opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 170 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Atal Tinkering Labs in Government Schools
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel, Dr. C M Ramesh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 170

ANSWERED ON- 21/7/2025

## Atal Tinkering Labs in Government Schools

†170. Shri Haribhai Patel: Dr. C M Ramesh:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has made any announcement in the Budget 2025-26 to start Centers of Excellence  for  Artificial  Intelligence  in  50  thousand  Atal  Tinkering  Labs  (ATL)  of  Governmental schools during the next five years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has selected the schools wherein such Centers are proposed to be started for the very first time;
- (d) whether the list of said selected schools also include any of the schools run by the State and the Union Government particularly in Mahesana in Gujarat and Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the school innovation challenges conducted to promote ATL to increase student participation?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (e): The Government of India has in Budget 2025-26 announced 'Centre of Excellence in AI for Education' as under:

Para-46 of Budget Speech 2025-26: 'I had announced three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence  for  agriculture,  health,  and  sustainable  cities  in  2023.  Now  a  Centre  of  Excellence  in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore'.

Separately another announcement in Budget 2025-26 regarding Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) is as under:

Para-41 of Budget Speech 2025-26: 'Fifty thousand Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in Government schools in next 5 years to cultivate the spirit of curiosity  and innovation, and foster a scientific temper among young minds.'

The selection of schools where the ATLs are to be set up will be done as per extent procedure laid down in the Scheme.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 167 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Development and Conservation of Ancient Religious Sites in Bihar
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.167 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF ANCIENT RELIGIOUS SITES IN BIHAR

## 167. SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  ancient  religious  places  and  temples  being  conserved  by  the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Bihar, particularly in the Buxar Lok Sabha Constituency including Kaimur district;
- (b) whether the Government is considering the development and conservation of the said places, particularly in the Buxar Lok Sabha Constituency including Kaimur District;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the category-wise details of total amount utilized for the said purpose during the last five years and the amount proposed to be utilized during the current year?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) There  are  70  centrally  protected  monuments/sites  including  ancient  religious
- to places and temples under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- (c) in  the  the  state  of  Bihar  including  3  nos.  in  Buxar  Lok  Sabha  Constituency. Conservation and maintenance of these centrally protected monuments/sites is a regular  process  and  is  taken  up  as  per  the  requirement  and  availability  of resources.
- (d) The  details  of  total  amount  utilized  for  the  conservation  and  maintenance  of centrally  protected  monuments  including  religious  places  and  temples  in  Bihar during the last five financial years and the amount proposed to be utilized during the current financial year are given as under:-

## (Amount Rs. in Crore)

|   S. No. | Year                                      |   Expenditure incurred |
|----------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------|
|        1 | 2020-21                                   |                   1.23 |
|        2 | 2021-22                                   |                   3.35 |
|        3 | 2022-23                                   |                   9    |
|        4 | 2023-24                                   |                  16    |
|        5 | 2024-25                                   |                   5.33 |
|        6 | Allocation for 2025-26 (up to 15/07/2025) |                   4.5  |

-----
Lok Sabha Question No. 164 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Development of Tourism Circuit for Murshidabad
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Md Abu Taher Khan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.164

## ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM CIRCUIT FOR MURSHIDABAD

## 164.  MD ABU TAHER KHAN:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  make  a  tourism  circuit  for Murshidabad being a historical place;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government  proposes to improve the transport system/connectivity to reach Murshidabad directly from rest of the country particularly Kolkata in less time comfortably?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (c):  Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism through  its  central  sector  schemes  of  'Swadesh  Darshan  (SD)'  and 'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive (PRASHAD)' complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development  in  the  country  by  extending  financial  assistance  to  the State  Governments/UT  Administrations  including  the  State  of  West Bengal. Proposals for infrastructure improvement are considered based on the merit of the project, availability of funds, and adherence to the scheme  guidelines. The  details of projects sanctioned under the aforementioned schemes is annexed.

