opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2971 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Technical Internship Programme
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2971

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 06.08.2025

## TECHNICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

## †2971.     SHRI HARIBHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Technical Internship Programme 2025 is being run by the Government, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the schemes under the Technical Internship Programme 2025 as on date;
- (c) the main objective of the Technical Internship Programme 2025 and the manner in which students can be benefitted under the said programme in terms of development of their skill; and
- (d) the manner in which the students belonging to the General, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) can drive direct benefit from the said programme along with the details thereof concerning the State of Gujarat including Mehsana Lok Sabha Constituency?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (d):   The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Digital India Corporation {a section 8 not-for-profit company of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology}, has introduced the Technical Internship Programme in 2025.

The  program  intends  to  support  NeGD  in  tapping  into  fresh  talent  and  innovative  ideas, contributing to the organization's mission of advancing digital governance initiatives.

The main objective of the Technical Internship Programme is to offer students a valuable platform to gain practical experience in a real-world, professional environment.

By working on live projects and collaborating with experienced professionals, interns develop critical technical and problem-solving skills. The details of the programme are as under:

- Biannual hiring of Technical interns i.e., - January and July.
- The duration of the internship is for six (06) months.
- Interested  and  eligible  students  can  submit  their  applications  online  in  the  prescribed application form available on the NeGD website at https://negd.gov.in/.

All students belonging to the General, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST), including those of the state of Gujarat, including those from the Mehsana Lok Sabha constituency, can derive direct benefit from

† O.I.H.

the program by applying for the program in the application window period, online at the NeGD website-  https://negd.gov.in/  and  thereby  contribute  to  the  advancement  of  digital  governance initiatives in the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2964 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Planetarium or Space Science Centre in Bihar
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Ranjan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2964

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 06, 2025

PLANETARIUM OR SPACE SCIENCE CENTRE IN BIHAR

## 2964.  SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  establish  a  modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in Bihar;
- (b) if so,  the  current  status  thereof  along  with  the  budget allocations and time-frame proposed for the same;
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  such  a project  in  future  to  promote  science  and  space  education  in backward region like Bihar so that school students and youth can develop scientific temper and interest in space science; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

****

O.I.H.

## (a) & (b)

As  of  now,  there  are  no  such  proposals  to  establish  modern Planetarium/ Space Science Centre in Bihar. However, Department will act positively and support such initiatives for establishment of modern planetarium in Bihar if such proposals will be received from concerned stakeholder(s).

(c) & (d) Recently,  the  Indian  Space  Research  Organisation  (ISRO)  has launched  several  educational  outreach  programs  across  various states,  including  Bihar,  to  inspire  and  train  students  in  space science and technology & promote science and space education in Bihar  state.  Notable  initiatives  include  YUVIKA,  Space  Tutors  & Space  on  Wheels  bus.  ISRO  has  been  inspiring  young  minds  and fostering  curiosity  about  space  science  through  its  innovative "Space on Wheels" outreach program. This mobile exhibition initiative  brings  the  wonders  of  space  exploration directly to students and communities across India, making science accessible even  in  remote  areas.  Recent  events  in  states  like  Telangana, Jharkhand  and  &  Bihar  have  showcased  ISRO's  commitment  to engaging  the  public with interactive displays  and educational content. Recently,  in  Jharkhand  and  Bihar,  the  Space  on  Wheels  program reached an impressive 30,000 individuals, covering villages, towns, and educational institutions in 20 different locations, ensuring that the excitement of space exploration transcends geographical barriers.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2962 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Procurement of Foodgrains for Public Distribution
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2962

TO BE ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025

## PROCUREMENT OF FOODGRAINS FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## 2962. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD  AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

be pleased to state:

the  details of  the  budget allocated and disbursed for  the  procurement  of foodgrains for public distribution during the last three Financial Years 2022-23, 202324 and 2024-25?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIM ATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

Department of  Food and Public  Distribution  (DFPD)  reimburses the expenditure incurred by States, who have opted for  Decentralized Procurement (DCP) mode for  procurement/distribution  of food grain to the Central Schemes' beneficiaries as per allocation of food-grains.

