opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Import of Railway Coaches and Components
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ms Sayani Ghosh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2136 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## IMPORT OF RAILWAY COACHES AND COMPONENTS

2136. MS SAYANI GHOSH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  types  and  quantities  of  railway  coaches  and components imported during the last ten years, year-wise;
- (b) the  countries  from  which  these  coaches  and  components were imported;
- (c) the total expenditure  incurred  on the import of railway coaches,  locomotives,  and  related  equipment  during  the  last  five years;
- (d) whether  there  have  been  any  incidents  related  to  safety  or performance issues in imported coaches, if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Government has any strategic plans to minimise the  import  of  coaches  and  promote  indigenous  production  and 'Make in India' in Railways, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e):  Ministry  of  Railways  has  prioritized  procurement  and manufacture of Railway Coaches, Locomotives and their components in line with 'Make in India' policy of Govt of India under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

In  an  effort  to  fully  develop  indigenous  capacity  for  manufacture  of Coaches,  Locomotives  and  their  critical  components  like  wheels  & axles,  sufficient  measures  have  been  taken  by  Ministry  of  Railways, which are as under:

- (i) Indigenous  manufacturing  of  High  Horse  Power  Locomotives at Madhepura, Marhorha and Dahod.
- (ii) Manufacturing of Vande Bharat trains under Make in India at Indian Railway's manufacturing facilities to produce semi-high speed trains in India.
- (iii) Make in India Long Term Agreement for supply of 80000 forged wheels annually from forged wheel plant in India to make the country Atmanirbhar in Forged wheels.
- (iv) Additionally  Indian  Railways  has  taken  over  forged  wheel plant at Rae Barelli from Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) in 2024 and ramped up production.
- (v) Indian Railways has started sourcing Axles from MSF, which is a PSU of Ministry of Defence.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2135 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Mineral Exploration
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2135

ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## MINERAL EXPLORATION

2135. SHRI JASHUBHAI BHILUBHAI RATHVA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  key  initiatives  implemented  by  the  Government  to  enhance mineral exploration in the country particularly through the National Geoscientific Data Repository  (NGDR)  Portal  and  the  new  reimbursement  schemes  for  exploration expenses; and
- (b) the manner in which the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) is supporting mineral  exploration  and  promoting  innovation  among  start-ups  and  MSMEs  in  the mining sector?

## ANSWER

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

(a):  National  Geoscience  Data  Repository  (NGDR)  portal  is  a  cloud-based  portal created  to  expedite  and  facilitate  mineral  exploration  coverage  of  the  country  by hosting all baseline and exploration-related geoscientific data in a single GIS platform, making it available to all the stakeholders and disseminate the geospatial data in a single window system. Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the nodal agency for NGDR portal and it is funded by National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). Currently, 9767 reports of GSI, 1303 reports of stakeholders and data related to more than 35 layers are available in NGDR portal for download to registered users.

NMET has launched a scheme for partial reimbursement of exploration expense for holders  of  Exploration  Licences  where  NMET  will  partially  reimburse  exploration expenses incurred by Exploration Licence Holders upto 50% of direct cost with ceiling of ₹20 Crores. NMET also supports holders of Composite Licences with the scheme for Partial reimbursement of exploration expenses upto 50% of direct cost incurred for exploration with ceiling of ₹8 Crores.

Furthermore, NMET also provides Exploration Incentive of 25% of the approved cost of the project for G4 items in greenfield areas for gold, basemetals, other precious minerals, strategic/ critical minerals and fertilizer minerals if the block is upgraded from G4 to G3 Stage.

