opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2918 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Progress under BharatNet
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani, Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2918 ANSWERED ON 17 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## PROGRESS UNDER BHARATNET

## 2918.   DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI: SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) the targets and deadlines set under the BharatNet project and the progress made to date;
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to fast-track progress under the BharatNet project;
- (c) whether  it  is  true  that  the  Government  failed  to  get  any  bids  for  the  implementation  of BharatNet in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the same;
- (e) whether the Government has taken any corrective steps to attract more bids under PPP mode; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the same?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) BharatNet  is being  implemented  in  a  phased  manner  to  provide  broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs). The total number of GPs undertaken under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II are 2,22,341 GPs, out of which 2,14,904 are Service Ready. Implementation of BharatNet is periodically reviewed by the Government and also in State Broadband Committee(s) and District Level Telecom Committee(s).

(c) & (d) Bids under PPP model were invited for BharatNet for nine packages in 2021-2022. Only one non-compliant bid for one package was received. The risks in implementing BharatNet in rural and remote areas are very high and therefore, the private sector partners did not come forward in the PPP bids.

(e) & (f) A  revised  implementation  model  has  been  worked  out  and  Amended  BharatNet Program (ABP) has been approved by the Union Cabinet on 04.08.2023 to provide optical fiber connectivity to ~2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and ~3.8 lakh non-GP villages on demand basis across  the  country.  Implementation  of  ABP  shall  be  undertaken  on  Design  Build  Operate  and Maintain  (DBOM)  model  by  professional  agencies  selected  as  Project  Implementing  Agencies (PIAs) through open bidding process.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2916 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Content Syndication Policy, 2025
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2916

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025)

CONTENT SYNDICATION POLICY, 2025

2916. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Prasar Bharati is set to finalize its Content Syndication Policy, 2025 and held a round of consultation with key industry stakeholders in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the said policy aims to monetize and expand access to the broadcaster's extensive archive of television and radio content from Doordarshan and All India Radio and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the said policy envisages strategic collaborations across domestic and global platforms and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(DR. L. MURUGAN)

- (a)  to  (c):  Prasar  Bharati  has  prepared  a  draft Content  Syndication Policy,  2025 to  promote  cultural  outreach  and  monetize  content, while also upholding its public service mandate. The draft was put up on the website of Prasar Bharati for public consultation.

A structured industry consultation was done with key stakeholders across the media ecosystem.  These include OTT platforms, linear TV broadcasters, radio networks, telecom carriers, IPTV operators and content aggregators. The policy aims to monetize content being produced by Doordarshan and  Akashvani,  archived  national  and  regional  content,  and  live coverages (Government events, festivals, sports, etc.). It also takes into consideration digital-first content published on Prasar Bharati's OTT platform. Further, the draft policy proposes monetization of commissioned, coproduced, licensed, and other content owned by Prasar Bharati. The draft Content Syndication Policy envisages fostering strategic collaborations with domestic and international platforms to expand the reach of Prasar Bharati's content and strengthen India's cultural presence globally. It  provides  for  flexible  licensing  models  such  as  flat  fee,  revenue share, minimum guarantee with revenue share.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2915 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Railway Yard at Umra (Umranala) Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2915

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## RAILWAY YARD AT UMRA (UMRANALA) RAILWAY STATION

†2915. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Railways  proposes  to  develop  a  railway  yard  at  Umra (Umranala)  railway  station  in  Udaipur  and  if  so,  the  present  status  of progress of the work;
- (b)  whether any objection/protest has been lodged by the local residents regarding  the  land  acquisition  for  the  said  project  and  if  so,  the  details thereof and the steps taken/being taken to redress them;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that uranium exploration work is also being  carried  out  there  by  the  Department  of  Atomic  Energy,  Atomic Minerals  Directorate  for  Exploration  and  Research  (AMD),  Government  of India, as a result no developing work is proposed to be carried out in the areas and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the residents of the area are likely to be displaced due to this projects and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the plan worked out for rehabilitation and compensation of displaced persons?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (e) A work of development of coach maintenance facilities at Umra railway station near Udaipur has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 149.98 Cr. The total land required for the project is 13.73 Hectares which includes 2.61 Hectare Govt. land and 11.12 Hectare Private land.

