opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3121 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Observation Car/Inspection Car/Saloon
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3121

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## OBSERVATION CAR/INSPECTION CAR/SALOON

†3121. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that Observation Car/Inspection Car/Saloon is being used by Railways;
- (b) if so, the details thereof across the country, division-wise;
- (c) the name of authorities of the Railways who are competent to use the said system;
- (d) the time by which this system was started;
- (e)  whether  this  system  is  still  useful  keeping  in  view  of  the  present democratic and result-oriented public enterprise system, if so, the views of the Government in this regard;
- (f)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Railway's  Gold  Pass,  according  to  which senior Railway officials along with their families are enabled to travel by train  throughout  the  year,  also  uses  the  said  Observation  Car/Inspection Car or Saloon; and
- (g) if so, whether the Government proposes to review this arrangement?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (g) Inspection Carriages are used  by authorised officials to undertake their journey for inspection.

Presently, 352 Inspection Carriages are available on Indian Railways. The  travel  authority/passes  permit  travel  of  family  members  while  on duty, as per Railway Servant Pass Rules. Inspection  Carriages  are  essential  requirement  for  Field  Inspections. Standing instructions direct Railway Officers to use Inspection Carriages for inspection purpose only.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3120 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Implementation of the BharatNet Project
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3120 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BHARATNET PROJECT

## 3120.   SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government intends to expand the outlay for the BharatNet scheme in order to provide speedy internet to rural areas;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government plans to launch a specific programme for Scheduled Areas;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government has a plan to ensure 5G connectivity via BharatNet across all areas; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) Yes, Government has approved Amended BharatNet Program for providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) including Scheduled Areas in ring topology. The program also has provision of connectivity to all non-GP villages on demand basis.

- (e) & (f) The utilization  of BharatNet includes fiberization  of mobile towers and the choice  of technology is decided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) on techno-commercial consideration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Doubling of Shivpur-Kathautia Rail Line Project
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3118

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## DOUBLING OF SHIVPUR-KATHAUTIA RAIL LINE PROJECT

3118. SHRI DULU MAHATO

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  sanctioned  the  proposal  for  the doubling of the Shivpur-Kathautia rail line project and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the current status and the total cost of the Shivpur-Kathautia rail line project;
- (c)  the  details  of  the  existing  line  capacity  and  the  proposed enhancement in capacity post-completion of the project;
- (d)  whether there is any plans to introduce new trains on this railway section;
- (e)  if so, the details thereof; and
- (f)   if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (f)  :    Shivpur-  Kathautia  (47  Km)  new  line  project  has  been sanctioned  at  a  cost  of    Rs.1799  Cr  and  track  has  been  laid  on Kathautia  -  Duari  (14  Km)  section.  Work  has  been  taken  up  on balance section.

Introduction of new trains on this line can be considered only after commissioning of the project.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for doubling of Shivpur- Kathautia (47 Km)  has  also been  prepared. The  cost of the project is approximately Rs.718 cr.

Sanctioning  of  project  requires  consultation  with  various  stakeholders  including  State  Governments  and  necessary  approvals  viz. appraisal  of  NITI  Aayog,  Ministry  of  Finance  etc.  Timelines  can  be estimated only after approval process is completed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3116 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: MoU between India and Argentina on Lithium Exploration
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Miteshbhai Rameshbhai Patel, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava, Shri Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3116

ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## MoU BETWEEN INDIA AND ARGENTINA ON LITHIUM EXPLORATION

†3116. SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI HASMUKHBHAI SOMABHAI PATEL:

SHRI MITESH PATEL BAKABHAI:

SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the expected long-term benefits of the MoU signed between India and Argentina in the context of lithium exploration;
- (b) the details of the key provisions of the said MoU including the scope of cooperation and financial commitments;
- (c)  the  steps  being  taken  to  ensure  that  lithium  imports  from  Argentina  remain  stable and are not impacted by geopolitical risks; and
- (d) whether the Indian private sector companies are likely to be allowed to participate in lithium  mining  and  processing  activities  under  the  said  MoU  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): Argentina holds large lithium reserves and is a key player in the global lithium market. Recognizing the strategic importance of lithium for clean energy and technology sectors,  a  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  was  signed  on  August  26,  2022 between Ministry of Mines of the Government of India and the Secretariat of Mining of the Ministry of Economy of Argentina for cooperation in mineral resources.

The long-term benefits of this MoU include securing a stable lithium supply for India's growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries, and strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two nations.

(b): This MoU outlines scope of cooperation which inter-alia includes cooperation in lithium  exploration,  extraction,  and  processing.  It  emphasizes  knowledge  sharing  on sustainable  mining  practices,  facilitates  investment  and  partnerships  between  two nations, encourages joint research and development (R&D) and training and capacity building of Geo-scientists.

As  per  the  MoU,  each  participant  will  cover  their  own  expenses  related  to collaborative activities undertaken for fulfilment of the objective of the MoU. However, at present there is no specific direct financial commitments.