Ministry  of  Tourism  continues  to  engage  with  other  Ministries  on  lastmile connectivity and promote integrated development of tourist destinations.

********

ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.164 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM CIRCUIT FOR MURSHIDABAD RAISED BY MD ABU TAHER KHAN.

(i)  Project  sanctioned  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  in  the  State  of West Bengal is as under:

(Amount in ₹ crore)

|   Sl. No. | Circuit / Sanction Year   | Name of the Project                                                                                             |   Amount Sanctioned |
|-----------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|
|         1 | Coastal Circuit (2015-16) | Development of Beach Circuit: Udaipur- Digha- Shankarpur- Tajpur- Mandarmani- Fraserganj-Bakkhlai- Henry Island |               67.99 |

(ii).  Project  sanctioned  under  PRASHAD  Scheme  in  the  State  of  West Bengal is as under:

(Amount in ₹ crore)

|   Sl. No. | Name of Project           | Sanction Year   |   Approved Cost |
|-----------|---------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|
|         1 | Development of Belur Math | 2016-17         |           30.03 |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 163 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Renovation of Kundrandar Temple in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Durai Vaiko

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.163

ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## RENOVATION OF KUNDRANDAR TEMPLE, TAMIL NADU

## 163. SHRI DURAI VAIKO:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Kundrandar  Temple  located  in  Pudukkottai  district,  Tamil  Nadu  is under the protection and control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  true  that  conservation  and  maintenance  works  at  the  temple  have been halted or remained unattended for over 25 years;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons  for  the  prolonged  inaction  and neglect  in  carrying  out  the  structural  conservation  and  restoration  of  historically significant site;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  resume  and  complete  the  restoration and maintenance works at the said site at the earliest;
- (e) if so, the details thereof including the timeline and budget allocation; and
- (f) whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to  periodic  monitoring  and  proper upkeep of heritage structures like Kundrandar Temple under ASI's control in the Tamil Nadu State and if so,  the details thereof

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  Rock-Cut  Siva  Temple,  Car  Mantapan  with  wheels  in  the  front  part  of  the Plinth, locality Kunnandarkovil, district Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu is a monument of national importance under the care and maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- (b) Regular maintenance and conservation works are taken up periodically based on
- & the  requirement  priority  and  resources  available  considering  provisions  of  the
- (c) Ancient  Monuments  and  Archaeological  Sites  and  Remains  Act  1958,  and  also conservation policy.
- (d) Maintenance  and  conservation  of  the  monument  are  regular  process  of  work.
- & Accordingly an Annual Conservation Plan (ACP) for the said monument is made for
- (e) an amount of Rs.12,00,000/ for the current financial year.
- (f) The 412 protected  monuments and protected  areas  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the ASI  in  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu,  including  the  said  temple  are  being  regularly maintained  and  conserved.  The  officers  of  ASI  conduct  periodic  inspections  to monitor the status of conservation, maintenance, and any necessary repair works of these protected monuments and areas. These efforts ensure the proper upkeep and protection of heritage structures within the State.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 159 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Inclusion of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple under ASI
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.159

ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## INCLUSION OF THE BHIMASHANKAR JYOTRILINGA TEMPLE UNDER ASI

159. DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering for bringing the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple,  located  in  Shirur  Lok  Sabha  Constituency  in  Maharashtra  under  the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI);
- (b) if  so,  the  manner  in  which  this  inclusion  would  facilitate  better  development, preservation and promotion of the temple along with the expected benefits to the local community;
- (c) the  details  of  the  steps  proposed  to  ensure  adequate  central  funding  for maintenance, conservation and infrastructure development of the temple;
- (d) the details of the process along with timeline for inclusion of the temple under ASI protection and its expected impact on tourism and the local economy;
- (e) the  details  of  the  number  of  Jyotirlinga  temples  currently  under  ASI  protection; and
- (f) whether the Government has a proposal to bring all 12 Jyotirlinga temples under ASI for their holistic preservation and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)to(d) At present there is no such proposal under consideration.
- (e) There are two Jyotirlinga Temples declared as of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in the country, namely:
1.      1. Ghrishneshwar Temple, District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
- 2.Tryambakeshwar Temple, District Nasik, Maharashtra.
- (f) At present there is no such proposal under consideration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 153 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Merger of Schools
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Smt. Krishna Devi Shivshankar Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 153 ANSWERED ON- 21.07.2025

