opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 961 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Release of Funds under PM Usha for Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Byreddy Shabari

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

## LOK SABHA USTARRED QUESTION NO.961 ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## Release of Funds under PM Usha for Andhra Pradesh

961. Dr. Byreddy Shabari:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  delay  in  release  of  funds  under  PM-Usha  for  the  State  of  Andhra Pradesh and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) the steps and measures taken by the Government to expedite the release of funds to Andhra Pradesh;
- (c)  whether  there  are  any  plans  to  increase  the  number  of  PM-Usha  supported  units  for Andhra Pradesh and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has any plans to expand the scope of STARS project and if so, the details thereof particularly for Andhra Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):  Department  of  Higher  Education,  Ministry  of  Education  has  launched  the  third phase  of  Rashtriya  Uchchatar  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (RUSA)  as  Pradhan  Mantri  Uchchatar Shiksha  Abhiyan  (PM-USHA)  in  June  2023  with  an  outlay  of  Rs.  12926.10  crore  for  the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 to cater to needs of educationally unserved/ underserved areas. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at funding specific State government universities and colleges, including in the rural areas, so as to improve their quality by ensuring their conformity to prescribed norms and standards.

In  the  first  and  second  meetings  of  Project  Approval  Board  for  PM-USHA,  25  units  have been approved in Andhra Pradesh for a total amount of Rs. 275 Crore under the various components of the scheme. An amount of Rs. 88.72 Crore has been released to the State in  the  last  five  years  (i.e.  2019-20  to  2023-24,).  During  a  financial  year,  funds  under RUSA/PM-USHA scheme are released to States/UTs, keeping in view fulfillment of certain conditions by the States such as submission of Utilization Certificates (UC), transfer of the corresponding  State  share,  utilization  of  at  least  75%  of  already  released  funds,  States' compliance  of  conditions  laid  down  by  the  Project  Approval  Board  (PAB),  compliance  of instructions of Ministry of Finance and availability of funds in the financial year. Currently, an amount of Rs. 42.75 Crore is available with State in its Single Nodal Agency (SNA) bank account.

(d):  In  the  Department  of  School  Education  and  Literacy,  the  STARS  Project  is  being implemented  as  a  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  (CSS)  in  six  states  namely  Himachal Pradesh,  Madhya  Pradesh,  Rajasthan,  Maharashtra,  Odisha,  and  Kerala  and  currently there  is  no  plan  to  expand  the  scope  of  the  project  in  any  State/UTs  beyond  these  six States.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 959 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Establishment of SFIO in View of Elevated Corporate Frauds
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Shyamkumar Daulat Barve

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 02ND DECEMBER 2024

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 959 AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

Establishment of SFIO in View of Elevated Corporate Frauds

959. Shri Shyamkumar Daulat Barve:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  of  the  increasing number of corporate frauds in the country.
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government;
- (c) whether  the  Market  Research  and  Analysis  Unit  (MRAU)  has been established in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) with a view to improve the corporate sector regulatory system;
- (d) if  so,  the  action  taken by theUnit on such cases including the number of serious fraud cases, State-wise; and
- (e) the  number  of  the  persons  against  whom  charges  have  been proved and the action taken by the Government against the accused in serious fraud cases?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

- (a)  &  (b)      :  The  Ministry  of  Corporate  Affairs  takes  action  on corruption frauds as defined under the Companies  Act, 2013 and as per  procedure  laid  out  therein.  Investigation  in  matter  of  serious frauds are assigned to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under  Section  212  of  the  Companies  Act,  2013.  In  the  last  3  years (01.04.21 to 31.10.24), investigation in 36 cases have been assigned to  SFIO.  The  Investigations  to  SFIO  is  directed  by  the  Central Government on the basis of report of the Registrar or Inspector or on receiving intimation of a special resolution passed by the Company or in public interest or on the request of any Department of the Central Government or State Government.

(c) & (d) : Market Research and Analysis Unit (MRAU) was set up in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) vide O.M.  No.  35011 I/27/2009-AD.III  dated  20 th   August  2009  in  New  Delhi  only,  with following objectives:-

- i.
- ii.
- iii.

Repository of information; Improving investigation skills; Adoption of best practices;

- iv. Co-ordination with other investigative agencies.

MRAU carries out activities including analysis of the complaints received against the corporates for fraudulent activities.

