opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4028 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Increase in Disability Pension
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4028 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 25/03/2025

## INCREASE IN DISABILITY PENSION

†4028. Shri Amra Ram:

Will  the  Minister  of  SOCIAL  JUSTICE  AND  EMPOWERMENT be  pleased  to state:

- (a)  whether the Union Government proposes to increase the Government's share in the pension amount of persons with disability from Rs. 300 to Rs. 5000;
- (b) if so, the time by which it is likely to be implemented and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether the Government proposes to provide legal guarantee of pension to persons with disability and if so, by when and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  release  the  outstanding  pension  share  of Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI B.L. VERMA)

(a)  &  (b)  The  central  pension  under  the  Indira  Gandhi  National  Disability  Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is Rs. 300/- per month per beneficiary for age of 18-79 years and Rs 500/-per month for age of 80 years and  above.  States/UTs  Government  have  been  advised  to  contribute  at  least  an  equal amount  from  their  resources.  At  present  disabled  beneficiaries  are  getting  pension between Rs. 300/- to  Rs.  4016/-depending  on  the  State  pension  Top-up  amount  which varies from State to State.

While  considering  the  continuation  of  National  Social  Assistance  Programme  (NSAP) schemes for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-26), the revision in beneficiary coverage and rate of assistance under the schemes were considered by the Government. However,  considering  the  available  financial  space,  the  Government  has  approved continuation of NSAP schemes in its present form.

At  present,  no  proposal  to  increase  the  rate  of  assistance  under  NSAP  is  under consideration.

(c) No such proposal is under consideration.

(d)  In  the  current  financial  year  i.e. 2024-25,  funds  amounting to  Rs.  608.67 crore has been released to the State of Rajasthan  under NSAP schemes for all 4 Quarters of FY 2024-25 and pending liabilities of previous years.

At present, no proposal of State of Rajasthan for release of funds under NSAP is pending.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4018 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Diseases affecting Coconut and Arecanut Plantations
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4018

TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH  MARCH, 2025

## DISEASES AFFECTING COCONUT AND ARECANUT PLANTATIONS

4018.  SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  is  aware  of  the  increased  incidence  of  red  palm  weevil, rhinoceros beetle and bud rot diseases affecting coconut and arecanut plantation in South Goa;
- (b) whether the Coconut Development Board and the National Horticulture Board have taken  any  steps  to  provide  technical  and  financial  support  to  affected  farmers,  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (c) whether any pest management program under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) or any Central assistance scheme is being planned for South Goa, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a) to (c): Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Goa and State Agriculture Department conduct regular surveys  for  monitoring  of  infestation  of  pests  and  disease  in  coconut  and  arecanut plantation  in  South  Goa  and  observed  that  there  is  low  level  of  infestation  of  red  palm weevil,  rhinoceros  beetle  and  bud  rot  diseases  in  coconut  plantations  and  Arecanut plantation.

The Coconut Development Board provides technical and financial support to coconut farmers in Goa and has assisted 83 projects for developing technology for pest and disease management  in  coconut  in  association  with  Central  Plantation  Crop  Research  Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, State Agricultural Universities etc. under the Technology Mission on Coconut (TMOC) scheme, and has released an amount of Rs. 2.65 Crores for implementing various field oriented developmental schemes in Goa during the last 5 years. Further,  the  Board  has  also  demonstrated  Integrated  Farming  in  821.37  ha  coconut holdings by utilizing Rs.1.77 Crore in Goa.