(c): To  ensure  a  stable  supply  of  lithium  and  mitigate  geopolitical  risks,  India  is adopting a multi-faceted approach. This includes diversifying its sources by engaging with  multiple  lithium-rich  nations,  fostering  long-term  agreements  and  strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

(d): The MoU is designed to encourage the participation  of both  Indian  PSUs  and private sector companies in lithium mining and processing activities in Argentina.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Regulation of Obscene Content on YouTube
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3103

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## REGULATION OF OBSCENE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE

3103. SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  references  from  Members  of Parliament,  representation  from  statutory  organizations  along  with  public grievances  regarding  alleged  spread  of  obscene,  pornographic  and  vulgar content  published  by  certain  publishers  of  Online  Curated  Content  (OTT) platforms  and  social  media  especially  in  the  aftermath  of  the  Hon'ble Supreme Court advocacy for the regulation of obscene content on YouTube; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(DR. L MURUGAN):

(a) & (b): The Government has notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines  and  Digital  Media  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021  (IT  Rules,  2021)  on 25th February, 2021 under Information Technology Act, 2000. Part-III of these Rules, administered by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, provides for a Code of Ethics for publishers of online curated content  (OTT  platforms)  which,  inter  alia,  requires  the  publishers  not  to transmit any content which is prohibited by law for the time being in force and to undertake age based self-classification of content into 5 categories, based on general guidelines provided in the Schedule to the Rules. Besides, Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000 provides for notification by appropriate Governments   of  unlawful act or content  to the intermediaries for removing/disabling access to such content.  Regarding obscene content on OTT platforms, the Government takes action against such content under the existing statutory framework. Towards this end the Ministry has also issued an advisory dated 19.02.2025 to  OTT  platforms  and  Self-regulatory  Bodies  of  OTT  platforms  for  ensuring adherence  to  Indian  laws  and  the  Code  of  Ethics  laid  down  under  the  IT

Rules, 2021 while hosting of content on their platforms.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3102 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Reducing Fare of Vande Bharat Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Md. Rakibul Hussain

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3102

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## REDUCING FARE OF VANDE BHARAT TRAIN

3102. MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has considered to reduce  the fares of the Vande Bharat Express to make this premium  train service more affordable  for  a  larger  section  of  the  population,  particularly  for lower-income groups; and
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  steps  being  taken  to  ensure  that the Vande Bharat Express remains financially accessible while maintaining the quality and safety of the services provided?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) & (b) Indian Railway fixes the fares with due consideration of the cost  of  service,  value  of  service,  what  passengers  can  bear, competition from other competing modes, socio economic considerations etc. The fares of various trains / classes is based on the  facilities  provided  in  these  trains.  Indian  Railways  (IR)  run various  types  of  train  services  for  different  types  of  passenger segments. Evaluation and rationalization of passenger fares, including those of Vande Bharat trains, is a continuous and on-going process.

Recently IR have introduced Amrit Bharat services, which are fully non-AC trains, presently comprising 12 Sleeper Class Coaches and 8 General  Class  coaches  providing  high  quality  services  to  larger section of the population, particularly lower income groups. These have modern State-of the Art technology, equipped with advanced features like Semi-Permanent couplers for jerk free travel, horizontal sliding windows, foldable snack table and bottle holders, mobile holders etc.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3086 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Combating Fake News
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3086 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## COMBATING FAKE NEWS

## 3086.  THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  serious  note  of  proliferation  of  fake  news  and inappropriate news by all kinds of media Print, Visual and Web;
- (b) if  so,  the details thereof along with the remedial action taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government is taking any concrete steps to tackle and curb the menace of fake news in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has any proposal to bring a legislation in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a)  to  (d):  The  Government  takes  all  possible  actions  to  control  the  spread  of  fake  and misleading  information  which  has  potential  to  adversely  affect  the  society  at  large.  In  this regard,  the  Government  has  various  statutory  and  institutional  mechanisms  in  place  to address fake news on various media platforms.

For Print Media, the newspapers have to adhere to 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' brought out  by  the  Press  Council  of  India  (PCI)  which,  inter  alia,  restrains  publication  of  fake/ defamatory/ misleading news. The Council holds inquiry into alleged violations of Norms, as per  section  14  of  the  Act,  and  may  warn,  admonish  or  censure  the  newspaper,  editors, journalists, etc. as the case may be.

The content on private satellite TV channels is required to adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, which, inter alia, provides that no  content  which  contains  anything  obscene,  defamatory,  deliberate,  false  and  suggestive innuendos  and  half-truths  is  broadcast  on  private  satellite  TV  channels.  Cable  Television Network (Amendment) Rules 2021, provides for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to  look  into  the  complaints  relating  to  the  violation  of  the  Code  by  the  TV  channels. Appropriate action is taken where violation of Programme Code is found.

For the content of publishers and news and current affairs on digital media, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021(IT Rules, 2021) provides for a Code of Ethics for such publishers.

