opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. D. Purandeswari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3424

## ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR PROMOTION OF RURAL HOMESTAYS

## 3424. DR. D. PURANDESWARI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  objectives  and  budget  allocation  for  the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays particularly in the State of Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) the details of total number of rural homestays that have been developed under the said strategy in the past;
- (c) the details of the impact on rural tourism and local economies that has been observed due to the said strategy, supported by relevant data;
- (d) whether the Government has also planned to launch a scheme for the benefits of local rural cafés, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to develop rural tourism in Rajahmundry Parliamentary Constituency?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM  (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to (e): The objectives of the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays are as follows:
- (i)
- To cater to the increasing needs of visitors for experiential tourism.
- (ii)
- To create entrepreneurial and job opportunities in rural areas.
- (iii) To promote sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism through the promotion of rural homestays.
- (iv) To promote rural art and craft, culture, eco-tourism and other forms
- of nature tourism.

The expenditure for activities pertaining to the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays is met from the existing budget/schemes  of  the  Ministry.  No  separate  funds  have  been

Ministry  of  Tourism  has  identified  Rural  Circuit  as  one  of  the thematic circuits under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The projects/proposals for development of tourism related infrastructure, including rural tourism, are identified for development under the circuit as per guidelines in consultation with

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various initiatives. As part of on-going activities; promotion of Rural Homestays  and  Rural  Tourism  is  also  taken  up. The  Ministry  of Tourism  also  regularly  promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and products  of  rural  tourism  through  its  website  and  social  media

The Government has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, as part of 'Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya  Unnat  Gram  Abhiyan'.  The  said  intervention  includes development of 1000 homestays with support of upto Rs.5 Lakh per unit  (for  new  construction),  up  to  Rs.3  Lakh  (renovation)  and  Rs.5

allocated for the same. the State Governments/UT Administrations. promotions. Lakh for village community requirement.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3423 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Recovery of Antiquities
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3423

ANSWERED ON- 16/12/2024

## RECOVERY OF ANTIQUITIES

## 3423.  SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of the recent recovery of 297 antiquities from the US;
- (b) whether the  Government has taken any measures to safeguard India's cultural heritage and prevent illicit trafficking; and
- (c) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)   The objects have already been handed over to the office of Indian Consulate General of India,  New  York.  The  sanction  order  has  been  issued  for  the  transportation  of  297 antiquities from the US to India.
- (b)  &  (c)  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  is  committed  to  the  protection  of  monuments, sites     and  antiquities  under  its  jurisdiction.  Besides  regular  watch  and  ward  staff  of Archaeological Survey of India, Private Security Guards and Central Industrial Security Force  have  been  deployed  as  per  requirement.  Whenever  any  theft  of  antiquity  is reported,  FIR  is  lodged  in concerned police station and 'Look Out Notice' is issued to law enforcement agencies including Custom Exit Channels to keep vigil to trace stolen antiquity and prevent its illegal export

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Kumbakonam Mahamagam Festival as National Cultural Event
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3422 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## KUMBAKONAM MAHAMAGAM FESTIVAL AS NATIONAL CULTURAL EVENT

3422. Km. SUDHA R:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has declared the famed KumbakonamMahamagam festival as a National Cultural Event in view of the fact that it is called Kumbh Mela of the South, and 50 lakh devotees are expected to take part in 2028 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   whether any special cultural promotion of this once-in-12  year temple festival will be made through central agencies, and special budget be allocated for KumbakonamMahamagam to be held in 2028 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)   whether special package, special teams and special promos be done by the Government for the KumbakonamMahamagam to be held in 2028, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c) Kumbakonam Kumbha Mela is actually known as the Mahamaham festival connected with Vishnu temples and is held every 12 years in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It's a significant Hindu  pilgrimage  and  bathing festival, attracting millions of devotees, particularly from South India.

The Mahamaham festival has been described as the "Tamil Kumbh Mela" due to its similarities  with  the  Kumbh  Mela  held  in  North  India.  Kumbakonam  festival  is  a  distinct event with its own unique traditions and cultural significance.