(b): Since its inception in August 2015, NMET  has funded 503 projects with an approved cost of ₹2846.30 Crore including regional and detailed exploration projects along with baseline survey, financial assistance to Central agencies and State Governments,  incentives  to States  and  mineral  exploration  by  Notified  Exploration Agencies and Notified Private Exploration Agencies etc. NMET is promoting research and  innovation  in  Start-ups,  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises  (MSMEs)  and Individual  Innovators  by  funding projects under the  Science  and Technology (S&T) Prism  Programme.  Till  date,  NMET has    funded  22  Projects with approved cost of ₹28.43 Crore.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2125 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Dr. Nishikant Dubey, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Shri Anil Firojiya, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2125

(ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025)

## RASHTRIYA KARMAYOGI JAN SEVA PROGRAMME

2125.  DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH: DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND: SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI: SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA: SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  manner in which the Government plan to institutionalise the learnings from 'Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme' into the routine functioning of administrative departments; (b) whether there are any practical case-study-based components included in the training to ensure real-world applicability of the lessons imparted and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there are any plans to extend this training programme to State Government officials and local administrative bodies to ensure uniform capacity building across all levels of governance; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a): Rashtriya Karmayogi  Jan  Seva Programme  is  a large-scale, behavioural training programme being implemented by the Capacity Building Commission for Central Government employees. It aims to instill a spirit of public service (seva bhaaw) and sense of satisfaction in the work government employees perform.
- To implement this, Master Trainers (MTs) have been trained in all the Ministries/Departments through a three-day capacity building workshop. The Master trainer, in turn, are now training all the employees of their Ministry/Department in batches of 30-35 officials.
- (b): The programme uses interactive learning methods rooted to the context of the government servant . Some examples include:
1. Situational exercises where participants collectively think together to improve their ways of working (introduce a Karmayogi way of working).
2. Detailed team design exercise that participants do, where they reflect on their current roles and work in their section, and the contributions they are making to the department and to the larger national development goals.
- (c) & (d): As per the current plan, the programme is for the Central Government employees.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2122 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Content Shown on OTT Platforms
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Dr. Anand Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2122

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## CONTENT SHOWN ON OTT PLATFORMS

2122. DR. ANAND KUMAR:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the screening of obscene and vulgar content in the name of entertainment has increased during the last few years and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  curb  child  nudity  and obscene content on OTT platforms including YouTube and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether the Government is of the view that the content shown on OTT platforms  should  be  monitored  to  prevent  obscenity  and  vulgarity  in  the name of entertainment and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (DR. L MURUGAN):

(a)  to  (c):  The  Government  has  notified  the  Information  Technology (Intermediary  Guidelines  and  Digital  Media,  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021  on 25.02.2021 under IT Act, 2000. Part-III of the rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms). The Code of Ethics for OTT platforms provides that they will not transmit any content which is prohibited by law for the time being in force and will undertake age-based self classification of content, based on general guidelines provided in the Schedule to the Rules which contain the  provisions  related  to  depiction  relating  to  nudity  and  sex.  The  OTT platforms  will  also  put  in  place  adequate  safeguards  for  restricting  ageinappropriate content for children with adequate access control measures.

Besides, Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000   provides for notification by appropriate Governments of unlawful act or content to the intermediaries  for  removing/disabling  access  to  such  content.        Under these  provisions  the  Ministry  of  Information  and  Broadcasting  in  March 2024,  has  taken  action  and  blocked  18  OTT  platforms  for  publishing obscene and vulgar content.

This Ministry has also issued advisory dated 19.02.2025 to OTT platforms and  Self-regulatory  Bodies  of  OTT  platforms  for  ensuring  adherence  to Indian  Laws  and  the  Code  of  Ethics  laid  down  under  the  IT  Rules,  2021

while hosting of content on their platforms.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2121 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Gramin Dak Sevaks
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2121 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2025

## GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS

## †2121.  SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to recognize Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) of the Postal Department  working  across  the  country  as  regular  employees  of  the  department  from  Extra Departmental (ED) employees;

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  is  likely  to  make  such  extra  departmental  employees  as permanent employees or increase their honorarium in future?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Sir, the engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) is not governed by Article 309 of the Constitution. At present, there is no proposal to grant them the status of regular employees or to convert their positions into  permanent ones. Their wages and  service conditions are  periodically reviewed  and  revised  based  on  the  recommendations  of  Expert  Committees  appointed  by  the Department of Posts from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Leakages in PDS System
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 12H MARCH, 2025

