opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2593 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Hike in Tariff Rates by Telecom Operators
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Shri Rajkumar Roat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2593 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## HIKE IN TARIFF RATES BY TELECOM OPERATORS

## †2593  SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT: SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is aware of the latest hike in tariff and possibility of making inconsistent profits by private telecom operators despite their high profit in Financial Year 2023-24;

(b) if so, whether TRAI will continue to be indifferent or will review the tariff and fix maximum ceiling as per the regulations and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any study has been conducted by the TRAI for assessment of effect of tariff hike on consumers;

- (d) if so, the results thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) the details of reporting requirements met by the private sector as per TRAI regulations; and

(f) the way by which TRAI determines the predatory price to be charged by a service provide and the way by which it regulates the telcom market in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Yes, the tariffs have been hiked recently by 03 telecom service providers namely M/s Bharti  Airtel  Ltd.  (BAL),  M/s  Reliance  Jio  InfoComm  Ltd.  (RJIL)  and M/s  Vodafone  Idea  Ltd. (VIL). As per the existing regulatory tariff framework, tariff for telecommunication service is under forbearance  except  for  services  such  as  National  Roaming,  Rural  Fixed  Line  Services,  mobile number portability charges and leased circuits 'Nil' tariff has been prescribed for USSD services to promote financial inclusion etc. among rural unbanked feature phone users.

- (c) & (d) No.

(e) As per Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 1999, the service provider shall report to the Authority any new tariff for telecom services or any change there under within seven working days from the date of implementation and record of the Authority.

- (f) Matter is sub judice and pending before Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2592 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Installation of Mobile Towers in LWE affected Areas
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Nalin Soren

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2592 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## INSTALLATION OF MOBILE TOWERS IN LWE AFFECTED AREAS

## †2592  SHRI NALIN SOREN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) the measures taken by the Government to install mobile towers in the areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE); and

(b) the measures taken by the Government to provide mobile connectivity to the villages and islands in the country which currently do not have network coverage?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Universal  Service  Obligation  Fund  (USOF)  funded  schemes  are  planned  by Government to provide mobile connectivity to uncovered villages of the country including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and islands:

- i. 354 Uncovered Village Scheme.
- ii. 502 Aspirational District Scheme.
- iii. 7287 Aspirational District Scheme.
- iv. Provision of 4G mobile services in Meghalaya.
- v. Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Arunachal Pradesh and Two (2) Districts of Assam (Karbi Anglong & Dima Hasao).
- vi. Provision of 4G Mobile Services in uncovered villages of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and along National Highway-4.
- vii. Provision  of  4G  Mobile  Services  and  Augmentation  of  OFC  Network  in  Lakshadweep Islands.
- viii. Provision of 2G mobile services at Ministry of Home Affairs identified tower locations in Left Wing Extremism affected areas under LWE Phase-I project. Upgradation of 2G sites installed under this project to 4G is being done.
- ix. Provision of 4G mobile services at Ministry of Home Affairs identified tower locations in Left Wing Extremism affected areas under LWE Phase-II.
- x. 4G Saturation Scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: House Keeping Assistants in Southern Railway
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2591 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## HOUSE KEEPING ASSISTANTS IN SOUTHERN RAILWAY 2591. SHRI S VENKATESAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether 202 House keeping assistants who were engaged on  contract  basis  through  RRC  in  Southern  Railway  have been suspended from work;
- (b) whether  Railways  is  planning  to  engage  House  keeping assistants  through  GEM  portal  without  resorting  to  reengaging of these 202 HKAs from work;
- (c) whether it is equivalent to violation of Supreme court order that one contract employee cannot be replaced by another contract employee and if so, the details thereof; and
- whether the  Government will  retain  these  202  suspended
- (d) house keeping assistants on contract basis?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2591 BY SHRI S VENKATESAN TO BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  07.08.2024  REGARDING HOUSE KEEPING ASSISTANTS IN SOUTHERN RAILWAY (a) to (d) Zonal Railways are authorized in some specific cases of exigency to make stop gap arrangement by engaging manpower preferably  retired  employees  and  if  that  is  not  feasible  then through  open  market,  for  short  duration  till  the  vacancies  are filled  up  as  per  laid  down    procedure.  Accordingly,  House Keeping Assistants as per requirement were engaged by Southern Railway for short duration contract for a limited period. Their services were terminated after expiry of contract period. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2589 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Current Status of PRITHVI Vigyan Scheme
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Smt. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2589