Government of  India  has  set  up  South  Zone  Cultural  Centre  (SZCC)  at  Thanjavur (Tamil  Nadu)  to  promote  the  rich  cultural  heritage  of  its  member  States  including  Tamil Nadu.  SZCC organizes  various  cultural  activities  &  programmes  in  its  member  States  for which annual grant-in-aid is provided to them.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Preservation of Forts by ASI
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 3420 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## PRESERVATION OF FORTS BY ASI

## 3420. DR. SHIVAJI BANDAPPA KALGE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertakes documentation of the forts under its maintenance on regular basis to ascertain erosion, if any, in their condition due to manmade or natural factors;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the protected forts in the State of Maharashtra are in a good state  of  preservation  as  a  result  of  timely  conservation  measures taken by ASI;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  measures  that  are  to  be  proposed  by  ASI  to conserve these forts to attract tourists and other interested persons?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) There  are  3698  Centrally  Protected  Monuments  (CPMs)  including
- & forts  under  the  care  and  maintenance  of  Archaeological  Survey  of
- (b) India (ASI) with adequate documentation. Monitoring of Monuments is done on regular basis by Technical officers of  ASI to ascertain any deterioration  or  erosion  caused  due  to  manmade  or  natural  factors and  conservation  work  of  the  monuments  are  taken  up  as  per  the National Policy for Conservation.
- (c) & There are 47 forts protected by ASI in the State of Maharashtra and all are in a good state of preservation.

(d)

-2

- (e) All necessary conservation, preservation and development works are taken up as per the need of the Monuments/sites and availability of resources.  Further,  ASI  provides  basic  facilities  like  toilet  block, pathways, drinking water facility, illumination, Cultural Notice Boards, various publication and brochures and QR code based information to attract tourists and other interested persons.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3419 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Reduction in Rate of Interest on Agricultural Loans by PSBs/NABARD
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

## Government of India Ministry of Finance

## Department of Financial Services

## LOK SABHA

## Unstarred Question No. 3419

Answered on Monday,16 December, 2024/ 25 Agrahayana, 1946 (Saka)

## Reduction in Rate of Interest on Agricultural Loans by PSBs/NABARD

†3419. Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  reduced  the  rate  of  interest  on  agricultural  loans  given  to farmers  by  Public  Sector  Banks/National  Bank  for  Agriculture  and  Rural  Development (NABARD) /Co-operative Banks during the last two years;
- (b) if  so,  the details thereof, State-wise and the guidelines issued by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the instances of violation of these guidelines by various banks have been reported during the last three years; and
- (d) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

## Answer

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

(a)  to  (d): Reserve  Bank  of  India  (RBI)  has  deregulated  the  interest  rates  on  advances sanctioned by Regulated Entities (REs) and these interest rates are determined by banks with the approval of their respective Board of Directors subject to applicable regulatory guidelines. However, with a view to ensure availability of agriculture credit at a reduced interest rate of 7% p.a. to the farmers, an interest subvention scheme (Kisan Credit Card scheme) for providing short term crop loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh has been implemented by Government of India. The scheme provides interest subvention of 1.5% per annum to Banks on use of their own resources. Besides, additional 3% incentive is given to the farmers for prompt repayment of the loan, thereby  reducing  the  effective  rate  of  interest  to  4%.  No  instances  of  violation  of  these guidelines have been reported.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Educational Kits by CBSE
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri K Gopinath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3417 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## Educational Kits by CBSE

## 3417. Shri K Gopinath:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Educational kits provided by the CBSE are being distributed by the authorities on time to Schools;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of kits distributed to the schools during last three years and current year;
- (d) whether  any  criteria  has  been  adopted  by  the  Government  to  monitor  the quality  of  kits  supplied  to  schools  and  teachers  etc.  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (e) whether the educational kits developed by the design authority are inspected by the final authority and if so, the details thereof;
- (f) whether  any  final authority being  designated  to monitor  the quality of Educational  kits  being  provided  to  the  students  and  schools  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (g) the steps likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (g) : Central Board of Secondary Education does not distribute Educational Kits to  schools.  However,  National  Council  of  Educational  Research  and  Training (NCERT) is responsible for augmenting improvement in teaching-learning in the field of  school  education  supporting  print  media  through  hand-on  experience  by  design, development and prototype production of school equipment in the form of kits.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3412 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Implementation of Khelo India Programme in Karnataka
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b)  District-wise details of the sports infrastructure projects approved and their  sanctioned  cost,  funds  released  and  their  physical  and  financial progress,  under  Khelo  India  Scheme,  across  the  country,  including  in  the State of Karnataka, are available in public domain on the dashboard of the Ministry at https://mdsd.kheloindia.gov.in. The responsibility of utilization of these sports infrastructure rests with the grantee.

