opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 448 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Subsidy for Bharat Atta
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.448 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24th JULY, 2024

## SUBSIDY FOR BHARAT ATTA

## 448 SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION wim mid, um at{ tIT#XfM f8apr +it be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it  is true that the Government has approved  fresh subsidy for  Bharat Atta to  keep wheat prices stable on the recommendations  made by the Inter Ministerial Committee;
- (b) if  so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government will  consider/propose to sell Bharat Atta through Public Distribution System (PDS) in view of  limited  stores of  National Agricultural  COoperatIve Marketing FederatIon (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF), Kendriya Bhandars, etc. ;
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government will  consider to sell Bharat Rice through PDS which will  be helpful for Above Poverty Line (APL) families; and
- (f) if  not,  the  reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRINIATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India directed Food Corporation of  India  (FCD  to  keep the effective issue price  of  wheat to  NAFED  /NCCF /Kendriya Bhandar for Bharat Atta at Rs.1715/qtl after allowing a subsidy of  Rs.585/qtl  from  Price Stabilization fund (PSF) on existing reserve price of Rs.2300/qtl with efFect from 01.04.2024

(c) to (f): NAFED/NCCF/Kendriya Bhandar are selling Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice through their physical retail outlets and mobile vans and also through retail chains and e-commerce platform.

##888
Lok Sabha Question No. 443 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: BSNL Network Coverage
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 443 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH  JULY, 2024

## BSNL NETWORK COVERAGE

## 443 ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to complete the rollout of BSNL 4G across the country with a special focus on hilly regions like Idukki;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has sanctioned or proposes to sanction funds for the creation of network coverage in remote areas inhabited by tribes in the State of Kerala; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) BSNL has placed Purchase Orders for procurement of 1 Lakh indigenously developed 4G sites for pan India deployment including hilly regions of Idukki. Supply of 4G equipment has been started from September, 2023 which will cover all the existing tower locations without 4G coverage.

Further, under 4G Saturation Project, 332 new 4G mobile towers are planned in BSNL Kerala Circle including 80 new 4G sites in Idukki district.

For telecom network connectivity in uncovered villages of rural and remote areas of Kerala, as  on  30.06.2024,  total  fund  disbursed  from  Universal  Service  Obligation  Fund  (USOF)  is  Rs. 348.95 Crore under BharatNet Project and Mobile Tower Projects of USOF.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 440 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Private Players in Space Sector
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 440

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

## PRIVATE PLAYERS IN SPACE SECTOR

440. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  is  providing  any  incentives  to  build demand for the domestic private space sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of schemes to promote private players in space sector;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  establishing  any  public-private partnership model for earth observation satellite;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether  the  Government  runs  any  incentive  programmes  for conducting satellite  launches  through  domestic  rockets  from Indian launch pads; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

****

- (a)
- Yes Sir.
- (b) With the liberation of space sector, private sector is allowed to carry out end to end space activities in India. Indian National Space  Promotion  and  Authorization  Centre  (IN-SPACe)  was created in Department of Space for promoting, authorizing and overseeing the activities of non-government entities (NGEs) in Space Sector/sub sector. Private sector is being incentivised and encouraged to take up the space activities. IN-SPACe has brought out the Differential Pricing Policy, where the NGEs can use  and  utilise  the state's  capital-intensive  facilities  and services on discounted basis in different vertical for its usage.
- (c)
- Yes Sir.
- (d) The project is at formative stage and is being worked out.
- (e)
- Yes Sir.
- (f) Incentives  are  being  provided  to  space  start-ups,  academia and micro & small enterprises for conducting satellite launches of up to 50 kg (2 Nos) through NSIL rocket on NSIL approved pricing as per IN-SPACe Differential Pricing Policy.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 438 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.438

ANSWERED ON 24/07/2024

## JIYO PARSI SCHEME

## 438.  SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM :

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of the progress and impact of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme since its launch;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to raise awareness about the availability of facilities for child care and elderly support among the Parsi community;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are put in place to assess the performance and impact of the Jiyo Parsi scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details there of?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) to (e) The Jiyo Parsi scheme was launched in 2013-14 with the objective to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and  structured interventions,  stabilize their population and to increase the population of Parsis in India. The scheme has three components:
- i) Medical Assistance - to provide financial assistance for medical treatment under standard medical protocol;
- ii)  Advocacy  -  provides  for  counselling  of  couples  with  fertility  issues  and  publicity including workshops; and
- iii) Health of Community -  to provide financial assistance to Parsi couples towards childcare and assistance to dependent elderly;

The assistance under the scheme is being released to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit  Transfer  (DBT)  mode  after  biometric  authentication  and  other  verifications  by  the respective State Governments.  Scheme  guidelines  is available on Ministry's website (www.minorityaffairs.gov.in).

