opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 15 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Action against Illegal Offshore Cryptocurrency Platforms
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.15

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025/ ASHADHA 30, 1947 (SAKA)

## Action against Illegal Offshore Cryptocurrency Platforms

15. Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government has conducted  any study/survey regarding  the illegal offshore cryptocurrency platforms presently functioning in the country;

(b) if so, the list of such platforms, the country of origin and total valuation during the last five years;

(c) the details regarding the action taken by the Government to curb such illegal platforms; and (d)  whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  activities/campaign  to  raise  awareness regarding the dangers of using such illegal platforms amongst the common man of the country, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d):    At  present,  crypto  /  virtual  assets  are  not  regulated  in  India.  Consequently,  the question of the legality  or  illegality  of  specific  crypto  platforms  does  not  arise  as  on  date. However, to ensure oversight from an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) perspective, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) registers Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This registration requirement applies equally to domestic and offshore platforms that cater to users  based  in  India.  FIU-IND  therefore  maintains  a  dynamic  list  of  virtual  asset  service providers who are not registered with them.  Separately, the  Finance Act, 2022, introduced Section 194S in the Income-tax Act, 1961, mandating a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the transfer of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs). This applies to all transactions, including those involving offshore entities, if the income is chargeable to tax in India. Further the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued advisories warning users, holders, and traders of virtual currencies or crypto assets about the potential risks, including economic, financial, operational, legal, and security  concerns.  These  advisories  have  been  sector-wide  and  have  not  commented  on individual platforms.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 14 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Skill India Programme in Lakshadweep
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 14

ANSWERED ON -21/07/2025

## SKILL INDIA PROGRAMME IN LAKSHADWEEP

14. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state: -

- (a) the current status of the Skill India Programme, particularly in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and the total number of individuals trained so far under the said programme;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  measures  to  ensure  the  placement  of individuals  trained  under  the  said  Programme  in  gainful  employment,  especially  in Lakshadweep; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

- (a) The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme  'Skill  India  Programme  (SIP)' comprises  three  components  (i)  Pradhan  Mantri Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  4.0  (PMKVY  4.0),  (ii)  Pradhan  Mantri  National  Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and (iii) Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme, for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26. The numbers of candidates trained/engaged under the Skill India Programme in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep as on 30.06.2025 is 4,297.
- (b) & (c) Under SIP, in PMKVY 4.0, the focus is to empower our trained candidates to choose their varied career path and they are suitably oriented for the same.  However, to enable the opportunities for employments, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform has been launched to integrate skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Details of the trained candidates are available on SIDH platform for connecting with potential employers. On-Job-Training (OJT) has been made an inherent component of the PMKVY. To ensure active interaction between establishments/employers and candidates, Rozgar Melas and Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM) are organized across the  country.  Under  JSS,  Livelihood  Cell  has  been  set  up  to  orient  the  candidates  for entrepreneurship and livelihood promotion.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 11 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Establishment of IP Education Cells for Artists
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama, Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Shri Janardan Mishra, Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap, Shri Alok Sharma

- a) Yes.
- b) The Ministry of Culture is actively engaged in promoting Intellectual Property (IP) awareness and protection in relation to India's rich cultural heritage. To this end, the Ministry is planning to set dedicated IP cells within its academies, centres, and constituent units to educate artists about IP rights, facilitate IP registration, and support Geographical Indication (Gl) registration of traditional products such  as  musical  instruments.  As  part  of  its  broader  mandate  to  preserve  and  promote  tangible  and intangible  cultural  heritage,  the  Ministry  emphasizes  the  recognition  and  safeguarding  of  the  IP associated with cultural expressions.

Ministry  also  collaborates  with  bodies  like  the  Cell  for  IPR  Promotion  and  Management (CIPAM) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to strengthen cultural sector IP initiatives. Special focus is given to the protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and GIs, considering their close linkage to cultural identity.

The  Sangeet  Natak  Akademi  (SNA)  functions  as  the  nodal  agency  for  Intellectual  Property Rights under the Ministry, ensuring artists' consent is obtained prior to their participation in events and activities, Through its various centres across the country, SNA also provides training and performance opportunities to grassroots artists, contributing to the growth of India's cultural economy.

- c) to (e) Number and details of beneficiaries will be known at the end of this financial year.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 11

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Establishment of IP Education Cells for Artists

- ✝ 11. Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap:

Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah:

Shri Alok Sharma:

Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama:

Shri Janardan Mishra:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state :

- a) whether  the  establishment  of  Intellectual  Property  (IP)  Education  Cells  for  Artists  initiative strengthens the cultured economy of India and empowers the grass roots level artists;
- b) if so, the details thereof;
- c) the number of artists expected   to be benefitted from these IP Education Cells;
- d) the number of IP Education    Cells projects to be implemented; and
- e) the details of the beneficiaries of Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal district under this scheme?

