opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3144 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Urban Mobility and Metro Rail Expansion
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Shri Khagen Murmu, Shri Tejasvi Surya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3144

TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 18, 2025

## URBAN MOBILITY AND METRO RAIL EXPANSION

NO. 3144.     SHRI TEJASVI SURYA: SHRI BASAVARAJ BOMMAI:

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has ensured that ongoing Metro Rail projects including Bengaluru Metro meet revised timelines and cost  estimates,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  measures
- taken to address rising raw material costs;
- (b) the  key  objectives  of  the  proposed  National  Urban  Transport Policy (NUTP) 2025 and the manner in which it would mandate integration of public transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure;
- (c) the  details  of  the  initiatives  being  considered  to  ensure mandatory adoption of National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) standards across all new and existing Metro and Bus systems across the country; and
- (d) the features of NCMC in different metro rail system along with the status of its implementation?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a): Metro  Projects  are  implemented  in  a  systematic  manner utilizing  State  of  art,  designing  and  project  monitoring  tools  for optimization of design and faster implementation of project. Further, these projects are monitored regularly by Central Government, State Government and higher management of company. These interventions are helpful in timely completion of project in efficient manner besides offsetting the impact of rise in raw material cost to a certain extent.

(b): There is no proposal for National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2025.

(c) & (d): National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is an interoperable card with vision of 'One Nation, One Card' which works seamlessly among  different  Metro/RRTS  and  Bus  operators.  The  Ministry  has issued  directions  for  implementation  of  National  Common  Mobility Card  (NCMC)  ecosystem  based  on  qSPARC  (quick  Specification  for Payment Application of RuPay Chip) developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It is functional in 11 Metro projects and 11 Bus Transport corporations. Further, PM-eBus Sewa Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs includes implementation of  NCMC  based  Automatic  Fare  Collection  System  (AFCS)  for  bus operations in States/Cities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3140 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Expansion of Domestic MRO Infrastructure
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3140

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## EXPANSION OF DOMESTIC MRO INFRASTRUCTURE

3140.    SHRI K E PRAKASH Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware that our country continues to remain heavily dependent on  foreign  Maintenance,  Repair  and  Overhaul  (MRO)  facilities  resulting  in  a  significant outflow of foreign exchange and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to expand domestic MRO infrastructure to minimise this dependency; and

(c)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  proposed  timeline  fixed  for  strengthening ecosystem of the country in future?

## ANSWER

## Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (c) As per industry estimates, majority of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work  of  civil  aviation  sector  in  India  is  done  abroad  in  centres  certified  by  Original Equipment  Manufacturers  (OEMs).  In  order  to  reduce  the  dependence  on  foreign  MRO facilities,  the  Government  has  proactively  taken  various  measures  to  create  a  conducive environment  for  the  development  of  aircraft  MRO  sector  in  the  country  and  this  is  a continuous process. The  steps  include  the  new  MRO  Guidelines  announced  on  1st September, 2021 which inter alia abolish royalties and build in transparency and certainty in land  allotments  for  MROs  in  AAI  airports.  More  recently,  the  Visa  Manual  has  been amended  to  incorporate  suitable  provisions  for  granting  Business  Visa  and  Temporary Landing  Permit  (TLP)  to  foreign  pilots  and  crew  of  scheduled  or  non-scheduled  flights coming for the purpose of MRO services. Government has also reduced the taxes (IGST) on imports  of  aircraft  components  and  aircraft  engine  parts  to  5%.  The  period  for  export  of goods imported for repairs has been extended from six months to one year and the time-limit for re-import of goods for repairs under warranty has been extended from three to five years.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3131 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Functioning of EMRS in Kerala
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3131 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025

## FUNCTIONING OF EMRS IN KERALA

## 3131. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has assessed the present state of infrastructure in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functioning in Kerala;

- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  deficiencies  reported  with  respect  to  classrooms,  hostels,  sanitation facilities, ICT infrastructure and availability of trained teaching and non-teaching staff;
- (c) whether the Government has taken steps to expedite the completion of sanctioned EMRS projects in Wayanad, Palakkad, Idukki and other tribal-dominated districts in Kerala and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether additional financial or technical support is proposed to upgrade existing EMRS facilities  to  meet  national  standards,  including  provisions  for  smart  classrooms,  digital learning tools, sports infrastructure and gender-sensitive hostel arrangements, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the timeline within which the Government proposes to bridge the infrastructure gaps and ensure full operationalisation of all sanctioned EMRS in Kerala?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a to e): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs regularly reviews the infrastructure status of all EMRS across India including the State of Kerala. Provision has been made for sanction of ₹5 crore for upgradation of EMRSs, to bridge Infrastructure gaps, if any, in EMRSs sanctioned under the Article 275 (1).

The Ministry has sanctioned 4 EMRSs under Article 275(1) in the State of Kerala. The construction of EMRS buildings has been completed in two districts, while construction is at different stages in remaining districts.

All  EMRSs  are  provided  with  smart  classrooms  in  a  phased  manner  through  ERNET. Accordingly, smart classes have been installed in EMRS Idukki and EMRS Pookode.

Further,  NESTS  carried  out  its  first  drive  for  direct  recruitment  of  10391  posts  through EMRS  Staff  Selection  Examination  (ESSE)-2023  and  staff  selected  have  been  posted  in various  EMRSs.  The  notification  for  recruitment  of  7267  teaching  and  non-teaching  posts through ESSE-2025 has also been issued. In addition to the direct recruitment, NESTS also has advised State Governments to engage staff on deputation and outsourcing basis so that academic activities are not hampered.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3130 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Outstanding Dues of Power Generation Companies
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3130 ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025

## OUTSTANDING DUES OF POWER GENERATION COMPANIES

†3130. SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the total outstanding dues of power generation companies (GENCOS) on power distribution companies (DISCOMs) at present; and

(b) the corrective steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) & (b) : The Ministry of Power, Government of India notified the Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules, 2022 (LPS Rules, 2022) on 3 June 2022. The  Rules  provided  that  all  outstanding  dues,  including  late  payment  surcharge,  of generating companies (Independent Power Producers, Central Public Sector Enterprises and  renewable  energy  developers),  inter-State  transmission  licensees,  and  trading licensees, outstanding as on 3rd June 2022, would be treated as legacy arrears and rescheduled  with  re-determined  due  dates  for  payment  by  distribution  licensees  in Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) in accordance with the provisions of the LPS Rules. Accordingly, 13 States opted to reschedule arrears amounting to ₹1,39,947 crore as on 03.06.2022 under the EMI mechanism.

The LPS Rules also lay down a framework for time-bound clearance of current dues and provide for progressive regulation of access in the event of persistent payment defaults by distribution licensees.

Under  the  Revamped  Distribution  Sector  Scheme  (RDSS)  launched  by  the Government  of  India,  compliance  with  the  LPS  Rules  has  been  prescribed  as  prequalifying criterion for assessing DISCOMs' eligibility for financial assistance.

Further,  the  Ministry  of  Power  has  introduced  Additional  Prudential  Norms  for sanctioning loans to State DISCOMs, TRANSCOs and GENCOs, under which lending is made contingent upon performance against specified conditions. Compliance with the LPS Rules is a key requirement under these prudential norms.

As a result of these measures, following the payment of 41 EMIs by distribution utilities  in  terms  of  the  LPS  Rules,  including  pre-payment  of  legacy  dues  by  some utilities, the outstanding legacy dues have reduced to ₹5,747 crore as on 09.12.2025. DISCOMs are also largely paying their current dues on time to avoid action under the Rules.