Funds are also released to  Food Corporation of  India  (FCI)  for  procurement, storage and movement of  food  grains from  Surplus State to  Deficit  State and for maintenance of  buffer  stocks. FCI further releases  funds to States for the quantum of food grains handed over by States to FCI under Central Pool. The Details of food subsidy released to FCI and DCP States during 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25  are as under:  -

## n Crore)

| ea r    | FCI           | DCPStates   | Total          |
|---------|---------------|-------------|----------------|
| 2022-23 | 2,00,2 1 9.20 | 72,282.50   | 2,72,501 .70   |
| 2023-24 | 1,39,66 1 .03 | 71 ,732.82  | 2, 1 1 ,393.85 |
|         | 1 ,29,089.40  | 70,4 1 0.60 | 1.99.500.00    |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2961 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Ration Shops in Haridwar
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2961

TO BE ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025

## RATION SHOPS IN IIARiDWAR

## 2961. SHRI TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT:

Will  the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a): whether all ration shops in the Haridwar  district  have been linked with  e-Point of  Sale (ePoS) machines and if  so, the details thereof;
- (b): whether irregularities  have been reported in the ration distribution  even after Aadhaar seeding;
- (c): whether any independent audit or survey has been conducted by the Government in this regard recently and if  so, the details thereof; and
- (d): whether the Government has made online complaint  system more effective  and if  so, the details thereon

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

- (a): All  608 Fair Price Shops (FPSs) of Haridwar district are equipped with ePoS devices and Aadhaar based authentication facility  is also available at these FPSs for Public  Distribution System (PDS) delivery.
- (b): No  such specific report received in the Department.
- (c): This Department has not  conducted recently any independent audit  or survey on the subject matter under consideration. However, this Department engaged  Monitoring  Institutions (MIs)  of  repute to undertake concurrent evaluation of  the implementation of  National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFS A)  in  different States/UTs for Phase-1 (2018-20) and Phase-I1 (202023).  Reports submitted by  the  MIs  are  available in public domain at https://nfsa.gov.in/portal/Concurrent\_Evaluation.

d): The  Government of India has  initiated various efforts to  capture beneficiaries grievances online. It  has developed the NFS A portal and the Mera Ration mobile app, where beneficiaries can  lodge their  complaints. Further, the  Government has launched the Anna Sahayata  platform to facilitate a structured and  technology-enabled grievance redressal mechanism, leveraging WhatsApp and IVRS services. Central portals are available to both Central  and  State  officials to  monitor grievances,  track  their status,  and  review pendency. Additionally, beneficiaries can also lodge their  grievances on the CPGRAMS  portal.

SeSeRSc +  +
Lok Sabha Question No. 2959 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Safety Inspection of Metro Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2959 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025

## SAFETY INSPECTION OF METRO RAILWAYS

## 2959.  DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased  to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government conducts any safety inspection of Metro railways;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  Grievance  Redressal  Mechanism  for  the  Metro rail commuters is functional;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e):  The  subject  of  metro  railways  is  dealt  with  by  the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) which functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is mandated  primarily to carry out safety certification  of  new  Metro  lines  before  opening  them  for  public carriage.  CMRS  ensures  that  statutory  safety  parameters  are complied with, prior to the commencement of operations, as per the provisions of the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act,  2002,  issued  by  Ministry  of  Housing  and  Urban  Affairs (MoHUA).

