opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1489 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Gati Shakti Multi- Modal Cargo Terminal Policy
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kesineni Sivanath, Shri Daggumalla Prasada Rao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1489

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## GATI SHAKTI MULTI-MODAL CARGO TERMINAL POLICY

1489. SHRI DAGGUMALLA PRASADA RAO: SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the details regarding the total number of 'Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo  Terminal  (GCT)'  locations  identified  in  the  country  till  date, especially in the State of Andhra Pradesh;
- (b)  the  number of GCTs functioning along with the amount of funds released, utilized and physical progress, year-wise;
- (c)  the  year-wise  targets  under  GCT  along  with  the  steps  taken  to achieve the same;
- (d) project-wise details regarding the funding pattern for the projects under the scheme; and
- (e)  the  timeline  by  which  the  Government  aims  to  achieve  the targets?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e) :  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

********

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1489 BY SHRI DAGGUMALLA PRASADA RAO  AND  SHRI  KESINENI  SIVANATH,  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK SABHA  ON  04.12.2024  REGARDING  GATI  SHAKTI  MULTI-MODAL CARGO TERMINAL POLICY (a) to (e) :  In order to boost investment from industry in setting up of cargo  terminals,  'Gati  Shakti  Multi-Modal  Cargo  Terminal  (GCT)' policy  has  been  launched,  wherein  GCTs  are  being  developed.  The location of GCTs is decided on the basis of demand from industry and potential of Cargo traffic. So far, 354 locations (327 on non-railway land and 27 on railway land)  have  been  identified  across  the  country,  out  of  which  23 locations are in Andhra Pradesh. Till  31.10.2024,  91  GCTs  have  been  commissioned  which includes four (04) GCTs in Andhra Pradesh. As  per  the  provisions  of  the  GCT  policy,  the  agencies  are expected  to  complete  the  construction  within  twenty  four  (24) months of grant of approval.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1488 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Conservation and Development of Mines
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Saumitra Khan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1488

ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MINES

1488 SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the role of the Union Government in development of minerals throughout the country and  in  particular  in  the  grant  of  approvals  for  leasing  of  mines  and  grant  of  mineral concessions to the State Governments;
- (b) whether the Indian Bureau of Mines regulates the conservation and development of mines under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of mines available in West Bengal; and
- (d) the details regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities which have been ensured during the last five years for the development of the labourers working in the said mines and the surrounding areas?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): The Parliament has enacted the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 [MMDR Act, 1957] to provide for the development and regulation of mines and minerals. The mineral concessions are granted by the respective State Governments in accordance with the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.
- (b):  Under the provisions of Section 18 of the MMDR Act, the Central Government is empowered to make rules inter-alia for the conservation and systematic development of minerals  in  India.  Accordingly,  the  Central  Government  has  framed  the  Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 which are administered by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). IBM's works inter-alia include:
- (i) Processing and approval of Mining Plans that include the proposals for systematic and scientific mining.

(ii)  Monitoring  and  regulation  of  mining  activities  in  lease  areas  through  inspections, analysis of statutory returns and digital imageries.

(iii) Ensuring sustainable mining practices through Star Rating of Mines.

(c): As per the information available in the Ministry of Mines, there is one mining lease of major mineral in West Bengal.

(d):  The  provisions  relating  to  the  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  (CSR)  are  covered under Section 135 of The Companies Act, 2013 which is administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The details of CSR works undertaken by companies in various States are available in the CSR portal which may be accessed at https://www.csr.gov.in/.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1487 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Solar Energy Scheme
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Narayan Tatu Rane