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 7 th AUGUST, 2024

Current Status of PRITHVI Vigyan Scheme

## 2589.  SMT. JYOTSNA CHARANDAS MAHANT:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) the  current  status  of  the  Prithvi  scheme,  and  the  specific  projects  that  have  been initiated under the said scheme;
- (b) whether the  Government is planning to ensure the objectives  of the Prithvi scheme particularly  in  enhancing  the  capabilities  of  climate  forecasting  and  strengthening disaster preparedness; and
- (c) the  measures  taken/are  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  the  effective utilisation  of the  allocated  funds  and  the  timely  execution  of  the  projects  under  the said scheme?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Prithvi scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely:
- (i) Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS).
- (ii) Ocean  Services,  Modelling  Application,  Resources  and  Technology  (OSMART).
- (iii) Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER).
- (iv) Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE).
- (v) Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).

Various ongoing research & development and operational (services) activities under these  sub-schemes  are  being carried  out  in  an  integrated manner  through  combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under Ministry of Earth Sciences.

- (b) Long-term  observations  of  the  atmosphere,  ocean,  geosphere,  cryosphere and  solid earth are carried out to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change which is the  basic  prerequisite  towards  enhancing  the  capabilities  of  climate  forecasting  and strengthening disaster preparedness.
- (c) Monthly expenditure review meetings and six-monthly review of the project activities are held under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoES to ensure the effective utilisation of  the  allocated  funds  and  the  timely  execution  of  the  projects  under  the  Prithvi scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2587 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Universal Service Obligation Fund
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2587 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION FUND

## †2587  SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the provision of Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund has been incorporated in the Telecom Policy 1999;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the provision made for depositing percentage of the gross revenue in this Fund has been made for Telecom Operator Companies as per the Telecom Policy by monitoring the extent of percentage;

(d) whether all the telecom operator companies have deposited their respective amount of gross revenue in the USO Fund as per the rules;

- (e) if so, the details of amount deposited as on date;

(f) the State-wise details of money spent from the USO fund during the last five years for mobile network in the country particularly in backward and scheduled caste dominated areas along with the achievements thereof; and

- (g) the balance amount of USO fund as on date?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (g) In  New  Telecom  Policy  1999,  Government  expressed  its  commitment  to  provide access to all people for basic telecom services at affordable and reasonable prices under Universal Service  Obligation  (USO).  USO  Fund  was  accordingly  established  under  the  Indian  Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003.

At present, as per the License agreement, the license fee is based on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) which includes of USO Levy. Telecom Service Providers are depositing the Licence Fee as per  license  agreement.  As  on  31.03.2024,  total  of  Rs.  1,62,846.25  Crore  has  been  collected  as Universal Access Levy under USO Fund. An amount of Rs. 83,442.26 Crore, which is part of the committed liability against ongoing schemes, is available in the USO Fund as on 31.03.2024.