The Coconut Development Board has also conducted 72 awareness programmes for coconut  farmers  for  scientific  coconut  cultivation  practices  including  integrated  pest  and disease management in Goa during last 5 years. However, no specific pest management programme  under  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture  (MIDH)  is  being implemented in South Goa.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4016 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Survey to Assess Agricultural Household's Income
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4016

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  MARCH, 2025

## SURVEY TO ASSESS AGRICULTURAL HOUSEHOLD's INCOME

4016.  ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  still  relies  on  the  77 th   round  of  NSS  survey  of  2019  for assessing agricultural household's income;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted any further survey to assess the rise in income after setting the target of doubling of farmer's income by 2022; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a) to (c): National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics  and  Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal agency for conducting surveys and collecting data. The latest  Situation  Assessment  Survey  (SAS)  of  Agricultural  Households  was  conducted  by National Statistical Office (NSO), during NSS 77th round (January, 2019 - December, 2019) with reference to the agricultural year July, 2018- June, 2019 in the rural areas of the country. Since then, the NSO has not conducted any similar surveys.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4014 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Model Prison Manual
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Dilip Saikia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4014

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH  MARCH, 2025/ CHAITRA 4, 1947 (SAKA)

MODEL PRISON MANUAL

†4014. SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  after  the  formulation  of  Model Prison Manual and the details thereof; and

(b) the details of results achieved during the last three years?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

(a)  and  (b): The  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  had  prepared  a  Model  Prison Manual  in  the  year  2016  and  had  circulated  it  to  all  States  and  Union Territories (UTs)  on 30.5.2016 for adopting the same in their respective jurisdictions. The Model Prison Manual, 2016 aims to bring uniformity in basic principles governing prisons and correctional institutions across the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been regularly following up the matter of  adopting  the  Model  Prison  Manual  with  all  States  and  UTs, through  various  written  communications  as  well  as meetings  held  with prison authorities from time to time.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 4014 FOR 25.03.2025

As  a  result  of  the  above,  20  States  and  all  8  Union  Territories  have confirmed adoption of the provisions of the Model Prison Manual 2016 in their respective jurisdictions. 8 States are yet to adopt the Model Prison Manual.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4010 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Codex Committee
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4010 ANSWERED ON 25/03/2025

## CODEX COMMITTEE

4010.  SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR: SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY: SMT. D K ARUNA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मं त्री ) be pleased to state:

(a) whether  there  are  any  assessing  evolving  regulatory  challenges  the  Government  has underscored  the  Board's  commitment  to  harmonising  global  spice  standards  through  active participation in the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, facilitating smoother trade and reducing technical barriers; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and present status along with the details of investments made and spent therefor?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य और उद्योग मं त्रालय में राज्य मं त्री श्री णिणिन प्रसाद

## ( )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b) The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was established in 2013 at the 36 th Session of Codex Alimentarius Commission, with India as the host country for the Committee and Spices Board as the Secretariat.

The Committee has so far developed 14 full-fledged international Codex Standards for 16 spices. The standards developed by CCSCH for spices are  (1) black / white / green pepper, (2) cumin, (3) thyme, (4) basil, (5) oregano, (6) ginger, (7) garlic, (8) cloves, (9) chilli-pepper & paprika, (10)  nutmeg,  (11)  saffron,  (12)  turmeric,  (13)  small  cardamom  and  (14)  group  standard  for allspice, juniper berries and star anise. These standards are voluntary. However, they may form the  basis  of  national  regulations  for  Codex  member  countries  and  adoption  of  these  standards help  in  bringing  consistency  in  regulations,  thereby  reducing  technical  barrier  and  facilitating smoother trade.

So far 7 sessions of CCSCH have been organized in India. India, as a host country for CCSCH, makes arrangements for the meetings of CCSCH. A total expenditure of Rs. 6.99 crores has been incurred for organizing these 7 sessions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4009 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Import of Steel
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Imran Masood

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4009

FOR ANSWER ON 25.03.2025

## IMPORT OF STEEL

4009. SHRI IMRAN MASOOD:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps being taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of the increasing steel import and inflation on the domestic steel prices especially on the prices of the hot-rolled coil prices;
- (b) whether the Government is planning to impose duties or tariffs on imported steel in order to support domestic manufacturers and protect them from dumping practices;
- (c) if so, the time by which it is likely to be planned;
- (d) the manner in which the Government intends to balance inflationary pressures with the  need  to  stimulate  domestic  steel  production  and  safeguard  capital  expenditure projects that depend on affordable steel; and
- (e)  the  measures  being  taken  to  improve  the  competitiveness  of  domestic  steel manufacturers to reduce dependency on imports in the long term?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

( a)to(e): Steel is a deregulated sector and steel prices are determined by demand supply dynamics of market forces. The Government acts as a facilitator, by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector.