Metro rail corporations such as Delhi Metro, Mumbai Metro, Maha Metro, etc. have grievance redressal systems that include multiple channels for passenger support. The metros offer 24 X 7 customer  care  helpline  numbers,  online  complaint  portals  and mobile apps, dedicated email addresses, and active engagement through  social  media  platforms  for  real-time  assistance.  The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched a mobile application named 'Namo Bharat Connect App' for its commuters.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2956 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Jan Poshan Kendra Pilot Initiative
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Shri P P Chaudhary, Shri Praveen Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2956 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025

## JAN POSH AN KENDRA PILOT INITIATIVE

2956. SHRI PP CHAUDHARY: SHRI TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT: SHRI PRAVEEN PATEL:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD  AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a): the challenges addressed by the Government  through the Jan Poshan  Kendra pilot project;
- (b): the details of  names of  the  states in which  the  pilot  study of  this  modernisation initiative  has been initiated along with  the number of  Fair Price Shops (FPS) covered under the said project in the Country particularly in the Rajasthan especially in Pali Lok Sabha Constituency; and
- (C): the timeline and targets set for the completion of the said modernisation  process?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI  NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

(a) to (c): The Department of Food and Public Distribution has undertaken a pilot  study to  transform Fair Price Shops (FPSs) into Jan Poshan Kendra (JPK). The Government of India  has undertaken this  pilot  program to  enhance the financial  viability of  FPS dealers while  simultaneously focusing on improving the nutritional  outcomes of the beneficiaries.

Further, to address the skill  development challenges faced by Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, the department has imparted capacity building  training through National  Institute for Entrepreneurship and  Small  Business Development  (NIESBUD), Ministry of Skill Development  & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)  by  focusing  particularly  on  digital literacy, financial  literacy,  and entrepreneurial  skills  necessary  to adapt to  market changes  and explore new business opportunities.

Currently, under this Pilot study, 90 FPSs have been converted to JPKs, i.e., 15 each from  4 cities,  namely  Hyderabad, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and 30 from  Indore.

States would be encouraged to participate in this initiative to any number they desire.

ScScSe See qc
Lok Sabha Question No. 2955 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Efficiency in Procurement Process
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2955

TO BE ANSWERED ON 6Tll AUGUST, 2025

## EFFICIENCY IN PROCUREMENT PROCESS

## 2955. SHRI AMAR SHARADRAO KALE:

Will the  Minister  of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a): whether the Government proposes to focus on the integration of  end-to-end technical solutions to achieve operational efficiency  and  ensure leak  proof procurement of wheat and paddy;
- (b): if  so, the details thereof; and
- (c): whether there is any possibility  to ensure end-to-end integrated technical solutions  in the procurement process and if so, the details thereoP

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

- (a) to (c): The Government has adopted technological improvements in  procurement processes across the  country. The  Information  technology (IT) interventions towards enhancement of transparency in procurement operations are as given below:
1. Procurement of  Paddy and Wheat under Minimum  Support Price (MSP) operations is carried out through Online  Portals of State Governments,  which  has brought substantial transparency in  the process with  introduction of  registration of farmers for  sale of their produce at govt. procuring centers/ mandis, online land verification and online payment of  MSP directly  into the farmer's bank account.
11. Procurement portals also provide information  regarding MSP declared, nearest purchase center, date/period of  procurement, allotment of  slots/time to farmers for  sale of their produce, etc. This has not only  reduced the waiting  period for  delivery  of  stock by the farmers but also has enabled the farmer to  deliver stock as per his convenience  to the nearest man(ii.
111. State procurement  portals have been unified  into  Central Food Grains Procurement Portal (CFPP) to  share identified MTP (Minimum Threshold Parameters) including Aadhaar based biometric- authentication of  farmers towards development of  an application eco-system, wherein requisite information  in  respect of  procurement  is available  at single source for  monitoring  and strategic decision-making.

- iv. 'One Nation, One MSP through DBT'  implemented across the country from RMS 202122 onwards which has ensured payment of  MSP directly into farmers' account. DBT of MSP has brought in responsibility, transparency &  real time monitoring  in the system.
- v. In order to bring transparency  in linking of rice millers to the FCI's depots and allocation of space to them for delivery of Custom Milled  Rice (CMR), an online application Warehouses Inventory Network &  Governing System (WINGS)  has been introduced on which  millers themselves can book stacks as per pre-defined criteria.