- (e) :    In  the  last  3  years,  on  the  basis  of  the  investigations conducted, SFIO has filed 41 cases for violation of various provisions of  the  Companies  Act,  2013  against  1,135  persons,  which  are  sub judice.Further, 54 cases have also  been disposed off out of which 25 cases have resulted in convictions (including compounding).

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 958 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Time Limit for Filing Representations before NCLAT
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Satpal Brahamchari, Shri Sanatan Pandey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 958 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 2 nd  DECEMBER 2024

Time Limit for Filing Representations before NCLAT

958. Shri Satpal Brahamchari: Shri Sanatan Pandey:

कारपोरेटकार्यमंत्री

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has fixed any time limit for filing representation  by  the  Regional  Director  before  the  National  Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) under Section 230 (for reconstruction or  merger  of  a  company)  and  Section  232  (status  of  company  after merger or reconstruction) of the Companies Act, 2013;
- (b) if so, whether it is a fact that a large number of cases are pending before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal due to non-filing of representations in time;
- (c)  if  so,  the  number  of  cases  pending  with  NCLAT  along  with  the details  of  the  provision  aimed  at  ensuring  action  against  the  officers responsible for non-filing of representations on time, State-wise; and
- (d) the details of action taken against the guilty officers of the Regional Director's Office during the last three years, State -wise?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

(a):    The  Regional  Directors  are  authorised  to  exercise  the  powers  of the Central Government under Section 230(5) r/w Section 232(1) of the Companies  Act,  2013  (the  Act)  to  make  representation(s)before  the respective  benches  of  the  National  Company  Law  Tribunal  (NCLT)  in respect of statutory notices received in connection with petitions filed for  any proposed Scheme of Compromise and Arrangements including those inthe nature of Merger and Amalgamation. The provisions of Section 230(5) r/w Section 232(1) r/w Rule 8 of the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamation) Rules, 2016 fixes time limit of thirty days from the date of receipt of notice, within which representation shall be sent to the NCLT by the Regional Directors, failing which it shall be presumed that he does not have any representation to make. (b)  &  (c):  The  National  Company  Law  Appellate  Tribunal  (NCLAT) exercises  appellate  powers  under  Section  421  of  the  Act  against  all orders of passed by the NCLT and as such does not have the original powers  to  deal  with  schemes  under  the  above  referred  sections. Presently, no case is pending before NCLAT where reply needs to be filed or has not been filed within the time. Necessary directions have been issued from time to time to  the field  offices  to  adhere  to  the  prescribed  timelines  in  respect  of  all provisions of the Act necessitating filing of representation(s) before the NCLT / NCLAT under section 230 and 232. (d) :  Does not arise.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 956 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Slowdown in Private Investment
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 956 ANSWERED ON MONDAY THE 02 ND  DECEMBER, 2024 AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## SLOWDOWN IN PRIVATE INVESTMENT

## QUESTION

956. Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi: Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara: Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the role to be played by the internships to 10 million youth in the Top 500 Companies in bridging the skills gap and meeting industry demands;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  addressing  concerns  regarding  private investment slowdown while implementing these initiatives; and
- (c) the future plans of the government to bring more internship programme to coverup the skill gap of youth of tribal dominated districts of country like Palghar?

## ANSWER

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

## [SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a): The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS) announced in the Budget 2024-25, aims to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in top 500 companies in five years. Through this Scheme, youth will gain exposure for 12 months to real-life business environment, across varied professions and  employment  opportunities  with  the  intention  of  enhancing  their employability by bridging the gap between academic learning and industry

- requirements.
- (b): As per latest data available in National Accounts Statistics, Gross Fixed Capital Formation by private corporations grew at 19.6% in 2022-23 vis-àvis  2021-22,  at  current  prices. The government's focus on ease of doing business,  skilling  and  employment  generation  as  well  as  creation  of infrastructure  creates  a  congenial  environment  for  growth  of  private investment.  Participation of the companies under the PMIS is voluntary.
- (c): As an initiation to PMIS, Ministry of Corporate Affairs has launched a Pilot  Project  of  the  Scheme  on  3 rd   October,  2024,  which  is  targeted  at

providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities in the Financial Year 2024-25. So far, Companies have offered more than 1.27 lakh opportunities across different sectors, covering 745 districts across all States/UTs. 14 companies  have  posted  185  internship  opportunities  in  the  district  of Palghar. 484 candidates from Palghar have registered and completed their profiles on the PMIS Portal. The  Pilot  Project  is  a  pivotal  phase  that  allows  for  testing  concepts, strategies and systems before a full-scale implementation. Based on the feedback received and evaluation of outcomes during the implementation of the Pilot Project, lessons drawn will be factored in while rolling out the first phase of the PM Internship Scheme, as announced in the Budget 202425.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 954 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: GST on Fruit Protection Paper Bags
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Kesineni Sivanath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.954