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2118

## LEAKAGES IN PDS SYSTEM

## 2118. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:

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

- whether the Government is aware that 28% of foodgrains is not reaching poor as per annual report for 2011-12 of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER);
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the data in this regard for the last three years, State-wise including Karnataka; and
- (c) system? the measures taken/being taken by the Government to stop and check leakages in PDS

## ANSWER

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

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

(a) to (b): There is no such information in the annual report for 2011-12 of ICRIER.

- (c): Under the technology driven Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms, ration cards/beneficiaries database have been completely digitized in all States/UTs. Also 99.8% Ration Cards are seeded with Aadhaar number at national level. Transparency portal and online grievance redressal facility/Toll-free number have been implemented in all States/UTs. Online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs (except UTs of Chandigarh and Puducherry which have adopted DBT Cash Transfer scheme) and supply chain has been computerized in 31 States/UTs. Foodgrain distribution is operationalized through 5.41 lakh e-PoS devices, covering nearly all Fair Price Shops in the country. These e-PoS devices enable Aadhar authentication of beneficiary during distribution process enabling principle of rightful targeting. About 98% foodgrain distribution is being done through Aadhaar authentication, reducing leakages to ineligible beneficiaries and ensuring rightful targeting.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2115 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: e-Bill System
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore, Shri Alok Sharma, Dr. Lata Wankhede, Shri Dulu Mahato, Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Shri Khagen Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2115

## ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## e-BILL SYSTEM

†2115. SHRI ALOK SHARMA: SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI: SHRI TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT: SHRI DULU MAHATO: SHRI JUGAL KISHORE: DR. LATA WANKHEDE SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

(a)   whether the e-bill system has been implemented for all the financial transactions in the Ministry and if so, the details thereof; (b)   whether  there  are  certain  specific  categories  of  payments  that  are  currently excluded from this system and if so, the details thereof; (c)     the  security  measures  taken  to  make  the  e-Bill  system  secure  and  prevent fraudulent billing practices; and (d) whether the introduction of the e-Bill system has resulted in any cost savings for the

- Government particularly in respect of reduction in administrative expenses?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b)    Yes,  e-Bill  system  has  been  implemented  for  almost  all  the  financial transactions  through  PFMS  like  payment  of  professional  services,  office  expenses, training  expenses,  printing  and  publications  etc.  except  for  certain  categories  of payments like NPS Bill Payment to NSDL, GPF Bills, GST Challan bill etc. as there is no provision to process these in EIS (Employee Information System) module of PFMS.

(c)   From time to time, guidelines for adopting security measures are provided by the Office  of  the  Controller  General  of  Accounts,  Ministry  of  Finance,  Department  of Expenditure which are being followed strictly.

(d)  Yes,  the  introduction  of  the  e-bill  system  has  resulted  in significant  reduction  in administrative  expenses  related  to  paper,  printing,  postage  stamps  and  conveyance charges.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2109 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Hub and Spoke Scheme
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai

## MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2109 ANSWERED ON 12/03/2025

## HUB AND SPOKE SCHEME

## 2109.  SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government has initiated a new scheme called 'Hub & Spoke' in some prestigious institutions of Higher Learnings;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the aim and objectives of this scheme; and
- (c) the total funds provided/to be provided for this scheme and the manner in which this is likely to be beneficial in the innovation and research for our experts in different fields of knowledge and for the progress of the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

( स्ितंत्र प्रभार)

विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी तथा पृ थ्िी विज्ञान मंत्रालय क े राज्य मंत्री (डॉ. जितेंद्र स ंह)

(a) to (b): The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a Statutory  body  of  the  Government  of  India  has  launched  a  new programme  called  'Partnerships  for  Accelerated  Innovation  and Research  (PAIR)'  with  an  aim  to  boost  the  research  capability  of institutions of Higher Learnings where research is at a nascent stage but which have the potential to perform well, in a mentorship mode by pairing them with well-established top-tier research institutions in a 'Hub & Spoke' framework. The objectives of the PAIR programme include; support internationally competitive research with substantial impact and outcome; foster successful and productive collaborative

networks between diverse institutions; and propel the advancement of  institutions  by  (i)  upscaling  and  building  advanced  research infrastructure and capabilities, (ii) enhancing the quality of research and (iii) facilitating infusion of best practices and research culture.