A  Fact  Check  Unit  (FCU)  has  been  set  up  under  Press  Information  Bureau,  Ministry  of Information and Broadcasting in November, 2019 to check fake news relating to the Central Government. After verifying the authenticity of news from authorised sources in Ministries/ Departments  of  Government  of  India,  FCU  posts  correct  information  on  its  social  media platforms.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3084 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Advance Communication Satellite
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Shri Praveen Patel

## (a) & (b)

Technologies  related  to  advance  satellite  communications  such  as Optical Communication, Quantum Communications, Inter-Satellite Communication,  adoption  of  higher  frequency  bands  of  Q/V  bands  are under  development.  The  Technology  Demonstration  Satellite  (TDS-01) with the new technologies comprising of electrical propulsion, indigenous  high-power  Ku-Band  TWTA,  Quantum  Communication  and Technology  Demonstration  Satellite  (TDS-02)  with  Software  Defined Radio (SDR) payload are under realization.

****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3084

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

## ADVANCE COMMUNICATION SATELLITE

3084.  Shri Praveen Patel: Shri Biplab Kumar Deb:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government plans to develop the advanced satellite communication  requirements  of  the  country  since  the  global communication technologies are growing very fast; and
- (b)
- if so, the details of such programmes?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3083 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Startups associated with ISRO
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Dileshwar Kamait

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3083 STARTUPS ASSOCIATED WITH ISRO

## 3083.  SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  any  other  startups  are  associated  with  ISRO  to launch their rockets after the launch of Skyroot rocket;
- (b) the support extended by ISRO along with nature of association of ISRO with these startups; and
- (c) the number of such startups associated with the department at present?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****

- (a) Yes sir. M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd is engaged with IN-SPACe and ISRO.
- (b) The support extended to the startups includes, non-exclusive access  to  ISRO  test  facilities  for  testing  of  systems/sub-

O.I.H

systems of the launch vehicle, provisioning of launch vehicle systems/sub-systems, launch support for launches from ISRO launch pads, technical review of launch vehicles, etc. All these supports are being extended  to the start-ups through a mechanism established by IN-SPACe. (c) There are currently three startups engaged with the Department  of  Space:  Skyroot  Aerospace  Pvt.  Ltd,  Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd. and Ethereal Exploration Guild Pvt. Ltd.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3082 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: New Railway Line between Jabalpur and Indore
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3082 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## NEW RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN JABALPUR AND INDORE

†3082. SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of present status and progress of the new 342 km long railway  line  from  Jabalpur  to  Indore  via  Gadarwara  and  Budhni under West Central Railways;
- (b) the total amount of funds allocated and spent so far for the said project; and
- (c) the target fixed for completion of the said project along with time by which the said project is likely to be completed under present circumstances?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c): The new line work between Indore (Mangaliyagaon) and Budni (205 Km) has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹3261.82 cr.  An expenditure of  ₹948.37  cr.  has  been  incurred  upto  March-2024  and  an  outlay  of ₹1107.25 cr. has been allocated for this project for the year 2024-25. The work between Jabalpur (Gadarwara) and Budni (137 Km) has not been taken  forward  as  both  are  already  connected  via  Itarsi  through existing network and there is no significant reduction in the distance between the two places.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3079 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Internet and Broadband Penetration
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3079 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH  MARCH, 2025

## INTERNET AND BROADBAND PENETRATION

## 3079.   SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the statistics detailing the growth in the total number of telephone connections over the last decade;
- (b) the information on the growth in Internet and broadband penetration during this period; and
- (c) the details regarding any increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) The growth in  the  total  number  of  telephone  connections,  internet  and  broadband subscriptions over the last decade are as follows:
- (c) Telecom Sector has been one of the largest recipients of Foreign Direct Investment. Telecom Sector has received FDI of 25.16 Billion US dollars in the period 2014-2024 as against 12.83 Billion US dollars in the period 2004-14.

|                                      |   As on 31.03.2014 |   As on 31.03.2024 |   Growth (%) |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------|
| Telephone Connections (In Crores)    |              93.3  |             119.87 |        28.48 |
| Internet Subscriptions (In Crores)*  |              25.16 |              95.44 |       279.33 |
| Broadband Subscriptions (In Crores)* |               6.09 |              92.41 |      1417.41 |

*Source: TRAI

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3074 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Restoration of Concession in Fare to Senior Citizen
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3074 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## RESTORATION OF CONCESSION IN FARE TO SENIOR CITIZEN

## 3074. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the reasons for not reinstating senior citizen  concessions postpandemic;
- (b) whether the Government plans to restore senior citizens concessions in train fares;
- (c) the details of alternative measures, if any, introduced by the Railways to support senior citizens after withdrawing the concession; and
- (d) the details of the amount of revenue saved by Railways annually since the suspension of senior citizen concessions in March 2020?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d):  Indian  Railways  strives  to  provide  affordable  services  to  all strata  of  the  society  and  gave  subsidy  of  Rs.  56,993  cr  on  passenger tickets in 2022-23. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to every  person,  travelling  on  Railways.  In  other  words,  if  the  cost  of providing service is Rs. 100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 54 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy  amount  are  continuing  for  many  categories  like  4  categories  of Persons  with  disabilities  (Divyangjans),  11  categories  of  patients  and  8 categories of students.

*****