opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Funds allocated to Ujjain under Smart City Mission
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3567

TO BE ANSWERED ON Monday, August 11, 2025/Sravana 20, 1947 (Saka)

## Fund allocation to Ujjain under Smart City Mission

† 3567. Shri Anil Firojiya:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- a. the details of financial assistance allocated to Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh under the Smart City Mission along with the major development works carried out in the city with  said  assistance  with  specific  reference  to  funds  for  water  supply  and irrigation facilities; and
- b. the detailed report of success of the scheme?

## ANSWER

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

- a. As per the information provided by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, under Smart  City  Mission  (SCM),  Ujjain  Smart  City  has  been  able  to claim  its  entire Central Financial Assistance amounting to ₹490 Cr. Ujjain Smart City has taken up 95  projects  amounting  to  ₹1,613  Cr,  out  of  which  92  projects  (97%  of  total projects)  amounting  to  ₹1,580  Cr  have  been  completed  and  the  remaining  3 projects amounting to ₹33 Cr is ongoing.

For Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), 19 projects amounting to ₹586 Cr have been taken up by Ujjain Smart city and the same have been completed.

- b. As per the information provided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as on 31.07.2025, out of a total 8063 projects amounting to ₹ 1,64,695 Cr undertaken in  the  100  cities  selected  under  SCM,  7,636  projects  (95%  of  total  projects) amounting to ₹1,53,977 Cr have been completed and the remaining 427 projects amounting to ₹10,718 Cr are ongoing.

Under SCM, the Central Government had a total outlay of ₹48,000 Cr for the 100 cities.  As  on  31.07.2025,  the  cities  have  been  able  to  claim  Central  financial assistance  of  ₹47,459 Cr (i.e.  99%  of  the  total  Central  share  allocation),  out  of which the States/Union Territories are reported to have utilized ₹45,881 Cr (i.e. 97% of the total Central share claimed).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3566 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Tree Species Exempted from Felling
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3566

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## Tree Species Exempted from Felling

3566.   SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government maintains a record of tree species exempted from felling permission across the country, State/UT-wise;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof,  including  the  list  of  species  that  can  be  legally  felled without prior approval under simplified procedures, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  issued  any  guidelines  or  advisory  to  States  for preparing such exemption lists while balancing ecological concerns; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  review  the  exemption  status  of ecologically significant species, such as neem, which have been included in the exempted lists by certain States?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) The felling of trees grown on non-forest/ private lands are governed by State/ UT specific  Acts  and  Rules.  The  list  of  tree  species  which  are  exempted  from  the purview  of  obtaining  felling  permission  is  maintained  by  the  respective  State/ UT.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued guidelines and advisories to States/ UTs for exempting agroforestry tree species grown on non-forest/ private lands from the requirement of felling permits.

In June 2025, the Ministry has also issued Model Rules for 'Felling of Trees in Agricultural  Land'  for  consideration  by  States  and  Union  Territories,  with  the objective of encouraging and promoting agroforestry amongst farmers.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: SNA SPARSH
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Yogender Chandolia, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Dr. Lata Wankhede, Shri Praveen Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3560

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025/SHRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## SNA SPARSH

## 3560. Shri Yogender Chandolia:

Dr. Lata Wankhede:

Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai:

Shri Praveen Patel:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- a) the objective of starting SNA SPARSH, a System for Pension Administration (Raksha), a single nodal agency;
- b) the extent to which it is useful for ensuring timely release of payments;
- c) whether SNA SPARSH will also helpful to States to utilise the funds released by the Government for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS);
- d) the number of schemes onboarded and the total quantum of transactions made on SNA;
- e) whether the implementation of Treasury Single Account a Single Nodal Agency (SNA), Central Nodal Agency (CNA), and SNA-SPARSH  has  improved  fund  flow mechanisms; and
- f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f): System for Pension Administration -Raksha (SPARSH) was launched in October 2020. It is a 'Digital India' initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive, transparent and efficient  solution  for  managing  Defence  pensions,  including  sanctioning  and  disbursing pensions to the Armed Forces personnel and Defence Civilians living across the country. Out of the total 34.08 lakh defence pensioners, approx. 31.46 lakh have been onboarded on Raksha (SPARSH).