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY,DECEMBER 02, 2024 / AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## GST ON FRUIT PROTECTION PAPER BAGS

## 954. SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the rate of GST levied on fruit protection paper bags in the country;
- (b) the amount of GST collected by the Government from fruit protection paper bags during the last five years, year-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has any plans of reducing GST on fruit protection paper bags;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): Fruit protection paper bags will fall under HS Code 4819 and attract 18% GST rate.
- (b): Such data is not available, as fruit protection paper bags have no specific HS code.
- (c): GST  rates  are  prescribed  on  the  recommendations  of  GST  Council,  which  is  a constitutional body. There is no such recommendation from the Council.
- (d) & (e): Does not arise in view of reply to (c) above.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 952 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Additional Trading Session for Nifty 50
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Roat

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 952

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02 ND  DECEMBER, 2024/ AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## ADDITIONAL TRADING SESSION FOR NIFTY 50

## 952: SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether separate session of Index Nifty 50 is being conducted during festival seasons and special occasions besides the fixed time from 9.15 AM to 3.30 PM for the general public and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  one  session  during  evening  time  like normal session in view of growing economy and long pending demand of general public; and
- (c) if  so,  the details thereof and the time by which it is introduced and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a): The regular trading hours on the stock exchanges are permitted by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Special trading sessions are conducted by exchanges as 'Muhurat' trading during Diwali, after giving sufficient notice to the market participants. Apart from this, in order to  test  the  preparedness  of  the  Market  Infrastructure  Institutions  (MIIs) to  handle unforeseen events, two special trading sessions were conducted on March 02, 2024 and May 18, 2024.

- (b) and (c): No such proposal is currently under consideration of the Government.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 950 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Availability of Internet in Government Schools in Maharashtra
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke, Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane, Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh, Smt. Supriya Sule, Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 950 ANSWERED ON 02/12/2024

## Availability of Internet in Government Schools in Maharashtra

## 950. Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe:

Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane:

Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh:

Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke:

Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad:

Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare:

Smt. Supriya Sule:

Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale:

Shri Sanjay Dina Patil:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the number and percentage of Government schools across the country that have functional internet connectivity;
- (b) whether the Government has any plan to provide internet connectivity to all the schools in the State of Maharashtra;
- (c)  if  so,  the  details  of  schools  having  internet  connections  and  computer  labs  equipped  with adequate seating capacity in the State;
- (d) whether there is any scheme to improve access of internet in Schools of Maharashtra;
- (e) if so, the details thereof;
- (f)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  achieve 100% internet connectivity in  all schools in Maharashtra; and
- (g) the details of funds allocated during the last five years to Maharashtra State for this purpose, year-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a): As per UDISE+2021-22, the number and percentage of Government schools across the country that have functional internet connectivity are 2,47,000 (24.2%).

(b) to (g): Education is in the Concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of the schools are under the administrative control of respective State Government and UT Administration. As per  information  received  from  State  Government  of  Maharashtra,  35,349  out  of  65,064 Government schools i.e 54.33% of schools have functional internet connectivity in Maharashtra.

Internet connectivity is provided through the component of Quality Intervention- ICT & Digital Initiatives under the Samagra Shiksha, STARS, PMSHRI Schemes. Further, 3,169 out of 65,064 government school have well equipped & adequate seating capacity computer labs in the State of Maharashtra.

All interventions are taken up as per requirements identified by State/UT after appraisal according to financial and programmatic norms of schemes and available provisions.