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1487

ANSWERED ON 04/12/2024

## SOLAR ENERGY SCHEMES

## 1487. SHRI NARAYAN TATU RANE

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps to provide electricity to each woman entrepreneur under the Solar Energy Scheme in the villages of the country, if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Maharashtra, especially with regard to the RatnagiriSindhudurg Parliamentary constituency;
- (b)whether any criterion has been fixed for providing solar energy system in the fields through the said scheme;
- (c) if so, the names of the companies through which the said scheme is being implemented in Maharashtra;
- (d) the time since which these companies have been operating;
- (e) whether any complaint has been received against these companies; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) No.
- (b) to (f) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Number of Women Working in Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1483 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## NUMBER OF WOMEN WORKING IN RAILWAYS

†1483. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether women are also appointed in the Indian Railways and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of women working in train operation; and
- (c) the  number  of  women  working  as  loco  pilots  in  train  operation and the percentage of women loco pilots as compared to men?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) Direct  recruitment  to  various  posts  in  Indian  Railways  is done  as  per  laid  down  procedure.  Irrespective  of  gender,  all  the candidates  fulfilling  the  prescribed  eligibility  criteria  are  eligible  for the  recruitment.  As  on  31.03.2024,  99,809  women  employees  are working in Indian Railways which includes 2,037 loco pilots.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Vande Bharat Trains in Southern Region
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D, Shri Tharaniventhan M S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1482 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## VANDE BHARAT TRAINS IN SOUTHERN REGION

## 1482.  SHRI THARANIVENTHAN M S: SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether    the    Government    has    started    operating    Vande    Bharat trains on some more routes recently and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)    the    number    of    Vande    Bharat    trains    that    are    proposed    to    be operated in the coming years;
- (c)   whether   the   Government   is   likely   to   consider   more   such   trains   in the   Southern   region,   especially   in   Tamil   Nadu,   in   the   near   future   due to commercial and industrial activities; and
- (d)   if   so,   the   details   thereof   and   the   time   by   which   they   are   likely   to be started?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)    to    (d) As    on    28 th November,    2024,    136 Vande    Bharat    train services   are   running   across   the   Indian   Railways   network.   However, as    the    Railway    network straddles   across   State   boundaries,   trains are introduced, as per network requirement, across such boundaries.    Presently,    on    originating/terminating    basis,    16    Vande Bharat    Express, 04 Vande    Bharat    Express, 12    Vande Bharat Express   and   10   Vande   Bharat   Express    are   respectively   catering   to the    needs    of    stations    located    in    the    States    of    Tamil    Nadu,    Kerala, Andhra    Pradesh and    Telangana. Besides, introduction of train services,    including    Vande    Bharat    services, is    an    ongoing   process on Indian Railways, subject    to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource constraints, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1480 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Investments in North Eastern Region
Ministry: DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## Government of India

## Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1480

To be answered on

Wednesday, December 4, 2024/Agrahayana 13, 1946 (Saka)

## QUESTION Investments in North Eastern Region

## 1480.  Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian:

Will the Minister of DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any measures have been taken to boost investments in the North-Eastern Region;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  measures  have  been  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  connectivity  and infrastructure for facilitating investments in the region; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region [Dr. Sukanta Majumdar]

(a) to (b) Government of India has implemented various schemes to boost investments in the North Eastern  Region.  The  North  East  Industrial  and  Investment  Promotion  Policy  (NEIIPP),  2007  was notified  from  01.04.2007  to  31.03.2017  with  the  purpose  to  boost  industrialization  of  the  North Eastern Region. In order to mitigate locational disadvantage and facilitate the process of industrialization  in  hilly,  remote  and  inaccessible  areas,  in  terms  of  subsidizing  industrial  units  for transportation  of  their  finished  product  and  raw  material  Freight  Subsidy  Scheme  (FSS)  was introduced in 2013 replacing Transport Subsidy Scheme, 1971. Subsequent to the closure of NEIIPP, 2007,  the  North  East  Industrial  Development  Scheme  (NEIDS),  2017  was  introduced  to  cover manufacturing and service sector. Thereafter, a new Industrial Development Scheme, Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI), 2024, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched on  09.03.2024  for  the  development  of  industries  and  generation  employment  in  North  Eastern Region.