The  objective  of  starting  SNA-SPARSH  is  to  enhance  transparency  in  flow  of  Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) funds to States and better monitoring of their utilization. It also strives to eliminate float of CSS funds outside the Consolidated Fund of India and Consolidated Fund  of  States,  thereby  reducing  borrowing  cost  of  the  Government. SNA  SPARSH  has eliminated the delay in transfer of Central and State share of CSS funds by State treasuries to CSS Implementing Agencies (IAs). Funds under this model are released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries and vendors.

Presently, 1011 State Linked Schemes under 26 CSS have been onboarded on SNA SPARSH in 29 States and Union Territories (UTs) with Legislature. Further, in 2025-26, Central Share of  Rs.  8818.45  crores  has  been  released  under  various  CSS  through  SNA-SPARSH till 5 th August, 2025. SNA SPARSH, Central Nodal Agency (CNA) model and Treasury Single Account (TSA) have improved flow of fund under Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector Schemes by enhancing transparency,  reducing  float,  and  facilitating  just-in-time  release  of funds  from  both  Central  as  well  as  State  Consolidated  Funds,  leading  to  better  cash management.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3559 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Skilled Workforce for Russian Companies
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Raja A

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3559 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## SKILLED WORKFORCE FOR RUSSIAN COMPANIES

3559. SHRI RAJA A:

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

- (a)whether the Government is aware that Russian companies wanted to take ten lakh skilled workforce from India due to shortage of skill labour in Russia, especially in Sverdlovsk region;
- (b)if so, the response of the Government thereto;
- (c)whether any Memorandum  of  Understanding  signed  by  the Government for the supply of workforce from India in a structured manner, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)whether the Government would ensure that Indian workforce is not exploited and given all protection and welfare measures available under the labour laws and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): There is no information that Russian companies wanted to take ten lakh skilled workforce from India due to shortage of skilled labour in Russia especially in Sverdlovsk region. The Government of India  has  not  signed  any  Memorandum  of  Understanding  for  the supply of workforce from India to Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs has been making concerted efforts to create a conducive environment for promoting safe and legal mobility to partner destination countries like Russia.

The  Government  has  taken  several  initiatives  such  as Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) and Pre-Departure Orientation & Training (PDOT) in ensuring that Indian migrant workers undertake safe migration, have  decent  working  and  living conditions in destination countries, are aware of their rights and have access to various welfare schemes of the Government.

There are established channels to enable them to reach out to the Embassy/Consulate in case they need any assistance. The Embassy/Consulate can be contacted through walk-in, email, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers, Whatsapp number, grievance redressal portal like MADAD/CPGAMS/eMigrate, and social media etc.

On  receipt  of  any  complaint  or  grievance  from  Indian workers,  the  Embassy/Consulate  pro-actively  takes  it  up  with  the concerned Foreign Employer (FE) and, if needed, the work place of the aggrieved worker is also visited. The issues are also taken up with the local Labour Department and other concerned authority of the host country for redressal.

The Embassy/Consulate also utilizes the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) from time to time to provide financial and legal assistance to Indian nationals in distress on a means-tested basis.  Under  ICWF,  the  major  assistance  includes  Boarding  & Lodging, Air Passage to India, Legal Assistance, Emergency Medical Care,  Transportation  of  Mortal  Remains  to  India,  and  Payment  of Small Fines and Penalties.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Delay in Payment to Contractual Staff in NCLT
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3557

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 11 th  of AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## DELAY IN PAYMENT TO CONTRACTUAL STAFF IN NCLT