The project has been declared as a 'Special Railway Project'. Competent Authority  for  Land  Acquisition  (CALA)  has  been  appointed  and  land acquisition  process  has  been  taken  up.  Notice  under  section  20A  of Railway  Act  has  been  issued.  The  objections  in  this  regard  have  been received by CALA. The CALA is taking necessary steps for redressal of the objections.

The compensation shall be determined by the CALA in accordance with the law, and the Railways shall disburse the compensation as determined by CALA.

Department  of  Atomic  Energy  (DAE)  is  carrying  out  exploration  for uranium in and around Umra, Udaipur District, Rajasthan. In this regard two blocks having total area of 31.06 Sq Km (Block 1 - 16.16 sq km and Block 2 - 14.90 sq km) have been earmarked for DAE by the State Govt. As of now, no further action has been taken by DAE to establish a project for  Uranium  extraction  at  Umra.  However,  as  per  the  area  jointly surveyed  with  Udaipur  Development  Authority,  part  of  Block  1  area required by Railways overlaps with the area earmarked for DAE. DAE has been approached by Railways to provide NOC for the same.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2914 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Impact of misleading Advertisements
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2914 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025)

## IMPACT OF MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS 2914. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN:

- Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has examined the impact of misleading advertisements and fake news disseminated through digital platforms; (b) the details of action being taken by the Government to strengthen monitoring and regulatory mechanisms in this regard; and (c) whether the Government proposes to introduce any new guidelines to protect viewers
- especially children from harmful content?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a) to (c): The Government of India is cognisant of the increasing instances of fake, false and misleading information and misleading advertisements  across digital media platforms.

Government has notified the Information Technology  (Intermediary Guidelines  and  Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, under the Information Technology Act, 2000, (dated 25th February, 2021).

Part-III of these Rules inter alia provides for Code of Ethics to be followed by publishers of news & current affairs. It  includes adherence  to  the Programme Code laid down under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct under the Press Council Act, 1978.

A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for adherence to the Code of Ethics is provided under the IT Rules.

Also, Part II of the IT Rules, inter alia, casts an obligation on intermediaries like YouTube and  Facebook to  prevent  the  dissemination  of  information  that  is  patently  false,  untrue,  or misleading in nature.

A Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been set up under the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November, 2019 to check fake news relating to the Central Government.

After verifying the authenticity of news from authorized sources in Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, FCU posts correct information on its social media platforms.

Under  the  Section  69A  of  the  Information  Technology  Act,  2000,  Government  issues necessary  orders  to  block  websites,  social  media  handles  and  posts  in  the  interest  of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order

The  Central  Consumer  Protection  authority  (CCPA)  under  the  Department  of  Consumer Affairs has notified 'Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022' on 9th June, 2022.

The guidelines are aimed at curbing misleading advertisements and protecting the consumers, who may be exploited or affected by such advertisements.

Complaints relating to violation of the guidelines, including false and misleading advertisements, are addressed under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2910 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Objective behind Rationalisation of Royalty Rates
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel, Shri Chandan Chauhan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. †2910

ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## OBJECTIVE BEHIND RATIONALISATION OF ROYALTY RATES

†2910.  SHRI CHANDAN CHAUHAN: SHRI HARIBHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

(a)  the  objectives  behind  rationalised  royalty  rates  for  minerals  such  as  Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium and Zirconium; (b)  the  manner in which the revised royalty rates are likely to impact the domestic production, imports and overall supply chain security; and

