opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2737 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Loss of loyalty and integrity among LIC Agents
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Isha Khan Choudhury

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## UN-STARRED QUESTION NO- 2737

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 17 MARCH, 2025 / PHALGUNA 26, 1946 (SAKA)

## Loss of loyalty and integrity among LIC Agents

## 2737. SHRI ISHA KHAN CHOUDHURY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  address  the  potential  loss  of  loyalty  and  integrity among LIC agents, who have been trained and mentored by Development Officers;
- (b) whether these agents are selling products of private insurers and if so, the measures taken by the Government to safeguard LIC's market position and workforce stability;
- (c) whether  private  insurers  potentially  leveraging  LIC-trained  agents  instead  of  recruiting  new agents, if so, the way by which the Government ensure that overall employment opportunities in the insurance sector are not adversely impacted;
- (d) the  safeguards  implemented  by  the  Government  to  prevent  job  insecurity  for  Development Officers if the proposed amendments dilute agents focus and performance; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  a  detailed  assessment  of  the  potential  economic  and market consequences of weakening LIC's position in the insurance sector and if so, the steps taken/being taken to ensure the stability of this sector and the continued growth of LIC?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

- (a) to  (e):  The  appointment  of  Insurance  Agents  is  governed  by  Insurance  Regulatory  and Development Authority of India (Appointment of Insurance Agents) Regulation, 2016. As per these regulations an individual can work as insurance agent for two or more insurers subject to the condition that he/she shall not act as insurance agent for more than one life insurer, one general insurer, one health insurer and one each of the mono-line insurers. Therefore, there is no such provision in present regulation to permit an agent to sell Life Insurance Products of more than one Life Insurance Company.

Development Officers (DOs) are governed by Life Insurance Corporation of India Development Officers (Revision of Certain Terms and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2009, as amended from time to time. LIC has a robust performance appraisal system for DOs and all other category of staff.

The  insurance  companies  engage  insurance  agents  as  per  their  business  strategy  subject  to compliance with the IRDAI regulations.

Performance of LIC is also reviewed at regular intervals by the Government. As on 31.03.2024, LIC was holding a market share of 58.87% on first year premium basis and 69.91% on number of policies basis. LIC is also having encouraging agent strength, which increased by 5% during financial year 2023-24 to 14,14,743.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2735 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Norms for setting up ESIC Hospitals
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Harendra Singh Malik

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2735 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## NORMS FOR SETTING UP ESIC HOSPITALS

†2735. SHRI HARENDRA SINGH MALIK:

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

- (a)the details of norms for setting up ESIC hospitals for the health facilities  of  workers  employed  in  sugar  mills  and  other  local industries located in remote areas of the country;
- (b)whether  the  Government  proposes  to  open  ESIC  hospitals  in Muzaffarnagar  district  where  more  than  50,000  workers  are employed in sugar mills and other mills;

(c)if so, the details thereof; and

- (d)if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Employees'  State  Insurance  Corporation  ( ESIC)  accords approval for setting up of new ESI hospitals in an area in accordance with  the  norms  of  ESIC.  As  per  norms,  minimum  20,000  Insured Persons (IP) and 50,000 IP, at present or futuristic in upcoming 05 years within radius of 25 Kilometers of proposed location, is required for setting up of 30 bedded and 100 bedded ESI hospital respectively. In case of North Eastern Region / Hilly area, the minimum 15,000 IP is required for setting up of 100 bedded hospital.

The  total  number  of  Insured  Person  in  Muzaffarnagar district was 15,125 as on 31.03.2024.