- (c) Funding up to Rs. 1500 crore for five years has been earmarked for the PAIR programme in which each PAIR network selected will be provided with a funding upto a maximum of Rs 100 Crore with 30% of the funds for Hub and 70% for Spoke institutions. It is envisaged that the hubs in tandem with select spokes are expected to come up with competitive, impactful research proposals with potentially significant outcomes in the specified indicative themes. Vibrant PAIR networks, each consisting of a hub and several spoke institutions, involving faculties of multiple departments conducting outstanding research  across  several  disciplines,  in  a  collaborative  enabling environment are likely to be beneficial in the innovation and research for our experts in different fields of knowledge and for the progress of the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2108 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Train Connectivity for Daltonganj
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2108 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2025

## TRAIN CONNECTIVITY FOR DALTONGANJ

## 2108. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  it  is  true  that  Daltonganj  currently  has  only  one  Vande Bharat train service to Patna and that too for just one day a week;
- (b) whether the Government has proposal to introduce more premium train  services  including  Vande  Bharat  via  Daltonganj  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (c)  the  steps being taken to improve railway connectivity for Palamu and the surrounding regions?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (c)  Daltonganj  is  presently  being  served  by  24  pairs  of  train services  including  trains  like  21893/21894  Tatanagar-Patna  Vande Bharat (Weekly), 12453/12454 New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express(Weekly) and 20407/20408 New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express(Weekly). Besides, in its constant endeavour to provide additional  connectivity to  travelling  passengers,  Indian  Railways, subject  to  operational  feasibility,  traffic  justification,  availability  of resources,  etc.,  introduces  new  trains,  extends  and  increases  the frequencies of existing services, which are an on-going process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2104 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: Introduction of 6G Spectrum Technology
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Dileshwar Kamait

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2104 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2025

## INTRODUCTION OF 6G SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGY

## 2104.   SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has plans to introduce 6G spectrum technology to enhance high speed communication systems in the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government has any proposal for exclusive exploitation and use of 6G spectrum in the communication systems under its various departments and if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the outcome expected from the exploitation of 6G spectrum in the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a) Currently,  the  6G  technology  is  under  development  phase  at  international  level  and  is expected to be available by 2030. Hon'ble Prime Minister has released India's 6G vision "Bharat 6G Vision" document on March 23, 2023 which envisaged India to be a frontline contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. Bharat 6G Vision is based on principles of affordability, sustainability and ubiquity. Also, Department of Telecom has facilitated setting up of 'Bharat  6G  Alliance'  which  is  an  alliance  of  domestic  industry,  academia,  national  research institutions and standards organisations to develop action plan according to the Bharat 6G Vision.

(b) & (c) The frequency bands 4400-4800 MHz, 7125-8400 MHz (or parts thereof), and 14.815.35  GHz  are  being  studied  in  International  Telecommunication  Union  (ITU)  for  the  use  of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). Based on the outcome of these studies, a decision on identification of these bands for IMT use will be taken at World Radio communication Conference in year 2027. These frequency bands are to be considered for 'IMT2030', also known as '6G'.

Presently the 600 MHz,700 MHz, 800 MHZ, 900 MHz, 1800 MHZ, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz & 26 GHz are identified for IMT based services in this country. The TSPs who have acquired spectrum in these bands after paying the auction determined price can deploy any technology including 2G/3G/4G/5G/6G, based on the availability of device ecosystem.

*****