opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2864 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: SEZs in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2864 ANSWERED ON 18/03/2025

## SEZS IN TAMIL NADU

## 2864.  DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

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

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  Tamil  Nadu  has  the  highest  concentration  of  operational  Special Economic Zones (SEZs);
- (b) whether the  Government has initiated  the  development  of  any  Special  Economic  Zone  in South Chennai Parliamentary Constituency;
- (c) if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor along with the share of Tamil Nadu in total exports;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  establish  manufacturing  and  export  Special Economic Zones in the State of Tamil Nadu; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## 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) In the State of Tamil Nadu, a total of 58 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are notified, of which 49 SEZs are operational. The total number of operational SEZs in the country is 276.

(b) to (e) The SEZs set up in the country under the SEZ Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006, including in South Chennai Parliamentary Constituency, are primarily private investment driven initiatives which may be established either jointly  or  severally  by  the  Central  Government, State  Governments  or any person.  The  proposals  for  setting  up  of  SEZs  are  approved  by  the  Board  of  Approval  (BoA)  on  the recommendation of the concerned State Government.

The share of Tamil Nadu in total exports from SEZs during the last three years is as under :-

|   Sl. No. | Year    | Total Exports from SEZs (INR-Crore)   | Total Exports from SEZs located in Tamil Nadu (INR-Crore)   | %share of Tamil Nadu exports in the total exports of the country from SEZs   |
|-----------|---------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | 2021-22 | 9,90,747                              | 1,36,329                                                    | 14%                                                                          |
|         2 | 2022-23 | 12,63,578                             | 1,72,580                                                    | 14%                                                                          |
|         3 | 2023-24 | 13,55,220                             | 1,77,930                                                    | 13%                                                                          |

*Data Source: NSDL

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2863 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Price of Northern Tea and Southern Tea
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Raja A

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2863 ANSWERED ON 18/03/2025

## PRICE OF NORTHERN TEA AND SOUTHERN TEA

## 2863.  SHRI RAJA A:

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

(a) whether  there  is  price  differentiation  between  Northern  Tea  and  Southern  Tea,  in  the minimum fixed price for tea as announced by the authorities;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether  representations  and  petitions  have  come  from  small  tea  growers  from  South India, especially Nilgiris district to increase the minimum fixed price for tea as the current fixed price is inadequate due to rising production costs;

(d) if  so,  whether  the  Ministry  would  consider  to  come  up  with  fair  price  for  green  tea leaves, as there is decreasing soil fertility, climate change and rise in cost of production; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद)

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

(a) & (b) Currently, there is no provision for fixing minimum price for made tea. Regarding green tea leaf price, District Average Green Leaf tea Price is declared on monthly basis for all tea growing districts of the country based on the average auction price of tea manufactured by the bought leaf factories of a district.

(c) to (e) In  order  to  ensure  fair  price  realization  to  the  tea  growers  especially  the  small growers, Tea Board had introduced Price Sharing Formula (PSF) for fair sharing of sale proceeds between the grower and the manufacturer in a certain ratio based on the cost of production of green leaf and made tea. Further, in order to ensure proper implementation of PSF, prices for green leaf are fixed based on average auction price and notified for each tea district and payment of  green  leaf  price  to  the  growers  is  monitored  by  the  District  Green  Leaf  Price  Monitoring Committees headed by the District Magistrates.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2862 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: PMGSY in Jhargram
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Kalipada Saren Kherwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2862 ANSWERED ON 18/03/2025

## PMGSY IN JHARGRAM

## 2862. SHRI KALIPADA SAREN KHERWAL:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  from Jhargram district (West Bengal) to construct rural roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY), if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  number  of  roads  constructed  and  upgraded  in  Jhargram constituency during the last five years; and
- (c) the details of funds granted for repair/upgrade and construction of rural roads in theJhargram constituency during the said period?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

- (a): The  State  of  West  Bengal  has  been  sanctioned  all  projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) -I & II. The State of West Bengal has been allocated a target of 6,287.50 Km of road length  under PMGSY-III,  out  of  which  4236.62  Km  road  length, including  103.30  km  in  Jhargram  district,  has  been  sanctioned  to strengthen rural connectivity and accelerate economic growth.
- (b): Parliamentary Constituency wise data regarding PMGSY implementation  is  not  maintained  in  the  Ministry.The  details  of roads  constructed  and  upgraded  during  the  last  five  years  in  the district  Jhargram  of  West  Bengal  under  the  various  interventions/ verticals of the PMGSY are given below: -

| Year    | Number of roads constructed/upgraded   |
|---------|----------------------------------------|
| 2019-20 | 25                                     |
| 2020-21 | 17                                     |
| 2021-22 | 18                                     |
| 2022-23 | 14                                     |
| 2023-24 | -                                      |
| Total:  | 74                                     |