The details of funds allocated during the last five years as per Maharashtra State under digital initiative are as follows: -

## (Rs in Crore)

| Year            |   2020-21 |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |   2024-25 |
|-----------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Funds allocated |         0 |         0 |    116.26 |    139.14 |       238 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 947 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Automation and Digital Skills Training
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Anurag Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 947 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02 ND  DECEMBER, 2024 AUTOMATION AND DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

## 947.  SHRI ANURAG SHARMA:

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

- (a) the manner in which the Government is preparing India's workforce for shift towards automation and digital skills in the light of technological advancements; and
- (b) whether there is any new training programmes designed to help workers adapt to the said changes, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (b):  Ministry  of  Electronics  and  Information  Technology  (MeitY)  has initiated a programme titled 'FutureSkills PRIME', jointly with NASSCOM, aimed at re-skilling/ up-skilling of candidates in new/emerging technologies, namely, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Internet  of  Things,  Big  Data  Analytics,  Additive  Manufacturing/  3D  Printing, Cloud Computing, Social & Mobile, Cyber Security and Blockchain. FutureSkills PRIME  is  available  as  an  online  platform  for  digital  skills  training,  which  is hosted at https://futureskillsprime.in/. On this platform, premium contents are made available to candidates, to facilitate anytime, anywhere learning, in line with their aptitude and aspirations. Under the programme, IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council (SSC) NASSCOM is the Key Implementing Agency. In addition, 22 C-DAC/ NIELIT Centres have been grouped as Lead & Co-Lead Resource Centres (RCs) for  the  10  emerging  technologies.  Currently,  there  are  over  500+  courses offered  on  the  platform.  Around  19.99  lakh  learners  have  signed  up  on  the platform and are learning about these emerging technologies. Out of which, 8.65 Lakh candidates have enrolled in various courses, out of which, 4.10 Lakh candidates  have  completed  their  courses.  Also,  11519  Government  Officials (GoT) and 2367 Trainers (ToT) have been trained under the said programme. The FutureSkills PRIME programme is also integrating industry-oriented skilling into academic curricula to create a skilled workforce for the IT industry.

National e-Governance Division (NeGD), MeitY in collaboration with its partners,  has  implemented  'YUVAi:  Youth  for  Unnati  and  Vikas  with  AI' -  A National Programme for School Students with the objective of enabling school students from classes 8th to 12th with AI tech and social skills in an inclusive manner.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 945 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: IT System of EPFO
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 945 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## IT SYSTEM OF EPFO

## 945. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

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

- (a)whether the Government is aware of the recurring issues in the IT systems of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) which cause frequent system crashes and slowdowns, hindering
- the processing of claims;
- (b)if so, the details of steps that have been taken to address these issues and whether there is considerations for a comprehensive overhaul of the EPFO's IT infrastructure;
- (c)whether  any  timelines  have  been  set  for  the  implementation  of these upgrades and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  from EPFO field offices regarding increased workload and operational difficulties due to system capacity; and
- (e)if  so,  the  details  of  measures  being  taken  to  address  these
- concerns?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): EPFO  provides  online  services  to  Members,  Pensioners and Establishments through the EPFO's 'Unified portal' - www.epfindia.gov.in. The  EPFO's  Unified  Portal  for  Online Services  to  the  Employers,  Members  and  Pensioners  has  been working smoothly.

In  addition,  the  internal  operations  of  EPFO  are  also computerized. In response to reports of slowness faced by internal EPFO users in processing claims, several steps to improve performance, including, upgradation of Operating system and database versions and performance tuning have been taken.

Further,  process  reform  to  fast-track  smaller  claims  by automating claim processing upto Rs 1 Lakh, has been implemented by EPFO. Over 1,35,74,450 claims have been auto settled since April 1 st 2024 till Nov 26 th  2024.

A  pilot  run  of  the  new  Centralized  Pension  Payments System (CPPS) under EPS Scheme was completed on 29th and 30th October  2024  with  the  disbursement  of  more  than  Rs  11  Cr  for October 2024 to over 49,000 EPS Pensioners of Jammu, Srinagar and Karnal  Regions.  The  CPPS  enables  pensioners  to  receive  their pensions from any bank, any branch, anywhere in the country.

The implementation of the Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES) 2.01 which includes key enhancements for consolidation of decentralized  databases  to  a  single  centralized  database  with common  Universal  Account  Number  based  Accounting  and  other features such as Online surrender of exemption module and the full rollout of CPPS has been entrusted to C-DAC, an autonomous society Information Technology. EPFO is continuously enhancing its IT capabilities and under the aegis of Ministry of Electronics and simplifying processes to provide better services to its Members.

*****