## Merger of Schools

†153 Smt. Krishna Devi Shivshankar Patel:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) the alternative arrangements being made to accomodate the students of the schools that are being closed under the merger scheme of schools that have less than 50 enrolled students in Uttar Pradesh;

(b) whether there is any arrangement for the safe transportation of students accomodated in schools that are situated far away;

(c) whether the Government has any plans to utilise the buildings of closed schools after the merger of the said schools, if so, the details of their usage; and

(d) the aim and requirement of the Government to merge these schools?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Education is in the Concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of the schools come under the purview of the respective State Government/UT Administration. The opening and  closing  of  schools  are  within  the  purview  of  respective  State  Government  and  UT Administration.

As informed by the State of Uttar Pradesh, under the National Education Policy 2020, the  Government  of  Uttar  Pradesh  has  initiated  a  Pairing  of  School  initiative  as  per Government  order  dated  16  June  2025  to  ensure  optimal  utilisation  of  resources  and  to enhance the quality of education. Schools with low enrolment are being paired with nearby designated  schools  that  offer  improved  infrastructure,  and  a  more  enriched  learning  and engaging  academic  environment.  This  approach  facilitates  access  to  peer  learning,  ageappropriate  pedagogy,  and  the  development  of  21st-century  skills.  The  pairing  process  is carefully mapped to ensure that children are relocated within a safe and feasible distance.

Priority is given to pairing schools with the nearest schools, taking into account factors such as infrastructure, accessibility, enrolment, inclusion, and the local context. The Government Order outlines the procedure for school pairing to ensure optimal utilisation of resources and to enhance the quality of education for students.

A focused effort is underway to repurpose these spaces, in alignment with the new pedagogical  structure  of  the  NEP  2020  (5+3+3+4),  into  Balvatika  centres.  This  initiative supports the policy's  emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), providing foundational learning environments for children aged 3-5 years.

Where  feasible,  these  centres  are  co-located  with  existing  schools  or  Anganwadi centres  to  ensure  continuity  into  formal  education.  District  authorities  are  supervising  the phased conversion and integration of these centres across the state.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 150 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Constitution of 8th Central Pay Commission
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Anand Bhadauria, Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTIONS No. 150

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025/ASHADHA 30,1947 (SAKA)

## "CONSTITUTION OF 8TH CENTRAL  PAY COMMISSION"

150: ShriTRBaalu:

Shri Anand Bhadauria:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the setting up of the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees  has been Notified  which was announced in January, 2025;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons  for not setting  up it after lapse of six months;
- (c) the time by which the Chairperson and Members of the 8th CPC would be appointed along with the terms of reference of the Commission;  and
- (d) the time by which the revised pay scales  will be implemented for the employees and pensioners?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b) It has been decided by the Government  to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission  (CPC).  lnputs have been sought from major stakeholders, including Ministry  of Defence,  Ministry  of Home  Affairs, Department  of Personnel & Training and from States.
- (c): The Chairperson  and Members of the 8th CPC would be appointed once the 8th CPC is notified by the Government.
- (d): The implementation would be taken up once the recommendations are made by the 8th CPC and are accepted by the Government.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 146 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Inclusion of Two Ashoka Pillars from Bihar in the World Heritage List of UNESO
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†146 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## INCLUSION OF TWO ASHOKA PILLARS FROM BIHAR IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OFUNESCO