- (c) the details of mechanisms adopted by the Government to ensure the reflection of the revised royalty structure in the auction of critical and auxiliary mineral blocks?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a)  to  (c):  The  Central  Government  has  rationalized  rates  of  royalty  of  Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium and Zirconium with effect from 20.11.2025 to promote auction of mineral blocks containing these minerals. Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium  and Zirconium  are  important  minerals  for  high-tech  applications  and  energy  transition. Graphite and Zirconium are also among the 24 critical and strategic minerals listed in the  Mines  and  Minerals  (Development  and  Regulation)  Act,  1957  (MMDR  Act). Increase in indigenous production of these minerals envisages to reduce imports and supply  chain  vulnerabilities  and  also  generate  employment  opportunities  in  the country. The revised royalty rates are applicable to all blocks of these minerals put on auction.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2903 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Inadequate Revenue Generation of BSNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Lalji Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2903 ANSWERED ON 17 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## INADEQUATE REVENUE GENERATION OF BSNL

## †2903. SHRI LALJI VERMA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has undertaken a detailed assessment of the key factors contributing to inadequate revenue generation of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and if so, the major findings thereof;

(b) whether the above findings justify the decision to implement Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for the downsizing of 35 per cent employees in BSNL and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the concrete steps taken to prevent BSNL's VRS scheme from failing like previous failed VRS schemes of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL); and

(d) the reaction of the Government to the objections raised by the recognised employees' unions regarding this scheme and the steps taken by the Government to effectively address them?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) The  Government  approved  the  first  Revival  package  in  2019  to  bring  down  the operating cost of BSNL by Debt restructuring through Sovereign Guarantee Bonds as well as VRS. After implementation of VRS in 2019, the employee cost of BSNL got reduced by 51 %. As a result of above, BSNL started earning operating profit from 2020-21.

The  revenue  of  BSNL  is  impacted  due  to  delay  in  roll  out  of  4G  services  as  well  as  stiff competition  in  the  mobile  segment.  Under  Atmanirbhar  Bharat  initiative,  BSNL  has  awarded Purchase Order for indigenously developed 4G sites. As on 30.11.2025, total 97,401 4G sites have been  installed  and  94,458  sites  are  ON-Air.  The  equipment  is  5G  upgradable  from  technology perspective.

At present, no proposal for VRS in BSNL is under consideration in the Department.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2902 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Advertisements in Railway Stations and Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2902

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## ADVERTISEMENTS IN RAILWAY STATIONS AND TRAINS

2902. SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  policies  and  guidelines  governing  advertisements displayed in railway stations, platforms, foot-overbridges and inside trains along with the criteria used to approve advertisers;
- (b) the revenue generated from station-level and train-level advertisements during the last five years, State/UT and railway-zonewise;
- (c)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure advertisements  displayed  in  public  railway  spaces  do  not  promote misleading, harmful/non-permitted content along with the mechanism for monitoring such violations; and
- (d)  the  measures  implemented/being  implemented  to  expand  digital advertising, modern display systems and station branding initiatives to increase non-fare revenue for the Railways?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d):  Various  policies  regarding  advertisements  displayed  at railway stations,  platforms, foot-overbridges,  and  inside  trains  have been issued by Indian Railways.  These includes:

-  Advertisements  in  station  premises  are  governed  by  the  Rail Display Network (RDN) Policy
-  Advertisements  in  other  Railway  areas  are  covered  under  the Out of Home Advertising (OOHA) Policy.
-  Advertising  on  the  interior  and  exterior  surfaces  of  trains  and locomotives is covered under various policies on Mobile Assets.

All  advertisement  contracts  are  awarded  through  e-auction  on  the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS) online portal, where the bidder is selected as per the policy on Commercial Earnings and Non-Fare  Revenue  and  the  related  Special  Conditions  of  Contract, which also outline the eligibility criteria for advertisers.

Revenue generated from station-level and train-level advertisements is  maintained  zone-wise,  as  each  Zonal  Railway  covers  multiple States and Union Territories. During last 5 years, Rs. 1,313 cr have been earned through station-level and train-level advertisements.

To ensure that advertisements do not display misleading, harmful, or non-permitted  content,  the  Special  Conditions  of  Contract  include provisions on display standards and restrictions. Railway administration  ensures  compliance  through  regular  monitoring  of advertisement sites.