The Ministry has been providing financial assistance to numerous Parsi couples under Medical  and  Health  of  Community  (HOC)  components  and  the  scheme  has  been  quite successful in achieving its objective.

The scheme provides for outreach programmes i.e. seminars, workshops, Camps, and print as well as social media measures for publicity of the scheme.

The  scheme  has  provision  for  regular  monitoring  by  the  Ministry  and  the  State Governments and also concurrent evaluation to assess the benefits and the outcome of the scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 436 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Vacancies in Central Government Offices and PSUs
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 436

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2024)

## VACANCIES IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND PSUs

## †436 SHRI AMRA RAM:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of posts lying vacant in the Offices of Central Government and Public Sector Undertakings along with the time since when the posts are lying vacant; and
- (b) the  details  of  the  action  plan  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  fill  up  the  said vacancies?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b):  Occurrence  and  filling  up  of  vacant  posts  in  various  Ministries/Departments  is  a continuous process. Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government have been directed, from time to time, to fill up vacant posts in a time bound manner. Vacant posts have been filled up in mission mode, in Rozgar Mela launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister on 22 nd  October, 2022. 12 Rozgar  Melas have  been  held at  central  level  at  45-50  cities  across  the  various  States/  Union Territories.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 432 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Data Breach in BSNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Dr. Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 432 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24 TH  JULY, 2024

## DATA BREACH IN BSNL

## 432 DR. AMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the fact that the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited  (BSNL)  has  recently  suffered  a  significant  data  breach,  which  involves  critical  data, including International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, SIM card information, Home Location Register (HLR) details, DP Card Data and even snapshots of BSNL's SOLARIS servers; and

(b) if so, the details of the corrective steps proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in mind that the breach can lead to service outages, degraded performance and unauthorised access to telecom operations?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) reported possible intrusion & Data Breach at BSNL on 20.05.2024. The same was analysed and found that one File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server was having the data similar to the sample data shared by CERT-In. No breach into  Home  Location  Register  (HLR)  of  Telecom  Network  has  been  reported  by  Equipment Manufacturer,  hence  no  service  outage  in  BSNL's  network.  However,  as  a  remedial  measure  to prevent such probable breach, BSNL has taken steps i.e. access passwords to all similar FTP servers have been changed and instructions to maintain air-gap for End Points have been issued.

Further, an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted to conduct audit of the telecom networks and suggest remedial measures for prevention of data breaches in the Telecom networks.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 429 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Fund Allocation for KAVACH System in Railway Lines
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Dr. Rani Srikumar

## (a) to (d):

1. Kavach  is  an  indigenously  developed  Automatic  Train  Protection (ATP)  system.  Kavach  is  a  highly  technology  intensive  system, which requires safety certification of highest order.
2. Kavach aids the loco pilot in train running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case  Loco Pilot fails to

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 429 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2024

## FUND ALLOCATION FOR KAVACH SYSTEM IN RAILWAY LINES

429.  SMT. KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI: DR. RANI SRIKUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details regarding the funds allocated, utilised for installation of KAVACH system in the country;
- (b) total distance of rail network in kilometres brought under KAVACH system after the Balasore train accident in June 2023;
- (c) the reasons for the slow pace of installation of KAVACH system; and
- (d) whether any estimated time has been fixed for the installation of KAVACH in all the trains and railway lines?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- do  so  and  also  helps  the  train  to    run  safely  during  inclement weather.
3. Implementation of Kavach involves execution of many  activities, such as:
- a.
- Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station.
- b.
- Installation of RFID tags throughout the track length.
- c. Installation of Telecom Towers throughout the section.
- d.
- Laying of optical Fibre cable along the track.
- e. Provision  of  Loco  Kavach  on  each  and  every  Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
4. Kavach  has  so  far  been  deployed  on  1465  Route  km  and  144 locomotives on South Central Railway.
5. Presently, the progress of main items related to Kavach on DelhiMumbai & Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3000 Route km) is as under  :
- (i)
- (ii)
- (iii)
- Laying of Optical Fibre Cable: 4275 Km
- Installation of Telecom Towers: 364 Nos.
- Provision of Station Equipment: 285 Nos.
- (iv) Provision of equipment in Loco: 319 Locos
- (v)
- Installation of Track side equipments: 1384 Route Km.
6. Indian  Railways  has  also  prepared  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)
- and Detailed Estimate on another 6000 RKm.
7. On  16.07.2024,  Kavach  4.0  specification  has  been  approved  by RDSO. This version covers all the major features required  for  the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian  Railways.  Within  a  short  period,  IR  has  developed,  tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System.

8. Kavach is provided progressively in phased manner.
9. To  increase  capacity  and  scale  up  implementation,  trials  and approval of more OEMs are at different stages.
10. The  funds  utilized  on  Kavach  works  so  far  is  ₹1216.77  Cr.  The allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 is ₹1112.57 Cr.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Space Programmes and Missions
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 426

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

## SPACE PROGRAMMES AND MISSIONS

## 426. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

that the details of the India's space programmes and missions to be launched in the year 2024?