USO Fund schemes, inter-alia , provides mobile network in rural and remote areas including backward and scheduled castes dominated areas. During the last five financial years (2019-20 to 2023-24), total 5,262 towers were installed and an amount of Rs. 8,311 Cr. was spent. The State/UTwise details of funds spent from USO Fund during the said period is available at the USOF website (https://usof.gov.in).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2586 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Gold and Mineral Reserves in Khajuraho
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2586 ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## GOLD AND MINERAL RESERVES IN KHAJURAHO

2586.   SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that sizeable resources of gold associated with copper, silver and lead  have  recently  been  found  in  the  lmaliya  area  of  Katni  District  and  low  silicadolomite  reserves  have  been  established  in  Panna  and  Chhatarpur  districts  of Khajuraho Parliamentary Constituency;
- (b) if so, the details of steps taken by Government for commercial exploitation of these mineral resources so as to help develop local industrial ecosystem and benefit local population;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Geological Survey of India (GSI), during the field season 2016-17 has taken up one G2 exploration project for gold, silver & basemetal in Imaliya block, Sleemanabad area, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. The resource augmented during the investigation is as follows:

| Commodity     |   Assay Value |   Resource (in tonnes) |
|---------------|---------------|------------------------|
| Gold in ppm   |          1.13 |                 346645 |
| Silver in ppm |         60.4  |                 460144 |
| Copper in%    |          1.01 |                 254048 |
| Lead in%      |          0.97 |                 235430 |
| Zinc in%      |          0.58 |                 220433 |

As regards low silica dolomite in Panna and Chhatarpur Districts, GSI has not taken up any exploration survey/ project for low silica dolomite in Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Khajuraho Parliamentary Constituency, Madhya Pradesh. The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Madhya Pradesh carried out exploration for dolomite in Lohani and Hirapur blocks of Chhatarpur and Sagar districts in 2013-14. The MgO percentage is below 18% with higher percentage of SiO2. So, it is not classified under Dolomite category and therefore, no further steps have been taken.

(b) & (c): The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has auctioned the Imaliya gold block, Katni District in the year 2020. The letter of intent for mining lease has been issued to M/s Prospect Resource Ltd. on 21.09.2020 which is valid upto 20.09.2025. (d): In view of (b) & (c) above, question does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Corruption in FCI
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMF,Nr OF INDIA MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTNmNr  OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIB-UTION

## LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2581 TO BE ANSWERED ON 7Tl-1 AUGUST, 2024

## CORRUPTION IN FCI

## 'f2581 SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM

Will  the MInister of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION w+m  qPr8, Bra 3irVTM@  fqaWT +it be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has constituted any high-level  committee  to suggest ways and means to prevent the corrupt practices of Food Corporation of  India (FCI);
- (b) if  so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the committee has recommended to abolish the departmental labour system or their services in a phased manner;
- (d) if  so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the action taken by the Govelnment  on the recommendations of the said committee?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

- (a) to (b): No, Sir
- (c) to (e): In view  of the (a) to (b)  above, the question does not arise

However, Government of India  had set up a High  Level Committee (HLC)  ulrdel- the Chairmanship of  Shri Shanta Kumar  in August 2014 to recommend the restructuring of  FCt After  detailed study and wide  consultations on  various aspects, the  HLC: ilrter alia recommended for phasing out the Departmental Labour System

Based on the recommendations of HLC,  Departmental  Labour  System in FCI  has been declared as Dying Cadre

##88+
Lok Sabha Question No. 2580 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Impact of Public Broadcasting on Education and Literacy in Rajasthan
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2580 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024)

## IMPACT OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING ON EDUCATION AND LITERACY IN RAJASTHAN

## 2580. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of Information and Broadcasting be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government plans to monitor and evaluate the impact of private TV channels' adherence to public service broadcasting obligations specifically in Rajasthan regarding themes of education and literacy, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- b) whether the Government intends to collaborate with private broadcasters in Rajasthan to develop localised content that addresses the educational needs of various demographics, particularly rural populations, if so, the details thereof;
- c) whether the Government recognizes the role of media in promoting health and family welfare, especially in underprivileged regions of Rajasthan and if so, any specific measures being implemented by the Government to ensure effective dissemination of health-related information; and
- d) whether the Government is considering partnerships between Media Houses and Educational Institutions in Rajasthan to leverage broadcasting for enhancing literacy rates among women and marginalized communities, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARYAFFAIRS{Dr.L.MURUGAN}

(a) to (d): Airwaves and frequencies must be used in the best interest of society. Clause 35 of the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite Television Channels in India, 2022, mandates that companies/ LLPs with broadcast permissions allocate at least 30 minutes daily to public service broadcasting. These includes themes of national importance and social relevance, such as 'education and spread of literacy' and 'health and family welfare'.

