opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1128 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: GST exemption on Artificial Limbs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. C N Manjunath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1128

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2024/ AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## GST EXEMPTION ON ARTIFICIAL LIMBS

## 1128. DR. C N MANJUNATH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

that the Government has any plans to waive off GST on Artificial Limbs/various Assistive Devices for patients who have significant physical disabilities including amputations of legs and arms to benefit poor and lower middle class people?

## ANSWER

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

GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council which consists  of  representation  from  both  Union  and  State/UT  Governments.  There  is  no  such recommendation of the GST Council.

Since inception of GST, assistive devices, rehabilitation aids and other goods for the disabled such as instruments and implants for severely physically handicapped, have been prescribed the lowest tax rate or GST i.e. @ 5%.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1127 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Preservation and Protection of the Gautameshwara Temple
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vamsi Krishna Gaddam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1127

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF THE GAUTAMESHWARA TEMPLE

## 1127. SHRI VAMSI KRISHNA GADDAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken/ being taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)  and  the  Government  to  preserve  and  protect  Gautameshwara  Temple  of historical importance and other similar heritage sites in Manthani built during the Kakatiya Dynasty;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  allocated  funds  for  the  restoration  and  if  so,  the details thereof along with the current status of the restoration work;
- (c) whether  the  Government,  in  collaboration  with  the  ASI  has  undertaken  any initiatives to promote Manthani's rich historical and cultural heritage, such as the visit of Adi Shankaracharya and the Kakatiya period temples and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  plans  for  any  tourism  campaigns  or cultural programmes focused on promoting Manthani as a heritage destination, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  involve  the  local community in the preservation of these sites, including training for locals as guides or conservation experts?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  Gauthameshwara  temple  and  other  similar  heritage  sites  in  Manthani  built during  the  Kakatiya  Dynasty  are  protected  monuments  of  the  Department  of Heritage Telangana.
- (b) No  funds  have  been  allotted  by  Government  of  India  for  the  restoration  and
- to preservation of Manthani's rich historical and cultural heritage. No proposal in this
- (e) regard has been received from the Government of Telangana.

-----
Lok Sabha Question No. 1126 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Household Income Decline
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Smt. Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1126

TO BE ANSWERED ON 2 DECEMBER 2024

## HOUSEHOLD INCOME DECLINE

## † 1126. Smt. Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the real household income has fallen to an unprecedented low due to slow wages growth and skyrocketing inflation; and
- (b) if  so,  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  the  said  challenge  of  declining incomes faced by the Country's economy?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) As  per  the  National  Accounts  Statistics  2024,  the  gross  disposable  income  of  the households  (including  non-profit  institutions  serving  households)  is  available  only  at current prices, and till the year 2022-23. During 2021-22 and 2022-23, the growth rate in gross household disposable income at current prices averaged 13.5 per cent, which was higher than the average retail inflation of 6.1 per cent. The data from the periodic labour force survey (PLFS) shows that the work force participation rate increased from 56 per cent in 2022-23 to 58.2 per cent in 2023-24. The PLFS data also showed that the growth in average wage/salary earnings at current weekly status exceeded the retail inflation rate in 2023-24. The retail inflation rate declined to 4.8 per cent in 2024-25 (April-October) compared to 5.4 per cent in 2023-24.
- (b) The government's focus on ease of doing business, skilling, employment generation and as  well  as  creation  of  infrastructure  creates  a  congenial  environment  for  growth  of household income.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1122 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Promotion of Eco-Tourism and Adventure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Amarsing Tisso

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1122 ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM AND ADVENTURE TOURISM

## 1122. SHRI AMARSING TISSO:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  plans  to  promote  eco-tourism  and adventure  tourism  in  the  areas  of  Karbi-Anglong  and  DimaHasao  Districts in Assam  State, given its rich natural landscapes;
- (b) the  details  of  any  specific  plans  to  promote  activities  like trekking,  camping,  bird-watching,  or  wildlife  safaris  in  the said districts;
- (c) the details of the efforts and proposals/ schemes being made by  the  Government  to  promote  key  natural  attractions  like Langvoku Falls, Kako Falls, Umrongso Lake, Khanduli, Kohora Resort,  Barail  Range  and  other  scenic  locations  in  Karbi  Anglong, Jatinga Valley and Dima Hasao Districts of Assam State;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  develop  lesserknown but beautiful spots in said districts into tourist-friendly destinations; and
- (e)
- if yes, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through  various  initiatives.  As  part  of  its  on-going  activities;  it regularly releases campaigns to promote various tourism destinations  and  products  of  India  including  Eco-  Tourism  and Adventure Tourism.

In order to position India as a preferred global destination for Eco and Adventure Tourism, Ministry of Tourism has formulated National Strategies for Eco -Tourism and Adventure Tourism.

Ministry of Tourism under its scheme of 'Swadesh Darshan' provides central financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations  etc.  for  development  of  tourism  infrastructure  in the  country  and  the  projects  under  the  scheme  are  sanctioned  in consultation with the State Governments/UTs subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier etc.