(c)  to  (d)  Government  of  India  is  implementing  various  flagship  programmes  and  schemes  for  the development of the North Eastern Region. As per extant policy of the Government of India, fifty-five non-exempted  Central  Ministries/Departments  are  mandated  to  spend  at  least  10%  of  their  Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the North Eastern Region for the overall development of the region. Further, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region  is  also  implementing  various  schemes viz .  North  East  Special  Infrastructure  Development Scheme (NESIDS), Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) and schemes of North Eastern Council, to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the North Eastern Region.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Additional halting of Padmavathi Express at Bhongir
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1479 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

ADDITIONAL HALTING OF PADMAVATHI EXPRESS AT BHONGIR 1479. SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government is aware that the Padmavathi Express (12764) does not halt at Bhongir, causing significant  inconvenience for local passengers, especially pilgrims;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  is  considering  for  adding  halts  for  the Machilipatnam-Bidar Train (12749) at Bhongir, Allair and Jangoan to cater to local commuters;
- (c) the reasons for the rescheduling of the Kakatiya Express (17660) to arrive at  4  a.m.  at  Bhongir  and  the  timings  proposed  to  be  adjusted  for  morning commuters, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there are plans to restore or increase the frequency to meet the commuting  needs  of  students  and  employees,  given  the  frequency  of  the Secunderabad-Warangal  Push-Pull  train  (67264)  was  reduced,  if  so,  the
- details thereof; and
- (e)  the  steps  being taken by the Government to improve the frequency and accessibility  of  trains  in  Bhongir,  Allair  and  Jangoan  to  ensure  better transportation options for local residents?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e) Bhongir and Aler stations are presently being served by 26 and 22 train  services  respectively.  Similarly,  Jangaon  station  is  served  by  34  train services including 12749/12750 Machilipatnam-Bidar Express. Further, 67264 (new  number  07462)  Secunderabad-Warangal  MEMU  is  in  operation  w.e.f 01.11.2024.  As  a  part  of  rationalisation  of  Time  Table,  timings  of  Kakatiya Fast Passenger (train no. 57626), has been revised. Presently, 07757 Kazipet-

Secunderabad MEMU  which  leaves Bhongir at 07:05 hrs and arrives Secunderabad  08:45  hrs,  is  catering  to  the  needs  of  morning  commuters. Besides,  increase  in  frequency  and  stoppages  of  train  services  are  an ongoing processes on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility etc.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1477 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Mail Express Trains from Balia Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sanatan Pandey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1477

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## MAIL EXPRESS TRAINS FROM BALIA RAILWAY STATION

†1477. SHRI SANATAN PANDEY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the total numbers of the trains being run from Balia Railway Station to other cities of the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether the Government is aware that thousands of passengers board the trains from Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction by travelling from Balia for their onward journey;
- (c)  if  so,  whether  the  Government proposes to run the Mail/Express trains from Balia Railway Station to other cities of the country in view of public interest;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)    to (e) Presently, Ballia is served by 50 Pairs of trains, including 7 pairs of  regular  trains  originating  from/terminating  at   Ballia.  These  services provide  connectivity  to  important  destinations  like  New  Delhi,  Mumbai, Chennai,  Kolkata,   etc.  Besides,  to  cater  to  the  needs  of  passengers  of Ballia station, 2 pairs of trains viz. 12581/82 Manduadih-New Delhi Express (w.e.f 30-01-2024) and 11071/72 Lokmanya Tilak(T)- Varanasi Express (w.e.f 10-12-2023)  have  been  extended  to  Ballia.     Further,  introduction  of  new train services is an ongoing process on Indian Railways, subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource constraints, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1474 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Direct Train Service between Solapur to New Delhi
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1474 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## DIRECT TRAIN SERVICE BETWEEN SOLAPUR TO NEW DELHI