## ANSWER

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

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Revocation of Three Language Policy
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## Revocation of Three Language Policy

## 4. Shri Matheswaran V S:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that State Government of Maharashtra has revoked the Government Resolutions (GRs) on the three language policy, introducing Hindi as the third language in primary schools, if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the details of options of third language in all the States in the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The  State  Government  of  Maharashtra  has  informed  that  it  has  revoked  its Government  Resolution  (G.R.)  dated  16.04.2025  and  its  corrigendum  dated  17.06.2025 pertaining to the implementation of the Three Language Policy from Class 1 onwards in State Board schools, by G.R. dated 30th June, 2025.

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, inter-alia , at para 4.13, provides that the 'three-language  formula  will  continue  to  be  implemented  while  keeping  in  mind  the Constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions, and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity. However, there will be a greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State. The three languages learned by children will be the choices of States, regions, and of course the students  themselves,  so  long  as  at  least  two  of  the  three  languages  are  native  to  India.  In particular, students who wish to change one or more of the three languages they are studying may do so in Grade 6 or 7, as long as they are able to demonstrate basic proficiency in three languages (including one language of India at the literature level) by the end of secondary school.' The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 aims to enable all our students to learn at least three languages, so that students achieve independent reading and writing proficiency in three languages by the end of high school. At least two of these three Languages - R1, R2, and R3 - must be native to India. R1 is the first language in which students learn literacy, ideally their mother tongue or, if  not  feasible,  the  state  language,  with  proficiency  expected  by  age  8,  R2  is  the  second language distinct  from  R1,  with  proficiency  to  be  achieved  by  age  11  and  R3  is  the  third language different from R1 and R2, with proficiency targeted by age 14.

Further, Education being a subject in the Concurrent list of the Constitution, it is up to the respective States/Union Territories Governments to decide the implementation of the Three Language Policy in the spirit of NEP 2020.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Higher Educational Institutes at par with Global Standards
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore, Shri Satpal Brahamchari, Shri Azad Kirti Jha

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3 ANSWERED ON 21/07/2025

## Higher Educational Institutes at par with Global Standards

†3. Shri Satpal Brahamchari:

Shri Azad Kirti Jha:

Shri Jugal Kishore:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  scheme  to  bring  Higher  Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the Country at par with global standards;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether any roadmap has been prepared/being prepared for the National Assessment and Accreditation Council envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP) along with details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): World Class Institutions Scheme, also known as Institutions of Eminence (IoE) Scheme was launched in 2017 to create distinct category of institutions  with  great  deal  of autonomy in academic, administrative and financial matters so as to emerge as World Class Academic  and  Research  Institutions  in  a  reasonable  time  period.  An  enabling  regulatory architecture  has  been  provided  by  the  'UGC  (Institutions  of  Eminence  Deemed  to  be Universities) Regulations, 2017' for private institutions and 'UGC (Declaration of Government Educational Institutions as Institutions of Eminence) Guidelines, 2017' for public institutions. 12 institutions have been notified as Institutions of Eminence (IoE) under this scheme.

Further, UGC  has  notified several regulation/framework/guidelines to elevate Higher Education  in  the  country  to  Global  Standards  by  ensuring  quality  innovation  and  global competitiveness. Some of the initiatives are formulation of National Credit Framework (NCrF), National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) etc.

(c):  For  transforming  the  Regulatory  System  of  Higher  Education,  the  National  Education Policy  (NEP), 2020 envisions a National Accreditation Council (NAC) for accreditation of institutions as one of the verticals of Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 280 (STARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Development of Hisar Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Jai Parkash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 280 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18 th   December 2025 )

## DEVELOPMENT OF HISAR AIRPORT

280.    SHRI JAI PARKASH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

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

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the existing aviation infrastructure at Hisar has been formally declared as an airport or is still operating as an aerodrome and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  current  status  of  any  plan  prepared  for  upgradation,  expansion  and  commencement  of commercial flight operations from Hisar airport/aerodrome;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  made  any  financial  allocation  for  runway  expansion,  terminal building  construction,  night-landing  facility,  Air  Traffic  Control  (ATC)  tower  and  cargo-related infrastructure development and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government is considering commencing regular domestic flight services from Hisar in  the  near  future  or  activating  it  under  the  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme  -  Ude  Desh  ka  Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN) and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 280 FOR ANSWER ON 18.12.2025 REGARDING "DEVELOPMENT OF HISAR AIRPORT" BY SHRI JAI PARKASH;; ; (a) to (d): Hisar Airport, situated in the State of Haryana, is an operational airport owned by the State Government of Haryana and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under an Operations & Maintenance Agreement signed between the State  Government  and  AAI.  Scheduled  commercial  flights  from  Hisar  Airport  are  currently  being operated  by  Alliance  Air  to  destinations  including  Delhi,  Ayodhya,  Chandigarh  and  Jaipur.;  ;  The State  Government of Haryana has undertaken the construction of an Integrated Terminal Building, Cargo Terminal, ATC Tower cum Technical Block, Fire Station Building and allied works at Hisar Airport at an estimated cost of Rs.486.86 Crore.; ; Hisar Airport was identified under RCS - UDAN scheme during the second round of bidding. Under UDAN 5.3 and 5.4, Letters of Intent (LoI) have been  issued  to  the  airline  operators  for  routes  connecting  Hisar  to  Dehradun,  Chandigarh  and Dharamshala.; ; Further, since the repeal of Air Corporation Act in March 1994, the India's domestic aviation  sector  has  been  deregulated,  allowing  airlines  to  choose  routes  and  aircraft  types  in accordance with the Route Dispersal Guidelines. Accordingly, the commencement of air services at any airport is subject to the airline's operational and commercial viability.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 266 (STARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Expansion of Air Connectivity under UDAN Scheme
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 266