(c): 'Rural road' is a State subject. As per the  programme guidelines  of  PMGSY,  reconstruction  and  maintenance  of  roads constructed under the programme is the responsibility of the State Governments. An expenditure of 41.11 crore has been incurred by the State Government for maintenance of PMGSY roads in Jhargram constituency during the last five years.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2856 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Animal Welfare Festival
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Vijay Baghel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2856 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th  MARCH, 2025

## ANIMAL WELFARE FESTIVAL

## 2856.  SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING:

मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the special programmes or initiatives likely to be taken under the Animal Husbandry   and Animal Welfare Festival in the state of Chhattisgarh;
- (b) the steps taken to ensure participation of Farmers, dairy producers and animal welfare organisations in these activities;
- (c) whether  any  special  training  or  capacity  building  workshops  is  likely  to  be  organized  for veterinarians and animal care workers; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  particularly  in  respect  of  Durg  and  Bemetara  districts  Lok  Sabha constituency?

## ANSWER

THE HON'BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

(PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) As  per  the  Livestock  Development  Department of Chhattisgarh, under the Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Festival Month (14th January to 13th February 2025), extended until 13th March 2025, the State organized 960 Animal Health Camps, 620 Infertility Camps, an Animal Birth Control Program, 138 Farmer Seminars, 23 Awareness Camps in schools/colleges, and 85 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Camps. Additionally, 11,180 animals received treatment, 11,697 were vaccinated, 16,476 free anti-rabies vaccines were administered, and 26,455 animals were dewormed. Furthermore, 419 artificial inseminations and 2,048 mass castrations were conducted.

The Animal Welfare Board of Chhattisgarh plans to organize block-level seminars for farmers and dairy producers to  educate  them  on  protecting  livestock  from  extreme  heat  and  the  risks  of  using  oxytocin injections in dairy cows. Animal owners were also advised to keep their animals tied within their premises to  prevent  road  accidents.  Additionally,  awareness  programs  were  conducted  for  pet  shop  owners  to prevent cruelty to animals.

(b) State Governments, Animal Welfare Organizations, NGOs, and Educational Institutions have been requested  to  organize  workshops,  webinars,  health  camps,  awareness  gosthis,  livestock  fairs,  and competitions, including best milk production contests, animal shows, and student competitions on animal welfare and husbandry. Special programs are also planned for Gaushalas and NGOs engaged in animal welfare.

(c)  &  (d) State  Governments  are  encouraged  to  conduct  capacity-building  and  training  activities  as required  during  the  designated  month.  However,  due  to  a  lack  of  funds  in  the  current  financial  year, Chhattisgarh was unable to organize any capacity-building programs for veterinarians.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Implementation of PLI
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri P C Mohan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2850 FOR ANSWER ON 18.03.2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PLI

2850. SHRI P C MOHAN:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  and  the  current  status  of  implementation  of  the  Production  Linked Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  for  Specialty  Steel,  including  the  total  funds  allocated, disbursed and the beneficiaries in the country, State-wise;
- (b) the specific targets set under the scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of highgrade  steel  and  the  expected  impact  on  reducing  dependency  on  imports  and enhancing export potential; and
- (c) the steps taken to ensure equitable participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the PLI Scheme and the mechanisms established to monitor the scheme's progress and to address the implementation challenges?

## ANSWER

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

(a)to(c): Production  Linked  Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  for  Specialty  Steel  was launched  with  an  overall  budget  of  Rs.6,322  crore  in  July,  2021  to  promote  the manufacturing of 'Specialty Steel' within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments. Performance of the scheme is regularly monitored by the Ministry. The current status of the PLI Scheme for specialty steel is as follows:-

|                                  | Commitment during scheme tenure by selected companies   | Actual achievement up to 31 st December, 2024   |
|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Investment (Rs. Cr)              | 27,106                                                  | 18,850                                          |
| Production (in '000t)            | 7,940                                                   | 1258 (928 in FY 24-25)                          |
| Employment (in Nos.)             | 14,760                                                  | 8,930                                           |
| Incentive Disbursement (Rs. Cr.) | --                                                      | 48 *                                            |
| Disbursement claim in FY 2024-25 | Disbursement claim in FY 2024-25                        | Disbursement claim in FY 2024-25                |

To ensure wider participation irrespective of the company size, following steps have been taken:-

- i. Launch of dedicated web portal for PLI Scheme and wide publicity through media.
- ii. Frequent webinars with companies that expressed interest to participate in the scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Contribution of MOIL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2849 FOR ANSWER ON 18.03.2025

## CONTRIBUTION OF MOIL

2849.  SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI: DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND: SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

(a)  the  manner  in  which  Manganese Ore (India) Limited (MOIL) contributing to  the vision by the Government for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the steel sector;

(b) the manner in which MOIL plan to improve the welfare and working conditions of mine workers in the coming years; and

(c) whether there are any new initiatives or projects announced during the celebrations, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)    During  financial  year  2023-24,  MOIL  Ltd.  has  produced  1.76  million  tonne  of manganese ore which is 52% of total domestic production of 3.37 million tonne of manganese ore in India.