Government  has  taken  following  steps  to  improve  the  competitiveness  of domestic steel manufacturers to reduce dependency on imports:-

- (i) Launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of 'Specialty Steel' within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.
- (ii) Introduction  of  steel  Quality  Control  Orders  thereby  banning  sub-standard/ defective steel products in domestic market as well as imports to ensure the availability of quality steel to the industry, users and public at large.
- (iii) Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting 'Made in India' steel for Government procurement.
- (iv) Anti  Dumping  Duty  (ADD)  measures  pertaining  to  some  steel  products  like seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron, alloy, or non-alloy steel (other than cast iron and stainless steel) (from China PR), electro-galvanized steel (from Korea RP, Japan, Singapore), stainless-steel seamless tubes and pipes (from China PR), welded  stainless  steel  pipes  and  tubes  (from  Vietnam  and  Thailand)  are  in  place currently.
- (v) Countervailing Duty (CVD) is in place for Welded Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes from China and Vietnam.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4006 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Setting up of Panchayati Raj Research Institute
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENTOF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4006

ANSWERED ON 25.03.2025

## SETTING UPOFPANCHAYATI RAJ RESEARCH INSTITUTE

## † 4006. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the Panchayati Raj System was first introduced in Nagaur, Rajasthan in the country;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to set up a national level Panchayati Raj Research Institute in Nagaur to strengthen the Panchayati Raj System; and
- (c) if so, the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

(PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

- (a) As per information available with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the system of Panchayati Raj was first implemented in the State of Rajasthan on 2 nd October, 1959 at Nagaur.
- (b) No, Sir
- (c) At the national level, the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), located in Hyderabad, serves as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Renowned as a premier center of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj, NIRD&PR plays a pivotal role in advancing initiatives and research in these areas. To further strengthen the rural development institutional network across the country, NIRD&PR offers guidance and support to 28 State Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, including one institute located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4002 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Delimitation of Gram Panchayats
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Rahul Kaswan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- †4002

ANSWERED ON- 25.03.2025

## DELIMITATION OF GRAM PANCHAYATS

## †4002. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether reorganization and delimitation of Gram Panchayats for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections is under consideration of the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether grievances and objections have been/are being forwarded to the officers at the Block level pertaining to the re-organisation and delimitation of Gram Panchayats in different States including Rajasthan;

(d) if so, the details thereof in terms of the functioning of the Government maintaining fairness and transparency;

(e) whether the objections/grievances received from the people are not being disposed of as per the laid down criteria; and

(f) if so, the details thereof including Rajasthan?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (f) 'Panchayat', being 'Local Government', is a State subject and part of State List of Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. Panchayats are set up and operate through the respective State Panchayati Raj Acts which may vary from State to State, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. Article 243C(1) of the Constitution empowers the Legislature of a State to make provisions with respect to the composition of Panchayats provided that the ratio between the population of the territorial area of a Panchayat at any level and the number of seats in such Panchayat to be filled by election shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the State. Article 243E(1) of the Constitution of India provides holding of elections to the Panchayats every five years. Accordingly, all matters relating to Panchayats, including to conduct elections to the Panchayats, reorganization and delimitation of Gram Panchayats, criteria for disposal of grievances or objections and maintaining fairness and transparency in the process, fall within the purview of State Government.

The State Government of Rajasthan has informed that they have authorised the

District Collectors to publish notices for proposals and objections in reorganisation and delimitation of Gram Panchayats/Panchayat Samitis and for due consideration/disposal of received objections/complaints in this regard. The District Collectors concerned send final proposal to the State Government for approval.