In terms of Section 2 (19A) of ESI Act, 1948, sugar mills is seasonal factory and the Act does not apply to them. Non-seasonal factories  functioning  in  notified  areas  and  employing  10  or  more persons are covered under the provisions of the ESI Act, 1948.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2730 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Preparation for Olympics
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2730

## ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## PREPARATION FOR OLYMPICS

## 2730. SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

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

- (a)  whether  India  has  submitted  a  formal  bid  to  host  the  2036 Olympics, and if so, the status of this bid;
- (b) the names of cities that are being considered as potential host cities for the event and the criteria used for their selection;
- (c) the details of estimated infrastructure investments and upgrades which  are  anticipated  to  meet  the  requirements  for  hosting  the Olympics; and
- (d)  the  steps  are  being  taken  to  secure  international  support  and partnerships for India's bid?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a) The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is responsible for bidding to host the Olympics in India.  The IOA issued a Letter of Intent on

01.10.2024 to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in India in 2036.  The IOC has a dedicated internal body, namely, the Future Host Commission (FHC),  which  deals  with  the  subject  of  hosting  Olympics  by  the interested countries.  The interested National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are required to initiate a dialogue with the FHC for award of the hosting rights for a specific edition of the Olympic Games.  Once a  NOC  has  expressed  interest  to  host  the  Olympic  Games,  the dialogue with the FHC moves through various stages, such as the continuous  dialogue  followed  by  a  targeted  dialogue,  which  is conducted by the FHC.  Pursuant to this, the IOC Executive Board selects  the  host  NOC  on  the  basis  of  voting  as  per  its  internal procedure.

- (b) At present, the bidding process of the 2036 Olympics has not advanced  to  the  stage  where  issues  concerning  venues  for  the different sports would have been discussed.
- (c) Augmentation of sports infrastructure by way of creation of new facilities  and  upgradation  of  existing  ones  for  organising  sports events,  including  the  Olympics,  is  an  ongoing  process.  Moreover, 'Sports'  being a State subject, the primary responsibility for creation and development of sports infrastructure and facilities is that of the State Governments. However, the State Governments are supported by the Ministry under its Khelo India Scheme for Creation of sports infrastructure,  such  as,  synthetic  athletic  track,  synthetic  hockey turf, synthetic turf football ground, multipurpose hall, swimming pool etc.
- (d) IOA, being the entity responsible for engaging with the FHC, is taking all necessary steps including enlisting support from concerned international bodies, in pursuit of India's successful bid for 2036 Olympics.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2729 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Appointment of full time VC for Pondicherry University
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2729 ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## Appointment of full time VC for Pondicherry University

## 2729 . Shri Ve Vaithilingam:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the Pondicherry Central University is running without regular Vice Chancellor since November 2023;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that the absence of regular VC affects the policy making decisions and other important issues of Pondicherry University; and
- (c) the time by when the regular Vice Chancellor is appointed to Pondicherry University?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (c) As per the provision contained in the Statutes of Pondicherry University Act, 1985, the  Hon'ble  President  of  India  in  her  capacity  as  Visitor  of  Pondicherry  University  has appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University and the same was conveyed to the University on 06.03.2025.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2727 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: National Bank for Infrastructure Development
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2727

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 17 th  MARCH, 2025/ 26 PHALGUNA, 1946 (SAKA)

## NATIONAL BANK FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

## 2727. SMT. BIJULI KALITA MEDHI:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of funding and capitalization for NBFID; and
- (b) the  way  by  which  the  NBFID  ensure  timely  disbursement  of  funds  and  efficient  project execution?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The current status of funding and capitalization of National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development primarily consist of:
- (i) Equity support of Rs. 20,000 crore and grant of Rs. 5,000 crore by Government of India.
- (ii) Borrowings in the form of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) & Loans from aggregating to Rs.39,493 crore as on 31.12.2024.
- (b) National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development has informed as follows:
- Post sanction of project loan, disbursements and project execution monitoring are handled by separate,  dedicated  teams  within  its  Credit  Administration  -  Operations  &  Monitoring Department. These teams ensure timely disbursement, monitor project execution timelines, and address any necessary controls or resolutions as per the internal and regulatory guidelines.
- Further,  disbursements  are  made  once  pre-disbursement  conditions,  as  outlined  in  the sanction,  are  met.  Proper  checks  and  balances  are  implemented  through  checklists  and Standard Operating Procedures which include: (i) compliance of pre-disbursement conditions, (ii)  availability  of  relevant  approvals/clearances  and  valid  insurance,  (iii)  satisfactory technical due diligence, (iv) financial progress, including equity infusion, if applicable (v) physical project progress, if applicable and (vi) mandatory KYC checks as per RBI guidelines.
- Similarly, Project execution is monitored through regular site inspection and technological project monitoring tools which include: (i) periodic site visits or inspections by officials, (ii) analysis of the monthly progress reports submitted by both Lender's Independent Engineer (LIE) and Lender's Insurance Advisor (LIA), engaged for technical matters, (iii) discussions with other lenders in consortium meetings, (iv) tracking covenants and conditions stipulated in  the  sanction,  and  (v)  monitoring  the  project's  cash  flow,  interest  payments,  and  other payment histories.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2726 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: CBSE Class 10th Mathematics
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2726

ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## CBSE Class 10th Mathematics

†2726. Shri Giridhari Yadav:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  is  a  provision  for  the  students  of  class  10th  of  Central  Board  of Secondary Education (CBSE) to study two types of Mathematics, Standard and Basic;
- (b) whether  the  Standard  Mathematics  is  quite  difficult  but  most  of  the  students  who studied it got success in engineering examinations;
- (c) if  so,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  remove  Basic  Mathematics  from  the syllabus of class 10th; and
- (d) if so, the time by which it will be removed and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d)  :  The  Central  Board  of  Secondary  Education  (CBSE)  has  introduced  two  level Mathematics -Standard and Basic at Secondary level from academic session ending March 2020  onwards.  Students  study  the  same  textbooks  and  curriculum,  only  the  examination papers differ for Standard and Basic. Further, CBSE does not maintain data of students who studied Standard Mathematics and have got success in engineering examinations.

Considering  the  recommendation  of  NEP  2020  in  para  4.38,  the  Board  is  not considering to remove  Basic  Mathematics  from  the syllabus of Class 10 as Basic Mathematics is suitable for students who are not keen to pursue Mathematics at higher levels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2725 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Check on Production of  Ozone Depleting Gases
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2725

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## Check on Production of Ozone Depleting Gases

## 2725.  DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether the Government has stopped production of Chloro Fluoro Carbon and such other gases  in  the  Air-conditioning  and  Refrigeration  Industry  that  depletes  Ozone  in  the atmosphere;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  about  the  production  of  such  ozone  non-friendly  gases  in  the  country during the last five years;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan with target years to phase-out use of such ozone depleting gases; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to  (d):  Production  of  Chlorofluorocarbons,  known  as  CFCs,  has  been  stopped  in  the country with effect from 1 st August, 2008 for use as refrigerants in the Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Industry. India is now phasing out production of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22)  for  controlled  applications i.e. use in Air-conditioning and  Refrigeration Industry,  as  per  the  accelerated  phase-out  schedule  of  the  Montreal  Protocol  i.e.  10% reduction as on 1 st January, 2015, 35% reduction as on 1 st January, 2020, 67.5% reduction as on  1 st January,  2025  and  complete  phase-out  of  production  of  HCFC-22  by  2030  and thereafter 2.5 per cent of baseline production (average of 2009-2010) will be allowed during the  period  2030-2040 for the servicing  of the existing Refrigeration  and Air-Conditioning equipment.  India  has  already  met  the  phase-out  targets  of  2015,  2020  and  2025  for production of HCFC-22, as per the accelerated phase out schedule of the Montreal Protocol.

Details of production of HCFC-22 for controlled applications during the last 5 years as given below:

|   Year |   Production of HCFC-22 for controlled applications (in MT) |
|--------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
|   2024 |                                                     24644.9 |
|   2023 |                                                     22138.5 |
|   2022 |                                                     17183.9 |
|   2021 |                                                     21346   |
|   2020 |                                                     24633.3 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2724 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Increasing of Pension under EPS-95
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2724

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## INCREASING OF PENSION UNDER EPS-95

2724. SHRI T R BAALU:

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

- (a)whether  it  is  a  fact  that  various  Labour  Unions  including  the Bhartiya  Mazdoor  Sangh  (BMS)  have  urged  the  Government  to increase  the  minimum  amount  of  pension  under  the  Employees
- Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 to Rs. 9,000;
- (b)if so, the details thereof along with the time by which the pension
- will be increased; and
- (c)the numbers of the retired EPS pensioners that are getting pension less than Rs.9,000?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): Yes.