(b)&(c):  MOIL  Ltd.  ensures  welfare  and  working  conditions  of  mine  workers  by maintaining several welfare facilities such as residential quarters, canteen, hospital/health care centre and providing support to schools in neighbouring areas of operating mines.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: NGO's/Societies Inspection
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Shri Rahul Kaswan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2847 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2025

## NGO's/Societies Inspection

## †2847. Shri Rahul Kaswan:

Will the Minister of Cooperation (सहकारिता मंत्री) be pleased to state: (a) whether a large number of companies/societies are registering their own NGOs/Societies to save taxes and revenue that goes to the Government treasury and are accumulating money directly and indirectly on a large scale through small donations and other means from each persons or area through NGOs; (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  with  regard  to  NGOs/societies  operating,  State-wise  including Rajasthan; (c) whether the Government has conducted inspection of the said NGOs/societies which are operating in a free & fair manner under various Acts; and (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  with  regard  to  NGOs/societies  operating,  State-wise  including

- Rajasthan during the last two years?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): No such information is maintained by the Ministry of Cooperation. Further, inputs were  sought  from  the  Ministry  of  Corporate Affairs,  the  Department  of  Revenue  and  the Department of Financial Services. As per the inputs received, no such information is available with them.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2829 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Pet Business
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HSUBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2829 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH 2025

## PET BUSINESS

2829. SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any plan to regulate the growing pet business which is increased with little accountability, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to put a regulatory framework in place for the pet business including defining space requirements for various pets kept in pet shops to protect these animals from cruelty?

## ANSWER

THE HON'BLE MINISTER FOR STATE OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) and (b) Yes, Sir. The Central Government has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017. These rules specifically regulate the pet business and dog breeding and marketing establishments.

As per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, no individual is permitted to engage in or continue the business of selling or trading pet animals-whether at the retail or wholesale level-without obtaining a certificate of registration. This also applies to establishing or operating a pet shop or any other entity involved in the sale, purchase, or exchange of pet animals. The rules further outline requirements for accommodation, infrastructure, and housing to ensure the well-being of pet animals.

Similarly, under the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, no breeder is allowed to engage in  or  continue  breeding  activities,  or  own  or  house  dogs  for  breeding  and  sale,  without  first obtaining a certificate of registration for the establishment, as per the guidelines set by the State Board. These rules specify various requirements and standards that breeders and establishments must comply with, as detailed in the Second Schedule. Among the mandatory provisions, ensuring adequate housing, including sanitary facilities, is a key component to safeguard animal welfare

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2826 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Seaweed Production
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Naveen Jindal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2826 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 th  MARCH, 2025

## Seaweed Production

## 2826. Shri Naveen Jindal:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of present seaweed production in the country and utilization;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to strengthen the seaweed farming activities in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to meet the challenge of seed availability in sufficient quantity for the commercially valuable species?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI GEORGE KURIAN)

(a)      India  has  significant  potential  for  seaweed  cultivation.  As  reported  by  the  Central  Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) total seaweed production in the country was 72,385 tonnes (wet weight) in 2023. The main cultivated species are Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria edulis , which are widely used for carrageenan and agar production. Seaweed is also utilized in food, biofertilizers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and biofuels.

(b) In June' 2020, the Government of India launched a flagship scheme namely, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with total investment of Rs. 20,050 crore towards promoting the fisheries sector in the country. Promotion of seaweed cultivation is one of the priority activity under  PMMSY.  Department  of  Fisheries,  Government  of  India  (DoF,  GoI)  has  approved  the seaweed  projects  worth  ₹194.09  crore,  with  a  central  share  of  ₹98.97  crore  including  support provided  to  beneficiaries  for  installation  of  Rafts,  Monolines/Tubenets,  establishment  of  a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu, Pre-feasibility Assessment Studies on seaweed farming, awareness  and  training  programs  in  various  States  and  Union  Territories  under  the  PMMSY. Besides, Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has  been  designated  as  a  Centre  of  Excellence  for  seaweed  development  and  the  Lakshadweep Islands has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster.

(c)  DoF, GoI has approved projects under the PMMSY for establishment of Seaweed Seedbanks in Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep.  DoF, GoI on 21 st October 2024 has also issued the Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India, allowing the import of high-quality seed strains.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2809 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Ban on Chinese Products
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Smt. Manju Sharma

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2809 ANSWERED ON 18/03/2025

## BAN ON CHINESE PRODUCTS

2809. SMT. MANJU SHARMA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  taken/proposes  to  take  any  steps  to  ban  Chinese products;

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद )

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

(a) to (c) The Government of India, from time to time, takes appropriate measures to regulate  import  of  goods  including  those  related  to  national  interest.  India  and  China  are both  members  of  the  WTO  and  any  trade  restriction  imposed  must  be  WTO  compliant. Government  has  from  time  to  time  reviewed  and  taken  WTO  compliant  measures  (both policy and trade remedies) to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

*****