Raja Warring

## PROTECT TEXTILE INDUSTRY

## 2379. SHRI AMRINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) the details of measures taken by the Government to protect Ludhiana's textile industry from cheaper imports to ensure competitive parity in international markets;

(b) the current status of the proposed mega textile park and cluster development projects in Ludhiana, and the steps are being taken to expedite their completion;

(c) the steps are being taken to ensure that Quality Control Orders (QCOs) support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ludhiana rather than creating additional hurdles for them; and

(d)  whether the Government has any proposal to introduce financial relief or subsidies for Ludhiana's textile industry to address operational challenges arising from inflation and market recession?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER )

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (d): The Government of India is implementing various schemes/initiatives to encourage and promote the textile sector on Pan India basis including Ludhiana. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega  Integrated  Textile  Regions  and  Apparel  (PM  MITRA)  Parks  Scheme;  Production  Linked Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  focusing  on  MMF  Fabric,  MMF  Apparel  and  Technical;  National  Technical Textiles  Mission  (NTTM)  focusing  on  Research  Innovation  &  Development,  Promotion  and  Market Development; SAMARTH-Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain.; National Handicraft Development Program etc. Further, the Government of India is implementing National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme to promote handloom sector and welfare of handloom weavers across the country.

With a view to of increasing investments, generating employment opportunities and boosting exports in the  Textiles  sector,  the  Ministry  is  implementing  the  Scheme  for  Integrated  Textile  Parks  (SITP)  to provide support for setting up textiles parks with modern infrastructure. Under SITP, three projects have been  sanctioned  in  Punjab  and  successfully  completed  including  one  in  Ludhiana  namely,  Ludhiana Integrated Textiles Park.

Quality  Control  Orders  (QCOs)  are  implemented  by  the  Government  to  ensure  quality  of products in public interest, after due consultation with the stakeholders including industry. Small and Micro  Enterprises  (including  those  of  Ludhiana)  are  provided  extended  timelines  for  compliance  of QCOs, wherever applicable.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2378 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Kisan Credit Card Scheme
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Murasoli S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2378

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## KISAN CREDIT CARD SCHEME

2378. Shri Murasoli S:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the Kisan Credit Card scheme; and
- (b)  the  number  of  such  Kisan  Credit  Cards  distributed  to  fishermen  and  farmers  in Thanjavur district and the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- ( a) The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998 for issue of Kisan Credit Cards to farmers on the basis of their holdings for uniform adoption by the banks so  that  farmers  may  use  them  to  readily  purchase  agriculture  inputs  such  as  seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and draw cash for their production needs. Guidelines for KCC scheme is issued by RBI from time to time.Banks extend crop loans through KCC as per the guidelines issued in terms of RBI's Master Circular on KCC Scheme dated July 04, 2018. Further, RBI vide its circular dated February 04, 2019 has extended KCC facility to Animal Husbandry farmers and Fisheries for their working capital requirements.  As on 31.03.2024, there are 7.75 crore operative accounts.

## Eligibility

-  Farmers - individual/joint borrowers who are owner cultivators;
-  Tenant farmers, oral lessees & share croppers;
-  Self Help Groups (SHGs) or Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of farmers including tenant farmers, share croppers etc.
- (b) Total number of KCC distributed to fisherman and farmers in Thanjavur district are as under:

|   SCHEME |   No. of KCC holders | Credit balance (Rs. In Cr)   |
|----------|----------------------|------------------------------|
|   181269 |              2115.72 | FARMERS                      |
|     1130 |                17.47 | FISHERMEN                    |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2377 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Land for BHEL
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Alok Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2377

ANSWERED ON 10.12.2024

## LAND FOR BHEL

## †2377. SHRI ALOK SHARMA :

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES भारी उद्योग मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the total area of land provided to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for setting up of industries in Bhopal along with purpose-wise details thereof;
- (b) the details of the land of BHEL, Bhopal that have been utilized at present out of the total land, purpose and area-wise;
- (c) the action plan of the Government for removal of encroachment on vacant land and making it useful;
- (d) whether the Government proposes any plans regarding vacant land of BHEL, Bhopal in future and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the manner in which the said vacant land is likely to be handed over to the State Government for the benefit people?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

- (a) & (b): A total of 6045.18 acres of land was acquired for erstwhile Heavy Electricals (India)  Limited  for  the  public  purpose  of  establishment  of  Heavy  Electrical  Equipment Manufacturing Plant in Bhopal, which was transferred to BHEL in 1974.  Out of the total land, BHEL has transferred 1565.97 acres of land to the State and Central Government for various public  purposes  after  following  the  due  process  of  rules.  Presently,  BHEL  possesses  only 4479.21 acres of land at Bhopal for its present and future projects.

The details of the land Utilization in BHEL, Bhopal is as under:-

| Sl. No.   | Description Area (in                  |   Acres) |
|-----------|---------------------------------------|----------|
| 1.        | Total of Factory/Plant                |   580.76 |
| 2.        | Township/ Urban forestry &other areas |  3898.45 |
|           | Total                                 |  4479.21 |

- (c): Approximately 216 Acres of land in BHEL, Bhopal are currently under unauthorized encroachment.  For the removal of encroachment, BHEL has repeatedly taken up the matter with State Authorities.  BHEL earlier also entered into an MOU with the State Government for resettlement of slums located on the BHEL's Land.  As per the terms of the MoU, BHEL has transferred 200 acres of land to State Authorities for this purpose.
- (d): Considering the diversification of the product profile, BHEL has  no surplus land in BHEL, Bhopal.
- (e): Does not arise.

************