Prasar Bharati, as the Public Service Broadcaster, is dedicated to informing and educating the rural populace and citizens nationwide. This helps create a comprehensive environment for education and literacy. Channels within the Prasar Bharati network, including DD Rajasthan, regularly air programs on education, health and family welfare. DD Rajasthan is accessible across almost the entire country, including underprivileged regions of Rajashthan. It is also available on Prasar Bharati`s DTH platform, DD FreeDish.

Prasar Bharati has signed Memorandum of Understanding with Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics {BISAG(N)}, Government of India. This MoU is for the transmission of educational DTH channels. Of the 306 educational channels under this MoU, 265 are currently broadcasting educational content. This significantly contributes to spreading knowledge and literacy across India.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2579 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Electrification of Railway Lines in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2579 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAY LINES IN TAMIL NADU

2579. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government has any data  about the  total number of electrification  of  Railway  Lines  have  been  completed  under  process and yet to start/initiate in Tamil Nadu as on date, route-wise;

(b) the total amount released and spent to undertake electrification of railway lines in Tamil Nadu during the last three years; and

(c)  the  time  by  which  all  these  pending  works  are  being  completed along with reasons for pendency?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2579 BY SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 07.08.2024 REGARDING ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAY LINES IN TAMIL NADU

(a)  to  (c)  During  last  10  years,  2,152  Route  km  (RKM)  has  been electrified in the State of Tamil Nadu. Till date, out of total 3,921 km network in Tamil Nadu, 3,659 Km has been electrified upto July, 2024. The work of electrification in the remaining 262 km has been taken up at a cost of Rs. 292 crore.

The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various factors like forest clearances, right of way for the incoming transmission lines and its commissioning, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances  from  various  authorities,  geological  and  topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect the completion time of the project(s).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2575 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Sikar, Neem ka Thana and Jhunjhunu
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2575 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## SIKAR, NEEM KA THANA AND JHUNJHUNU

† 2575      SHRI AMRA RAM:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the raw materials like iron, cement and concrete is available in abundance in Sikar, Neem ka Thana and Jhunjhunu;
- (b) if so, whether the Government proposes to set up railway sleeper, iron research institute and Railway track manufacturing factories therein;
- (c) if so, the time and the details thereof;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to extend the Guwahati-Delhi to Ajmer  and  the  Sainik  Express  to  Haridwar  to  facilitate  common people; and
- (f) if so, the time and details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (d):  Indian Railway's requirement of concrete sleepers is met mainly from various Concrete Sleeper Plants(CSPs) set up by industry at location suitable for them.

Similarly,  Indian  Railway's  requirement  of  Rail  is  met  mainly  from Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Further, RDSO is the R&D organization of Indian Railways which act as the technical advisor to Indian Railways and performs the functions of development of new designs and technology, development of standards  for  materials  and  products  needed  by  Indian  Railways, technical  investigation,  statutory  clearances,  inspection  of  critical items etc. Presently, it is functioning well.

(e)  &  (f):    Presently,  Ajmer  is  connected  to  Guwahati  by  01  pair  of regular  service.  Further,  Jaipur  is  also  well  connected  to  Ajmer.  In addition,  Jaipur  is  connected  to  Guwahati  by  02  pairs  of  regular service and 01 pair of Special  train service  while  it  is  connected  to Haridwar  by  03  pairs  of  train  services.  Besides,  extension  of  train services is an on-going process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, and availability of resources etc.

*****