*************
Lok Sabha Question No. 3126 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Development of Nuclear Power Plants by NTPC
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3126 ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS BY NTPC

3126. SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

whether the Government is aware that the State run thermal power giant National  Thermal  Power  Corporation  (NTPC)  is  contemplating  to  develop nuclear power plants in different States aiming at achieving the target of 150 GW by 2032 for meeting future power demand and if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

NTPC Ltd, a CPSE under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, Government of India, has been exploring various options to diversify its energy portfolio,  including  the  possibility  of  developing  nuclear  power  projects  in different States. Presently, Anu Shakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a Joint Venture (JV) of NTPC and NPCIL, is establishing a Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), 4×700 MW in Banswara district of Rajasthan. The 'Foundation Stone' for the project was laid by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on  25.09.2025.  Additionally,  NTPC  Parmanu  Urja  Nigam  Limited  (NPUNL),  a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC, was incorporated on 07.01.2025 under the Companies  Act  to  foray  into  setting  of  nuclear  power  plant  after  getting requisite clearances.

Overall,  NTPC  Ltd  presently  has  84.92  GW  installed  power  generation capacity  and  further,  targeted  to  have  149  GW  installed  power  generation capacity by 2032 from diversified sources such as thermal, hydro, renewables, nuclear.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Safety Audit at Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3118

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  18th December 2025 )

## SAFETY AUDIT AT AIRPORTS

## 3118.    SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently conducted comprehensive surveillance audits at major airports and if so, the details and key findings thereof;
- (b) the number of airports where reported defects on aircraft were found due to procedural lapses;
- (c) whether any specific incidents were recorded regarding failure to follow safety procedures during aircraft maintenance, inspection or movement on the runway/taxiway and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the DGCA has taken action against airlines, ground handlers or airport authorities based on these findings and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  the  measures  proposed  to  be  taken  to  strengthen  ramp  safety,  improve  reporting  culture  and prevent recurrence of such lapses in civil aviation ecosystem of the country?

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION      (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a)  to  (d):  Directorate  General  of  Civil  Aviation  (DGCA)  has  recently  carried  out  comprehensive safety audits at five major airports namely Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Patna.;

;

A procedural lapse was observed at Delhi Airport on Airbus A320-251NX aircraft (VT-ICP) during engine maintenance, wherein the prescribed borescope inspection tool was not utilized and mandatory safety tools were absent.;

;

All  observations  were  categorized  as  Level-  II  Findings  and  duly  forwarded  to  the  concerned organizations for compliance. No major/ significant findings were observed. After implementing the necessary  corrective  measures,  the  organizations  submitted  Action  Taken  Reports  (ATRs).  All findings have since been closed upon the acceptance of satisfactory ATRs.;

;

- (e): DGCA has reviewed the findings related to ramp safety, particularly concerning reporting culture and  recurrence  of  observations,  and  has  addressed  them  through  the  preparation  of  the  Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) 2026, along with special audits and unplanned checks.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3114 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Ownership of NTPC of NH-53
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Rudra Narayan Pany

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3114 ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025

## OWNERSHIP OF NTPC OF NH-53

†3114. SHRI RUDRA NARAYAN PANY:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the highway stretch from Godibandha Chhak to NTPC Chhak in Angul district in Odisha, which forms part of National Highway (NH)-53 is  facing  serious  obstacles  in  development,  upgradation  or repair  due  to  ownership  being  with  the  National  Thermal  Power  Corporation Limited (NTPC), Talcher Kaniha Super Thermal Power Project (TSTPP), if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether the ownership of this highway stretch can be transferred to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  any  such  proposal  has  been  submitted  to  the  National  Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether a permanent solution is expected to be implemented for this issue, if so, the details thereof and the manner in which it would be done?

## A N S W E R

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) to (d) : The  Ministry  of  Power  is  aware  that  the  ownership  of  highway stretch from Godibandha Chhak to NTPC Chhak in Angul district, Odisha is with NTPC  Ltd.,  which  forms  part  of  National  Highway  (NH)-53.    However,  NTPC Talcher  Kaniha  has  conveyed  its  consent  to  NH  Division,  Palahara,  Odisha (Government of Odisha) on 26.05.2025 to transfer the NTPC-owned road, while retaining  16  meters  (in  width)  of  land  along  the  NTPC-owned  portion  for  the upcoming Stage-III of TSTPP, on payment of land compensation basis.