## QUESTION

3557.    SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL :

- Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that there is delay in payment of salary to contractual and outsourced staff at the NCLT Mumbai bench; (b) if so, the reasons for the delay; (c)  whether the Government has assessed the status of payment of salary across the other 16 NCLT benches; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (e)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  introduce  measures  to  ensure timely  payment  of  salaries  to  contractual  and  outsourced  staff  across  all NCLT benches; and (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CORPORATE  AFFAIRS;  AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (HARSH MALHOTRA) (a) to (f) There was a particular instance of delay in the month of December, 2024 towards the payment of salary to contractual and outsourced staff at NCLT Mumbai bench due to administrative and procedural reasons. The same was  addressed  and  resolved  immediately.  As  per  the  Companies  Act,  the general superintendence and control of the officers and staff vest with the NCLT, including engagement of such contractual and outsourced staff. The requisite  funds  are  made  available  to  NCLT  by  the  Ministry,  based  on  the requirement  of  the  NCLT  and  availability  of  the  Budget.  NCLT  in  turn distributes it to its benches in the relevant head of expenditure. Ministry has delegated financial powers to NCLT, for smooth running of the NCLT since its
- inception.
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Lok Sabha Question No. 3552 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Implementation of Home-stay Scheme
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Lumbaram Choudhary, Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. Ɨ 3552 ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME-STAY SCHEME

Ɨ 3552. SHRI LUMBARAM CHOUDHARY: SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  Home-stay  Scheme  to enable the tourists to experience the local culture and lifestyle and to provide  safe,  clean  and  comfortable  accommodation  at  affordable rates;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  Home-stay  Scheme  of Uttarakhand  that  is  providing  self  employment  to  the  local  people;
- and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to implement this scheme across the country, State/UT-wise particularly in Rajasthan including Mount Abu?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM             (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) and (b):  Yes.  To  ensure  the  quality  of  services  and  experience  for different  classes  of  both  domestic  and  international  tourists,  Ministry  of Tourism, under its voluntary scheme of Incredible India Homestay Establishments classifies fully operational rooms of homestay facilities in the country. Homestays are classified under two categories- Gold Category and Silver Category based on the extant Guidelines issued by the Ministry.

The  Government also  approved  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Janjatiya  Unnat Gram  Abhiyan for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, and development of 1000 homestays is a part of the scheme. The  States/UTs  can  avail  assistance  of  a  maximum  of  Rs.5  Crore  for implementing 5-10 homestays per village in a village cluster of 5-6 villages, subject to eligibility as per the Guidelines issued on 01.07.2025. Additionally, the Government of India also announced collateral free institutional credit of Mudra Loans for Homestays in the Budget Announcement for 2025-26 to assist and encourage setting up of homestays across the country. (c)  and  (d):  Yes.  As  per  the  information  provided  by  the  Government  of Uttarakhand,  homestay  facilities  are  actively  encouraged  in  Uttarkhand through schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grah Aawas Vikas Yojana and  Aitithi  Uttarakhand  Grah  Awas  Yojana,  which  aim  to  promote  local entrepreneurship.  These schemes are specific for the State of Uttarkhand, however,  other  States/UTs  are  also  implementing  similar  or  equivalent schemes in their jurisdiction. The State Government of Rajasthan implements registration and certification  of  homestays  under  the  revised  and  simplified  Paying  Guest House (Homestay) Scheme 2021 in the State of Rajasthan including Mount Abu.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3551 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Reservation for OBCs in  Allotment of Hostels
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3551 ANSWERED ON 11/08/2025

## Reservation for OBCs in Allotment of Hostels

3551. Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether  it  is  a  fact  that  reservation  for  students  belonging  to  Other  Backward  Classes (OBCs) has not been implemented in hostel allotment in most of the Central Universities of the country including Banaras Hindu University (BHU);
- (b)   if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  agrees  that  not  implementing  the  reservation  policy  in  hostel allotment  promotes  social  inequality  and  contradicts  the  Government's  commitment  to 'inclusive education' for the disadvantaged sections and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)    Whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  any  steps  to  implement  constitutional reservation for OBC students in hostel allotment; and
- (e)   if so, the details thereof including timeframe for its implementation and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  to  (e) The  reservation  in  admission  including  reservation  for  Other  Backward  Classes (OBCs) in Central Educational Institutions is governed by the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006. Accordingly, University Grants Commission allocated a  total  of  ₹  135  crores  (Non-Recurring)  to  the  Central  Universities  and  Deemed-to-be Universities under capacity expansion plan, inter-alia, to provide additional accommodation of hostels for OBC students.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3549 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Anomaly in Credit Deposit Ratio
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3549

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025/ SRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## ANOMALY IN CREDIT DEPOSIT RATIO