†146.  SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that two Ashoka pillars of Rampurna Awan Lauriya in West Champaran,  Bihar  have  been  included  in  the  World  Heritage  list  by  the UNESCO;
- (b) if  so,  whether any arrangement has been made to maintain these two Ashoka pillars and to inform the tourists;
- (c) whether it is true that one part of the Ashoka pillar has been kept in the museum in Kolkata and another part has been kept in the Rashtrapati Bhawan;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to build a museum in the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha Constituency to keep these pillars safe at one place?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No,  Sir.  The  Ashokan  pillars  of  Rampurva  and  Lauriya  Nandangarh  in  West Champaran  have  not  yet  been  included  in  the  UNESCO  World  Heritage  List. However,  these  two  pillar  edicts  have  been  included  in  the  Tentative  List  of UNESCO under the title 'Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes.'
- (b) These pillars  are  protected  and  conserved  from  time  to  time,  as  required,  by  the Archaeological Survey  of India and  are in good  state of  conservation  and preservation.
- (c) & No, Sir. The Lion Capital and Bull Capital of the Rampurva pillars have been kept in the Indian Museum, Kolkata and Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi respectively.
- (d) At present, there is no proposal to develop a museum at the site.

(e)

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 140 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Fee Hike by Educational Institutions
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 140 ANSWERED ON 21/07/2025

## Fee Hike by Educational Institutions

†140. Shri Kaushalendra Kumar:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  lay  any  fixed  criterion  regarding  fee  hike  by  the educational  institutions  keeping  in  view  the  high  fees  being  charged  by  the  said  educational institutions, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the business of charging high fees by educational institutions is flourishing due to lack of quality education in Government schools/educational institutions; and

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the concrete action proposed to be taken by the Government to check the said practice?

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

(a) to (c): Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Schools, other than those owned/funded  by  the  Central  Government,  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  respective  State Governments. Therefore, matters relating to fees charged by private schools and related issues are regulated in terms of Rules and Instructions of the respective State Government concerned.

However, under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, every  child,  of  the  age  of  six  to  fourteen  years,  has  a  right  to  free  and  compulsory  elementary education in a neighbourhood school. Section 12(1) (c) of the RTE Act, 2009 mandates reservation in private unaided schools for children belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups to the  extent  of  at  least  25%  seats  at  entry  level  and  provision  of  free  and  compulsory  elementary education  to  such  children  till  its  completion.  Also,  Section  13  of  the  RTE  Act,  2009  clearly prohibits the collection of any capitation fee.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Tourism Development in Odisha under SDS 2.0
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.136 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ODISHA UNDER SDS 2.0

## 136.  SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  project  sanctioned  under  Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  (SD 2.0) in Odisha State for Koraput, Debrigarh and Khinda village have made any physical or financial progress during the last year and the current year;
- (b) if so, the expected timelines, recent tourist footfall and impact on the local economy and jobs;
- (c)
- if not, the reasons therefor and details of any pending approvals;
- (d) the present status of the Rs. 70.82 crore project sanctioned under SDs 1.0 for Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to involve  local  tribal  communities  through  skill  development  and livelihood opportunities?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector scheme of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)' complements  the  efforts  of  tourism  infrastructure  development  in  the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations including the State of Odisha.  The Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD 1.0) has sanctioned a project in the Financial Year 201617 'Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara' under Coastal Circuit theme in the State of Odisha. The project has been reported physically complete.

Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0  (SD2.0)  with  the  objective  to  develop  sustainable  and  responsible tourism destinations following a destination & tourist centric approach. In  consultation  with  the  State  Government  of  Odisha  'Debrigarh  along with the special attraction of 'Khinda Village' was  identified as destination  for  development  under  SD  2.0.  for  which  the  DPR  has  not been received.

Ministry encourages development of tourism infrastructure in a manner that  promotes  local  livelihoods  and  community  participation,  including that  of  tribal  communities.  The  projects  sanctioned  under  the  scheme aim to create opportunities for skill development, self-employment, and engagement of local stakeholders.

********