**************
Lok Sabha Question No. 3113 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Ensuring Quality Drivers for e-Buses in Public Transit Sector
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tatkare Sunil Dattatrey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3113

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 18, 2025

## ENSURING QUALITY DRIVERS FOR E-BUSES IN PUBLIC TRANSIT SECTOR

NO. 3113.   SHRI TATKARE SUNIL DATTATREY:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of concerns regarding low remuneration for electric bus drivers engaged through leasing arrangements in State Transport Undertakings (STUs) across the country including  recent  instances  of  service  disruption  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to issue national guidelines for STUs and concessionaires to ensure minimum  qualifications,  mandatory training and safe driving standards for electric buses and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  include  mandatory  clauses within  tender  frameworks  that  guarantee  minimum  salary  thresholds, periodic wage rationalisation or uniform labour standards for electric bus drivers hired through private companies and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has taken any measures to allow STUs to deploy their own drivers or to standardise qualifications and remuneration for drivers hired by private operators under the leasing model and if so, the
- details thereof; and
- (e) the steps being taken to ensure that driver's working conditions do not adversely  affect  passenger  safety,  service  quality,  ridership  or  the national objective of accelerating public transit electrification?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (e): Ministry  of  Road  Transport  and  Highways  (MoRTH)  has informed that matters relating to engagement, deployment, remuneration, working conditions, training standards and qualification requirements for bus drivers, whether directly employed by State Transport Undertakings (STUs) or engaged  through  private concessionaires under leasing arrangements,  fall  within  the  administrative  domain  of  the  respective State/UT Governments and STUs. The Ministry does not centrally maintain data on  remuneration  structures  of  such contractual arrangements, nor

…2/-

does it prescribe or mandate wage norms, labour standards, or tender conditions for driver engagement in electric-bus operations. Formulation of tender frameworks, inclusion of labour-related clauses, decisions on use of STU-employed drivers, and measures to ensure service quality and passenger safety are undertaken by States/STUs in accordance with their procedures and regulatory powers.

Within the existing statutory framework, MoRTH advises States/UTs, as and when required, on general road safety and passenger safety aspects. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3107 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-18
Subject: Impact of Poor Canal Maintenance on Agricultural Productivity
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3107

## ANSWERED ON 18.12.2025

## IMPACT OF POOR CANAL MAINTENANCE ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY

## 3107.   Dr. C M RAMESH:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has assessed the impact of poor canal maintenance on agricultural productivity in Andhra Pradesh;

(b) if so, the findings of such assessment along with the details of the districts most affected;

(c) whether the water flow to tail-end areas of canal systems has been severely reduced due to heavy siltation and aquatic weed growth;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to restore the full water carrying capacity of canals and to prevent recurrence of such problems?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) to (d) Canals maintenance and Command Area Development works are State subject and are planned, funded,  executed  and  maintained  by  the  State  Governments  themselves  as  per  their  own  resources  and priority. Role of Government of India is limited to being catalytic, providing technical support, and partial financial assistance to a few identified projects under the ongoing schemes of this Ministry.

Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) has informed that no assessment on impact of poor canal maintenance on agricultural productivity has been carried out in Andhra Pradesh. However, there is aquatic weed growth and siltation in canals mostly in Delta areas like Krishna, Godavari and Penna delta systems and there are siltation issues in canals of Somasila Project, Telugu Ganga Project, Nagarjuna Sagar Project and Tungabhadra project high level canal system.

(e) GoAP has informed that it has  accorded sanction for 9,514 works  amounting to Rs.629.18 Crore  for restoration  of  irrigation  systems  for  effective  water  regulation,  to  improve  the  efficiency,  safety,  and reliability of irrigation infrastructure. These works aim for free flow of water through canal systems to ensure water supply to the ayacut up to tail end. Out of these, 4,947 works have been completed, so far.

The  Government  of  India  also  provides  partial  Central  Assistance  to  certain  identified  Extension, Renovation  and  Modernization  (ERM)  irrigation  projects  under  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Krishi  Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated  Irrigation  Benefit  Programme  (PMKSY-AIBP),  with  the  objective  of  restoring  lost irrigation potential through the renovation of old and damaged canal networks.