The EPS, 1995 is a 'Defined Contribution -Defined Benefit' Social Security Scheme. The corpus of the Employees' Pension Fund is  made  up  of  (i)  contribution  by  the  employer  @  8.33  per  cent  of wages;  and  (ii)  contribution  from  Central  Government  through budgetary  support  @  1.16  per  cent  of  wages  up  to  an  amount  of Rs.15,000/- per month. All benefits under the scheme are paid out of such accumulations. The fund is valued annually as mandated under paragraph 32 of the EPS, 1995.

Amount  of  member's  pension  under  the  Scheme  is determined taking into account the pensionable period of service and pensionable salary as per following formula:

## Pensionable Service X Pensionable Salary

## 70

However, the Government, for the first time, in the year 2014,  provided  a  minimum  pension  of  Rs.  1000  per  month  to  the pensioners  under  the  EPS,  1995  by  providing  budgetary  support, which was in addition to the budgetary support of 1.16 per cent of wa ges provided annually towards EPS to Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

During  F.Y.  2023-24,  approximately  47  lakhs  member pensioners were drawing pension less than Rs.9,000/- per month.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2717 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Setting up of New Educational Institutes in Bihar
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Manoj Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2717

ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## Setting up of New Educational Institutes in Bihar

†2717. Shri Manoj Kumar:

## Will the Minister of EDUCATION

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal to set up new IITs, Central Schools and B.Ed colleges in Bihar particularly in Sasaram Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has approved the above said proposals;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

- (a) to (e) Opening of the Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) is a continuous process. It depends on the willingness of the State Government/UT Administration (in case of NVs) and of the sponsoring Ministries/Departments of the Central Government/State Government/UT Administration (in case of KVs), and the commitment to provide  requisite  resources,  like,  land,  etc,.  Currently,  all  the  districts  of  Bihar  have  been covered under the NV Scheme. Further, as on date, 50 KVs, including one in Sasaram, are functional in the State of Bihar.

Bihar also has one IIT, viz., IIT Patna, presently offering various undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs. The total student strength in IIT Patna is more than 3800. In the Budget 2025-26, it was inter-alia announced to expand hostel and other infrastructure capacity at IIT Patna.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2715 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Preservation of Telangana’s Heritage Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vamsi Krishna Gaddam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2715 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## PRESERVATION OF TELANGANA'S HERITAGE SITES

## 2715. SHRI VAMSI KRISHNA GADDAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plans to allocate special funds for the preservation of Telangana's  heritage  sites,  including  Ramagiri  Fort  and  Dhulikatta  Buddhist  Stupa  in Peddapalli;
- (b) if so, the details of such plans and timelines; and
- (c) the  details  of  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  these  sites  under  the National Tourism Circuit?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) There are 08 numbers of Centrally Protected Monuments/sites under the jurisdiction of
- & Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  in  the  Telangana  State.  The  conservation  and
- (b) maintenance  of  these  monuments/sites  is  a  regular  process  and  is  taken  up  as  per  the requirement  and  availability  of  resources.    However,  the  Ramagiri  Fort  and  Dhulikatta Buddhist  Stupa  in  Peddapalli  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Department  of  Heritage, Government of Telangana.
- (c) Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and  products,  including  heritage tourism is undertaken by the respective State  Government/Union  Territory (UT) Administration.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  complements  the  efforts  of  States/UTs  by developing  and  promoting  various  tourism  products  of  the  country,  including  heritage tourism  in  Telangana  through  various  schemes  and  initiatives.  As  of  now  there  is  no proposal to promote Ramagiri Fort and Dhulikatta Buddhist Stupa in Peddapalli under the National Tourism Circuit.  The Government has taken several initiatives, details of which are as given below:

(i) The Ministry of Tourism has now revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination & tourism centric approach. Under SD 2.0 Scheme on 29-02-2024 a Project for 'Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone' has been sanctioned for a cost of Rs. 56.81 Cr.

(ii)  In  2024-25,  the  Government  of  India,  Ministry  of  Tourism, under the  guidelines  for Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) for Development of Iconic Tourist Centres has approved a project 'Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit' for a cost of Rs. 73.74 Cr.

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