## ANSWER

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

***

Following are the space programmes & missions planned in the year 2024.

- i. Three PSLV missions, two of which are technology demonstration missions (TDS-01 & SPADEX) and one dedicated  commercial  mission  for  NewSpace  India  Limited (NSIL)
2. ii.
3. One GSLV mission to launch NVS-02 Navigation Satellite
4. One  SSLV  mission,  to  launch  a  technology  demonstration
- iii. Satellite (EOS-08).
- iv. First  unmanned  flight  under  Gaganyaan  Programme  (HLVM3G1)
- v. Technology demonstration of Dual-Fuel Scramjet (DFS) propulsion technology on a sub-orbital sounding rocket platform  as  part  of  developing  critical  technologies  for  Air Breathing  Propulsion  towards  reducing  cost  of  access  to space.
- vi. Ground  demonstration  of  Rendezvous  &  Docking  that  will provide valuable technical inputs for the SPADEX mission on PSLV later in the year.
9. Celebration of the first National Space Day on August 23, 2024 to  commemorate  the  successful  soft  and  safe  landing  of
- vii. 'Vikram' Lander near South Pole of the moon.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Artificial Intelligence Advisory
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 424

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 24.07.2024

## ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY

## 424.   SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  contents  of  the  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI) advisories issued on 1 st March 2024 and subsequently replaced the same on 15 th March 2024;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  imposed  any  obligations  on  entities  under  the  advisory issued on 15 th March 2024;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  given  any  exemptions  specially  to  the  startups  under  this advisory as the same was mentioned by the Government in public;
- (f) whether the Government has any proposal to develop a law to regulate the AI industry; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof along with the proposed legislation and its timeline?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (g): Ministry of Electronics and IT ('MeitY') has issued advisories from time to time, to  intermediaries/platforms  for  ensuring  compliance  with  applicable  laws  including  The Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules made thereunder. These advisories are issued after consultations with stakeholders. The Government is committed to harnessing the power of  emerging technologies such as Artificial  Intelligence ('AI') for the good of our people, while containing the risks that arise due to such use.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Guidance to Private Players by IN-SPACe
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Yogender Chandolia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 421 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

## GUIDANCE TO PRIVATE PLAYERS BY IN-SPACe

421. SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of activities undertaken by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to guide private player in the Space sector;
- (b) whether Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch any domestic private satellites; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

****

- (a) With the unlocking of the Space Sector for the private sector by the Government, following support activities are undertaken by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to guide private player in the Space sector:
-  Providing  mentorship  as  well  as  ISRO  facility  utilization support.
-  Technology Transfer to NGEs.
-  IN-SPACe  Seed  fund  support  to  start-ups  to  transform novel idea into a prototype development.
-  IN-SPACe Price support for NGEs for utilization of ISRO's facility.
-  Creation  of  IN-SPACe  Digital  Platform  to  connect  all  the stake holders of space eco system.
-  Established  IN-SPACe  Design  Lab,  where  start-ups  can use high end simulation software for design and analysis of critical space systems/subsystems.
-  Skill development in emerging space technology area etc.
- (b) ISRO  has  already launched  satellites  made  by  domestic private  players  under  commercial  launch  agreements  with NewSpace  India  Ltd.  (NSIL),  the  CPSE  under  Department  of Space.  NSIL  will  continue  to  provide  launch  services  under commercial agreement with the private satellite companies.
- (c) Two satellites viz. Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 built by M/s Dhruva Space (P) Limited, Bengaluru and a satellite viz. Anand, built by  M/s  Pixxel  India  (P)  Limited,  Bengaluru  were  launched  in PSLV C54 Mission on November 26, 2022 as co-passengers.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: No Stoppage  in  Malappuram  District  on Shornur Mangalore Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 417 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2024

NO STOPPAGE IN MALAPPURAM DISTRICT ON SHORNUR MANGALORE LINE

## 417 DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  difficulties  faced  by passengers due  to  11  pairs  of  trains  not  having  any  stoppage  in  the Malappuram District on the Shornur Mangalore line;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  this  situation brings  much  inconvenience  to  a  large  number  of  train  passengers depending upon the stations of the area; and
- (d) if so, the plan of the Government to address the grievances of the train passengers of the district?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d)  As  the  Railway  network  straddles  across  state/district boundaries,  trains  are  operated  and  stoppages  are  provided  as  per network requirements, across such boundaries. Important stations like Kuttippuram, Tirunnavaya, Tirur, Tanur, Parapanangadi and Vallikunnu Stations located in Malappuram district, are being served by 41 trains, 12  trains,  87  trains,  26  trains,  39  trains  and  17  trains  respectively. Besides, stoppage of trains is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, etc.

*****