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## EXPANSION OF AIR CONNECTIVITY UNDER UDAN SCHEME

## 266.    SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to expand regional air connectivity under Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme in underserved districts of the country including the districts of Western Uttar Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the current status of new airport or airstrip development proposals submitted by various States; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  enhance  passenger  amenities  and  improve  safety standards at existing tier-2 and tier-3 airports and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION      (Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (A)  TO  (C)  IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 266 FOR REPLY ON  18.12.2025  REGARDING  EXPANSION  OF  AIR  CONNECTIVITY UNDER UDAN SCHEME  ASKED BY SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN.;  (a) & (b): Under  the  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme-Ude  Desh  ka  Aam  Nagrik  (RCSUDAN), 651 RCS routes  have  been  operationalised,  connecting  93  unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes as on 30.11.2025, across the country. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, a total of 87 routes connecting 12 airports have been operationalised. Further, the Government has announced  the  launch  of  the  modified  UDAN  Scheme  to  increase  regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country including Uttar Pradesh, to cater to 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years. The scheme is currently at the approval stage.   As per the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, if any Airport developer including the State Government desires to develop an airport, they  are  required  to  identify  a  suitable  site  and  get  the  Prefeasibility  Study conducted and submit a proposal to the Central Government for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval. Under this policy, Government of India has granted 'In-Principle' approval for 24 greenfield airports across the country, of which 13 airports have been operationalised. (c) The upgradation of infrastructure facilities/passenger amenities at airports is a continuous process, which  is  undertaken  by  the  Airports  Authority  of  India  (AAI)  or  the  Airport Operators, in coordination  with  the  State  Governments,  depending  upon operational  requirements,  traffic,  demand,  commercial  feasibility  etc.  Further, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) ensures aviation safety through a robust oversight system, including regular surveillance, spot checks, and audits. It  follows an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) for inspections and ensures that audit findings are addressed with verified corrective actions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 262 (STARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Rebidding of RCS Routes
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 262

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## REBIDDING OF RCS ROUTES

## 262.    SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  one-year  timeline  for  rebidding  the  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme  (RCS) routes applies from the award of the route or after the closure of operations on that route and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the additional incentives or safeguards introduced/proposed to be introduced by  the  Government  to  encourage  airlines  to  maintain  services  on  RCS  routes  beyond  the subsidy period;
- (c)  whether  it  is  true  that  225  RCS  routes  have  ceased  operations  and  if  so,  the  primary reasons behind airlines discontinuing services despite Government support; and
- (d)  the  plans  of  the  Government  to  revive  or  repurpose  underutilized  airstrips  that  were rehabilitated under the RCS scheme but have since fallen into disuse?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION      (Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (A)  TO  (D)  IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 262 FOR REPLY ON 18.12.2025 REGARDING REBIDDING OF RCS ROUTES ASKED BY SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY.;  (a) & (b): The minimum period required for rebidding of Regional Connectivity Scheme -Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCSUDAN) routes    applies  after  the  discontinuation  of  flight  operations  on  that route.  The minimum period is considered as the last two schedules prior to the launch  of  re-bidding  rounds.  In  case,  the  routes  are  available  in  these  two schedules, they will not be eligible for bidding.  No incentives or safeguards are extended to airlines beyond RCS tenure as per the existing scheme provisions.; (c):  123  RCS  routes  have  been  discontinued  before  tenure  till  date  due  to various reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic, grounding of many aircraft due  to  supply  chain  issues,  shutting  down  of  airlines,  disruptions  such  as adverse  weather  conditions,  aircraft  maintenance,  airport/runway  maintenance and assigning contractual rights of routes to another airline and low passenger demand.   (d):  Regional  Connectivity  Scheme  (RCS)  -  UDAN  is  an  ongoing scheme wherein bidding rounds are conducted from time to time for covering more  destinations  and  routes.  Unserved  airports  which  were  revived  and operationalised under UDAN, but have become non operational, are taken up for  rebidding  as  per  the  Scheme  provisions.;    Further,  the  Government  has announced  the  launch  of  Modified  UDAN  Scheme  to  enhance  regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The Scheme will also support helipads and small airports in Hilly, Island, North Eastern and aspirational districts.

*****