1474. MS. PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any proposal under consideration to start a direct train service from Solapur to New Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  there  are  any  interim  measures  being  considered  to improve connectivity  between  Solapur  and New  Delhi, such as increased  frequency  or  additional  stops  on  existing  routes  in  case direct service is not feasible at present?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ANSWER ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c) Presently, Solapur is connected to Delhi by 2 pairs of trains including the daily service of  12627/12628  New  Delhi-Bengaluru Karnataka Express. Besides, to improve connectivity, introduction of new train services, extension of services and provision of stoppages, are ongoing processes on Indian Railways, subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Cancellation of Tender Process for 100 Vande Bharat Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1470 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## CANCELLATION OF TENDER PROCESS FOR 100 VANDE BHARAT TRAINS

1470. SHRI PUTTA MAHESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  reasons  behind  the  cancellation  of  tender process for 100 Vande Bharat trains;
- (b) whether  the  cancellation  of  the  said  process  was  result  of inadequate planning, unrealistic experience or poor communication among stake holders;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the cancellation of  the said process would have an impact on the 'Make in India' initiative and the development of the domestic rail industry, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the railways ensure that the cancellation of the said process  does  not  lead  to  further  delays  and  setbacks  in  the procurement of new trains; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (f):  With  a  view  to  provide  better  travel  experience  to  the passengers, Indian Railways introduced first-ever indigenously designed  and  manufactured  semi- high speed Vande Bharat trains

with  modern  coaches,  advanced  safety  features  and  passenger amenities.

As  on  21st  November,  2024,  136  Vande  Bharat  train  services  are operational on the Broad Gauge (B.G.) electrified network of Indian Railways. Further manufacturing of Vande Bharat Chair Car rakes is under progress.

Besides,  Vande  Bharat  Sleeper  Trains  for  long  and  medium  Interstate journey have also been planned. At present, 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are under production and further Indian Railways has also provisioned for production of 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper sleeper rakes. In addition, contracts for manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat sleeper rakes have also been awarded to Technology Partners.

Manufacture  of  coaches  including  Vande  Bharat  is  a  continuous process  by  Indian  Railways  and  is  undertaken  based  on  traffic requirement.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1469 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: e-KYC Process
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Smt. Pratima Mondal

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1469 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4TH DECEMBER, 2024

## E-KYC  PROCESS

## 1469. SMT. PRATIMA  MONDAL:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION wrtqT  wig,  um  Bat VT{qflqtb6wr THt be pleased to  state:

- (a) the rationale behind implementing the e-KYC  process which  has reportedly caused distress and exclusion for  vulnerable populations such as migrants and those with biometric  discrepancies;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to reconsider the process to ensure that it  does not further marginalize those already struggling to access food security under the PDS and National Food Security Act;  and
- (c) if  so, the details thereoF

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

- (a): The Department of Food and Public Distribution towards ensuring the efficient and effective operations of the Public  Distribution  System (PDS) has been requesting all the States/ UTs to conduct the e-KYC  process for  all  beneficiaries under the National  Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The e-KYC verification is a process to confirm the identity of a  beneficiary by  bio-metric  authentication and then  by  matching his/her Aadhaar demographic data with  ration  card details. The process leads to  the  elimination of duplicate and  ineligible  cardholders thereby creating space for the inclusion  of additional eligible &  needy beneficiaries within  the overall ceiling  limit  prescribed under the NFSA.

(b) & (c): The process of eKYC is for the right targeting and to ensure the inclusion of genuine beneficiaries. The process of  eKYC  does not  lead to  any marginalization rather ineligible beneficiaries are excluded

Further,  review of ration  cards/beneficiaries list, identification of ineligible/ duplicate  ration cards  and inclusion of eligible beneficiaries/households is  the responsibility  of the concerned State/UT Government.

All States/UTs have been advised to undertake proper verification  (including  field verification) of  each identified case to  ensure that  ration  cards of  genuine  beneficiaries are not deleted/ suspended.

##888