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3412 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

Implementation of Khelo India Programme in Karnataka

3412. DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has successfully implemented the Khelo India programme for sports development in the State of Karnataka; and

(b) if so, the details of sports infrastructure created and utilized under the programme along with the details of funds sanctioned and utilized in this regard, district-wise, particularly in Davanagere district?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }
Lok Sabha Question No. 3411 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Social Security Framework for Gig and Platform Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3411 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## SOCIAL SECURITY FRAMEWORK FOR GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS

3411. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

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

- (a)the  details  of  the  specific  action  taken  by  the  Government  to establish a robust social security framework for gig and platform workers following the recent meeting with aggregators;
- (b)the details of timeline set for onboarding gig and platform workers onto  the  e-Shram  portal  along  with  measures  which  will  be implemented to ensure compliance from aggregators;
- (c)whether  the  Government  plans  to  encourage  aggregators  to actively participate in listing job vacancies on the National Career Service (NCS) portal to enhance employment opportunities for gig workers; and

(d)if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Gig workers, platform workers and provisions related to the same have been defined for the first time in the Code on Social Security, 2020, which has been enacted by the Parliament.

The Code provides for framing of suitable social security measures for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. The Code also provides for setting up a Social Security Fund to finance the welfare scheme.

An advisory has also been issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to platform aggregators to register themselves and platform workers engaged with them on the e-Shram portal. This will facilitate  the  platform  workers  to  get  easy  access  to  the  social security benefits

The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project to provide a variety of employment related services like job matching, career counseling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships, etc. The NCS portal brings all the jobseekers and employers on a single platform for job matching in a dynamic, efficient and responsive manner.

The employers can post vacancies including jobs for gig workers  on  NCS  Portal.  As  on 15.11.2024, 36.23 lakh active employers and 11.82 lakh active vacancies were registered on NCS portal.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Timely Issue of Pension Payment Order
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Biplab Kumar Deb

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3410

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## TIMELY ISSUE OF PENSION PAYMENT ORDER

3410. SHRI BIPLAB KUMAR DEB:

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

- (a)whether pensioners are facing difficulties in getting timely pension when they retire and settle in their home town; (b)if so, the steps taken by the Government to improve the situation and ensure timely issue of pension; (c)whether  any  new  system  is  proposed  to  be  launched  by  the
- Government; and
- (d)if so, the details thereof along with the benefit for pensioners?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Significant improvement has been made in the system to ensure timely settlement of all pension cases including cases where the retired members shift to a different location. A Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) has been approved  which  provides  for  crediting  the  pension  directly  to  the bank account of the pensioner regardless of the jurisdiction under

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- (b) to (d): which he / she retires.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Financial Aid for Arunachal Pradesh
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Tapir Gao

## 3409.  Shri Tapir Gao:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the State of Arunachal Pradesh does not receive any External Financial Aids from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA etc, for development of the State;
- (b)  if so, the steps taken by the Government to extend the External Financial Aid from such international bodies to the State of Arunachal Pradesh;
- (c)  whether the Government has any plans to provide special funding in lieu of External Financial Aid to the State of Arunachal Pradesh for poverty alleviation, education, sanitation, health and infrastructure; and
- (d)  whether the Government has any plans to take up this issue with the External Aided banks to provide finance to the State of Arunachal Pradesh?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (d):  Although  Arunachal  Pradesh  has  from  time  to  time  benefitted  from  external  financing  from multilateral institutions such as the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), both part of the World Bank Group, as well as from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the development of the State is largely carried out through domestic budgetary sources. In fact, external financing from multilateral or bilateral institutions constitutes only a fraction of the resources used for infrastructure development in States and Union Territories (UTs). To assist the States in boosting capital expenditure, which has a higher multiplier effect and enhances the productive capacity of the economy, the Ministry of Finance has designed and implemented schemes for Special Assistance to States  for  Capital  Expenditure/Investment  annually  since  2020-21.  Under  these  schemes,  financial assistance in the form of a 50-year interest-free loan is provided to the States. Details of financial assistance extended to Arunachal Pradesh under these schemes, year wise are provided below: -

(In INR Crore)

| Year              |   2020-21 |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |
|-------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Arunachal Pradesh |    232.97 |    371.19 |    1564.1 |   2363.42 |

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 3409 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024 Financial Aid for Arunachal Pradesh
Lok Sabha Question No. 3408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Proposals received under Khelo India Scheme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3408 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

Proposals received under Khelo India Scheme

3408. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has received  any  proposal  under  Khelo  India scheme for having athletic tracks, swimming pools, etc. for Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan;

(b) if so, the details and the present status in this regard; and

(c) the status of appointment of coaches in Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts of Rajasthan?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

(a) and (b) Yes, Sir. One project, namely, Construction of Multipurpose Hall at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, District Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, was sanctioned under the Khelo India Scheme in financial year 2019-20 at a cost of ₹ 3.99 crore, which has been completed.

(c) There are no Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh  districts  of  Rajasthan.  However,  12  coaches  have  been posted in other operational SAI centres in different districts of Rajasthan.

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