The State Government has further informed that a five membered Cabinet SubCommittee has been formed to review the recommendations sent by the District Collectors. After reviewing the received recommendations, the Cabinet Sub-Committee submits the final proposal to Hon'ble Chief Minister.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3999 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Policy to Revive Silk Industry
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Shri Chintamani Maharaj, Shri Arun Govil

## POLICY TO REVIVE SILK INDUSTRY

3999. SHRI ARUN GOVIL: SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ: SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG: SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a)  the  policy  initiatives  being  implemented by the Government to revive, sustain and protect the silk industry;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  special  economic  package  for  the  silk  sector  in  the country; and

(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise?

उत्तर

ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (c): The  Government  through  Central  Silk  Board  has  been  implementing  Silk  Samagra-2 scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the overall development of sericulture industry in the country from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Under  the  scheme,  financial  assistance  is  provided  to  states  towards  implementation  of  various beneficiary  oriented  field  level  critical  interventions,  which  includes  raising  of  kissan  nurseries, silkworm  rearing  packages  (includes assistance for plantation, irrigation, rearing house, rearing equipments  &  prophylactic  measures),  establishment  of  chawki  rearing  centres  in  pre-cocoon  sector, support & infrastructure oriented interventions for silkworm seed sector, silk reeling, spinning, weaving, processing components meant for post cocoon sector.

So far, the central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provide to States to cover around 78,000 beneficiaries under Silk Samagra-2 scheme towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components covering both pre & post cocoon activities/machineries for the growth and sustainability of sericulture sector.

Additionally, through Research & Development activities, the production and productivity of silk has been improved to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in silk sector.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3995 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-25
Subject: Schemes by NCDC for Women Cooperatives
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Shri Satish Kumar Gautam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3995 TO BE ANSWERED ON  25th MARCH, 2025

## Schemes by NCDC for Women Cooperatives

## 3995.   Shri Satish Kumar Gautam:

Will the Minister of Cooperation ( सहकारिता मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any special scheme is being implemented by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for women cooperatives, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the financial assistance provided by NCDC to the women cooperatives during the last three years; and

(c) the details of the financial assistance disbursed to the women cooperatives for infrastructure projects?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

- (a): National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), is implementing the following two schemes exclusively for women cooperatives:
- (i) Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna The objectives of this scheme are to facilitate access to the affordable, cost-effective and reliable financial services to the poor, to facilitate women Self  Help  Groups  (SHGs)  to  access  adequate  bank  credit  to  undertake  the common/collective socio-economic activities and to  promote sustainable livelihood. Under  this  scheme,  Primary  Agricultural  Credit  Societies  (PACS),  District  Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and SHGs Federated Cooperatives/Cooperative Federations are eligible for NCDC assistance.
- (ii) Nandini SahakarNandini Sahakar scheme of NCDC is a women focused framework of  financial  assistance,  project  formulation,  hand-holding  and  capacity  development aimed at assisting women cooperatives take up business model-based activities in any sector,  except  urban  housing.  The  objectives  of  this  scheme  are  aligned  with  the principles  of  Atmanirbhar  Bharat.  This  initiative  supports  women  cooperatives  by fostering  entrepreneurial  dynamism  through  inputs  like  enterprise  development, business  planning,  capacity  building,  and  financial  support  via  credit  and  interest subvention.
- (b): NCDC has disbursed total financial assistance of Rs.3099.33 crore to women cooperatives during the last three years as under:

(Rs. in crore)

| Year   |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |   2024-25 (till 18.03.2025) |   Total |
|--------|-----------|-----------|-----------------------------|---------|
| Amount |   1437.24 |    711.55 |                      950.54 | 3099.33 |

- (c): Details  of  the  financial  assistance  disbursed  by  NCDC  to  the  women  cooperatives  for infrastructure projects are as under:

## (Rs. in Crore)

|   S.No. | Financial Year            |   Amount |
|---------|---------------------------|----------|
|       1 | 2022-23                   |    1.101 |
|       2 | 2023-24                   |    1.179 |
|       3 | 2024-25 (till 18.03.2025) |    0.089 |
|       4 | Total                     |    2.369 |

*****