Se+:+: ScieSc
Lok Sabha Question No. 2953 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: India Post Payments Bank
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2953 ANSWERED ON 6 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK

## 2953.   SHRI RAJESH NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the number of Postal Banks (India Post Payments Bank) currently operating in the Country;

- (b) the details of services being provided by the Government through Postal Banks;
- (c) the provisions made to promote the services of Postal Banks;
- (d) the provisions made for the expansion of Government Schemes through these Banks; and
- (e) the details of number of persons benefited through this Scheme in the State of Gujarat so far?

## ANSWER

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

(a) There  is  only  one  Payments  bank,  i.e.,  India  Post  Payments  Bank  (IPPB),  set  up  under Department of Posts. The  Bank has 1 Branch, 649 Banking Outlets and  1.64  lakh access  points through the post office network.

(b) IPPB is offering  a  range  of  services  and  products,  such  as  savings  and  current  accounts, Virtual Debit Card, Domestic Money Transfer services, bill and utility payments, insurance services, Post Office Savings Account (POSA) linkage with IPPB accounts, online payment for Post Office Savings schemes, Digital Life Certificate (DLC), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), mobile number update in Aadhaar and Child Enrolment services for any child of 0-5 years old.

(c) IPPB's signages have been installed across all Post offices to inform the public about the availability  of  IPPB  services.  Department  of  Posts  and  IPPB  regularly  conduct  camps  for popularising IPPB products and services, particularly in rural areas. Various awareness and media campaigns are run through visual and print media, radio jingles and social media from time to time.

(d) IPPB  has  enabled  doorstep  delivery  through  Mobile  Devices  for  expansion  in  access  to Government schemes like payments to Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) beneficiaries, issue of Digital Life Certificates and mobile number update in Aadhaar, etc.

(e) In Gujarat, IPPB has opened 38.42 lakh Savings Accounts. There are 11.71 lakh customers who  are  DBT  beneficiaries.  Further,  Aadhaar  based  services  have  been  provided  to  9.45  lakh customers as on 30.06.2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2948 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-06
Subject: Digital Skilling Facility in Jalpaiguri
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2948

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 06.08.2025

## DIGITAL SKILLING FACILITY IN JALPAIGURI

## 2948.  DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to establish a Common Services Center (CSC) hub or digital skilling facility in Jalpaiguri district headquarters and if so, the details thereof; and (b)  whether  cyber  awareness  and  online  safety  programmes  have  been  rolled  out  for  school
- students and senior citizens in Jalpaiguri, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a): Common Services Centres (CSCs) are established throughout the country to provide citizencentric services. The centres are set up by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). State and district wise details of CSCs, including Jalpaiguri district, are available on the website https://csc.gov.in/.

There is no specific proposal under consideration with MeitY for establishing a dedicated Common Services Centre (CSC) hub or digital skilling facility in the district headquarters of Jalpaiguri.

- (b): The  Government  is  implementing  a  project  on  'Information  Security  Education  and Awareness (ISEA)' for generating human resources in the area of Information Security. It also aims at creating general awareness on various aspects of cyber hygiene/cyber security among the masses.
- 3,711  awareness  workshops  on  Information  Security  have  been  organized  through direct/virtual mode across the country
- 8,33,143 participants from various school &  colleges students, teachers, faculty, Government personnel, LEAs, general users, parents, women, CSCs, etc are covered
- One awareness workshop has been organized in Jalpaiguri district covering 60 participants
- 1,32,510 school teachers, police personnel, volunteers, etc. have been trained as master trainers in 59 training programs
- ~15  crores  estimated  beneficiaries  have  been  covered  in  indirect  mode  through  Cyber Safety and Cyber Security awareness weeks organized in select cities
- Mass awareness programs broadcasted on Doordarshan/All India Radio
- Multi-lingual  awareness  material  in  the  form  of  handbooks,  short  videos,  posters, brochures, cartoon stories for children, etc. are disseminated through print, electronics & social media
- This material is also available at  www.isea.gov.in and https://staysafeonline.in/

Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK) is a citizen-centric service provided by CERT-In, which extends the vision of Swachh Bharat to the cyber space. Cyber Swachhta Kendra is the Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre and helps to detect malicious programs and provides free tools to remove the same, and also provides cyber security tips and best practices for citizens.

*****