To promote digital advertising, the Ministry has also introduced the Rail Display Network Policy, which allows Railways to install digital screens,  video  walls,  Glow  Sign  Boards  and  similar  formats.  Zonal Railways have accordingly awarded contracts for digital advertising, and Metro Railway Kolkata has awarded station co-branding contracts based on local feasibility.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Launch of High Performance Computing Facility
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Shri Kripanath Mallah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2900

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 17 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## LAUNCH OF HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING FACILITY

## 2900.    SHRI KRIPANATH MALLAH:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) the  features  of  Tarang  facility  at  Indian  National  Centre  for  Ocean  Information Services; and
- (b) whether the facility will help ocean scientists to provide warning for tsunamis in India and neighbouring countries and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) 'TARANG'  is  a  64-bit  High  Performance  Computing  (HPC)  system,  capable  of supporting multi-tasking, multi-programming, multi-user and time-sharing environment, of a proven architecture with scalable processing elements, scalable high performance  I/O,  scalable  interconnection  network  and  a  balanced  design  to  have 99.5% uptime with adequate redundancies and to avoid single point of failure so as to meet the operational requirements. The HPC system is supported by technical support facilities such as transformers, diesel generators, UPS, batteries, multiple utility paths, lighting system, adequate number of earthing pits and cables.

The compute capacity is about 1 Peta FLOPS, with 2 Peta Byte storage and 3 Peta Byte archival  storage.  Additionally,  there  is  a  dedicated  standalone  system  for  Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications with a capacity of 15.5 Peta FLOPS.

- (b) Yes sir. The HPC would help scientists to run advance operational models for providing Tsunami Early Warnings for India and other 25 countries on the Indian Ocean rim.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Underground Powerline in GIB Area
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Mrs Ruchi Vira

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2896

ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## UNDERGROUND POWERLINE IN GIB AREA

2896. MRS. RUCHI VIRA

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to provide financial assistance and policy facilities for undergrounding power lines in western  Uttar  Pradesh  to  ensure  the  safety  of  the  critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and also to avoid any delay or adverse impact on the ongoing and planned renewable energy projects in the region;

(b)  if  so,  the  details  of  the  Government's  long-term  plan  to  promote  renewable  energy development in GIB-rich areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including proposals for energy security, project timeline, measures to balance ecological conservation and coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Committee appointed by the Supreme Court of India; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a)  to  (c)  The  Supreme  Court's  order  dated  21.03.2024  in  Writ  Petition  (Civil)  838/2019 pertaining to undergrounding of power lines in the habitats of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) as well as the report of the Expert Committee constituted by Supreme Court vide its aforesaid order dated 21.03.2024 have indicated present major habitats of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in certain areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat only.

Accordingly,  the  expert  committee  in  its  report  submitted  to  Supreme  Court  have  given recommendations in respect of the GIB-rich areas in the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat only, and  have  not  recommended  any  measures  on  laying  of  power  lines  in  the  States  of  Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on account of safety of Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Railway Catering Policy
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2895 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## RAILWAY CATERING POLICY

†2895. SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  as  per  the  Railway  Catering  Policy,  the  power  of  fixing  the rates  of  goods/items  to  be  sold  on  the  platforms  of  stations  has  been given to zonal railways and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Railway Board has reserved the right to fix the rates of tea and coffee with itself;
- (c) if so, the dates on which the rates of tea and coffee sold on platform stalls have been increased after 2012;
- (d) whether the All India Railway Catering Licensees Welfare Association has submitted any demand letter for increasing the rates of tea, coffee
- and other items sold on stalls/trolleys on the platform; and

(e) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e):  The  rates  of  food  items,  to  be  sold  through  static  units  at platforms/  stations,  are    fixed    by  Indian  Railways  or  Indian  Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) from  time to time  under

the  delegation  given  vide  Para  14  of  Catering  Policy  2017.  Instructions regarding  rates  of  tea  and  coffee,  have  been  issued  vide  Commercial Circular No. 53 of 2018.

Receipt of representations, suggestions, etc., in this regard from stakeholders  including   catering  associations  by  Railways  at  various levels  is  a  continuous  and  dynamic  process.  These  representations  are examined on merits and necessary action is taken accordingly.

*****