† 3549. SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the anomaly that the loans disbursed to the factories engaged in production activities in Noida, Ghaziabad are not accounted for in the Credit Deposit Ratio of these districts due to which the Credit Deposit Ratio of Uttar Pradesh is comparatively subdued; and
- (b) if so, the steps taken/ being taken by the Government to address the said anomaly?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  and  (b):  The  RBI  Lead  Bank  Scheme  -  Master  Circular  RBI/2025-    26/04FIDD.CO.LBS.BC. No.03/02.01.001/2025-26, dated 1.4.2025, based on the recommendations of Expert Group, constituted by  the  Government  of  India,  states  that  the  Credit  Deposit  (CD)  Ratio  of  banks  at  State  level  be monitored as 'Credit as per place of Utilization + Total resource support provided to States under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund', and at district level as 'Credit as per place of Sanction'. It further states  that,  in  case  of  credit  proposals  received  at  district  level  but  not  sanctionable  there  due  to limitations of the sanctioning power and sanctioned at bank's Head office/ controlling offices and the loan utilised/  disbursed  in  districts  through  branches,  are  treated  as  loan  sanctioned  and  utilised  at district level. Such loans are factored in the CD ratio of the district. While all loans being utilized for factories in the State are included in the CD ratio of that State, the loans which are sanctioned and disbursed outside the district, even though being utilized for factories in the same district, may not be included in the CD ratio of that district.

State Level Banker's Committee (SLBC), Uttar Pradesh has informed that the loans disbursed to the factories  engaged  in  production  activities  in  GB  Nagar  and  Ghaziabad  are  accounted  in  the  Credit Deposit Ratio of Uttar Pradesh since advances are accounted as per place of Utilization.

Further, there has been an improvement in the CD Ratio of Uttar Pradesh as well as GB Nagar and Ghaziabad in last 5 years. CD Ratio of the State has risen from 51.7% as on 31.03.2021 to 59.04% as on 31.03.2025. The CD ratio of GB Nagar and Ghaziabad during the same period improved from 54.3% to 60.7% and from 48.5% to 58.6% respectively.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3548 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Appraisal and Approval of CSSs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3548

ANSWER ON 11.08.2025

## Appraisal and Approval of CSSs and CSs

## 3548, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh:

- (a) the  objectives  and  scope  of  the  process  for  'Appraisal  and  Approval  of Centrally  Sponsored  Schemes  (CSSs) and  Central  Sector  Schemes  (CSs)'  initiated w.e.f. 29th May, 2025; (b) whether  the  exercise  includes  third-party  evaluation  of  existing  schemes, sunset reviews and an outcome-based assessment of existing schemes as outlined in the policy announced in the Union Budget 2016. (c) if so, the procedures and criteria being followed for such evaluation; (d) the number of schemes being run by the Government at present which are under re-appraisal along with the schemes requiring fresh cabinet approval; (e) whether the Government has laid down  any framework for resource allocations for schemes and;
- (f) if so, the criteria and formulae adopted for the said process?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c): The  objective  and  scope  of  the  'Appraisal  and  Approval  of  Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and Central Sector Schemes (CSs)' exercise initiated on 29th May, 2025 is based upon the policy announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech of 2016, which stated that ' To improve the quality of Government expenditure, every new scheme being sanctioned by Government will have a sunset date and outcome review' . Every scheme is subjected to an outcome review in the form of a third-party evaluation before it is presented for appraisal and approval for another cycle. The  evaluation exercise brings out, inter alia , the relevance, sustainability,  effectiveness,  equity,  coherence  and  impact  of  an  ongoing  scheme ensuring that, while appraising and approving a scheme for the next cycle, optimum use of public resources is made through improvement in the quality of government expenditure

- (d) Number  of  schemes  for  re-appraisal  and  the  proportion  which  will  require Cabinet's approval will depend upon the results of the evaluation exercise which will

be used by the Ministries to rationalise and re-formulate existing schemes and the fiscal resources projected to achieve the desired outputs and outcomes.

(e)  to  (f)    As  per  general  guidelines  issued  by  the  Department of  Expenditure,  the total  projected  outlay  of  a  continuing  scheme  will  be  assessed  from  expenditure during  FYs  2021-22  to  FY  2023-24  (AE)  and  FY  2024-25  (RE)  and  any  special requirements.

- *********