Ministry  of  Tourism  has  sanctioned  the  following  projects  in  the state of Assam:-

- (i) Development of Tezpur -Majauli -Sibsagar sanctioned in the year 2016-17 for Rs.90.98 Crore under Heritage theme. Saikhowa in the year 2015-16 for Rs.94.68 Crore under
- (ii) Development  of  Manas -Pobitora -Nameri -Khaziranga -Dibru -Wildlife theme.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1121 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Nexus between Bank Borrowers, Asset Reconstruction Companies and Lenders
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1121

## TO BE ANSERWED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2024/ AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## NEXUS BETWEEN BANK BORROWERS, ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND LENDERS

## 1121. DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Income-Tax  Authorities  during  raids  have  observed  the  nexus  between  the  Bank borrowers  and  the  Asset  Reconstruction  Companies  (ARCs)  in  manipulating  the  Loan  assets creating huge loss to the Public Sector Banks (PSBs);

(b) if so, the details of losses incurred by the Banks and Asset Reconstruction Company due to such collusion;

(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to prevent such unfair and fraudulent activities of the Bank borrowers, ARCs and the lenders; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)  & (b):  There is no expression 'raid' in the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the 'Act'). However, the Income  Tax  Department  (ITD)  has  recently  carried  out  search  operation  on  certain  Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). Evidence of tax evasion and other violations of the Act were detected during such actions. Disclosure of information in respect of specific assessees is prohibited except as provided under section 138 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

(c  )  &  (d):  RBI  has  issued  Master  Direction  -  Reserve  Bank  of  India  (Asset  Reconstruction Companies) Directions, 2024 dated April 24, 2024, applicable to Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). The provisions of these Directions shall apply to every ARC registered with RBI under Section 3 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002. The Master Direction is available on RBI website at the following link:

https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS\_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=12669

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Diamond Quadrangle
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1118 ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## DIAMOND QUADRANGLE

## 1118.   Dr. RABINDRA NARAYAN BEHERA:

## Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  declare  the  diamond  quadrangle  as  World Heritage points considering the significance of Buddhist Centres at Ratnagiri, Udaigiri and Langudiat  Jajpur District in the State of Odisha, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the  Government has any proposal  of  setting  up  of  a  museum  at  Udaigiriin  Jajpur District of Odisha considering its historical importance, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) No such proposal has been received to declare Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Langudi and Lalitagiri for  inclusion  in  the  World  Heritage  List.  However,  these  are  the  Centrally  Protected Monuments under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India and are in good state of preservation.
- (b) No such proposal is approved till date.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1113 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Encouraging Youth Towards Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Smt. Sandhya Ray

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1113

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

Encouraging Youth Towards Sports

## †1113.     SMT. SANDHYA RAY:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  schemes  formulated  to  encourage  youth towards sports in Madhya Pradesh, district-wise;
- (b) the number of students in Bhind and Datia districts benefited in higher education and universities through sports quota;
- (c) the opinion of the Government on the opening of indoor stadiums on a large scale in Bhind district; and
- (d) the  details  of  the  total  amount  spent  by  the  Government  on sports  schemes,  district-wise,  especially  in  Bhind  and  Datia districts?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## ANSWER (DR MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a): Sports being a State subject, the responsibility of development and encouragement  of  sports, including youth in the country, rests primarily with the State/Union Territory Governments, and the Central Government only supplements their efforts. However, the Government is  running  various  sports  promotional  schemes  across  the  country, including  Madhya  Pradesh.  These  schemes  include:  (i)  Khelo  IndiaNational  Programme  for  Development  of  Sports;  (ii)  Assistance  to National  Sports  Federations  (NSFs);  (iii)  Cash  Awards  to  Winners  in International  Sports  Events  and  their  Coaches;  (iv)  National  Sports

Awards; (v) Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons; (vi) Pandit Deendayal  Upadhyay  National  Sports  Welfare  Scheme;  (vii)  National Sports Development Fund; and (viii) Running Sports Training Centres through Sports Authority of India (SAI). Details of these schemes are available  in  the  public  domain  on  the  website  of  the  Ministry  at https://yas.nic.in/.

- (b): The Government does not maintain database regarding the number of  students  benefited  in  higher  education  and  universities  through sports quota.
- (c) and (d): For development of sports infrastructure including stadiums under the Khelo India Scheme, the proposals received from the  State/UT  Governments  are  considered  based  on  the  technical feasibility of the proposals, their adherence to the prescribed parameters, as well as the availability of funds.

Funds  are  allocated  by  this  Ministry  Scheme-wise,  not  District-wise. However, details of the funding under the Khelo India Scheme for the state of Madhya Pradesh is available on its website at https://mdsd.kheloindia.gov.in/ .

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1112 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Gender Budget Statement
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 1112

## To BE ANSWERED oN MoNDAy, THE 2ND DECEMBER, 2024

AGRAHAYANA tt, 1946 (SAKA)

## GENDER BUDGET STATEMENT

## III2. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased  to state:

- (a) whether  the schemes such as PMAY-G  which are not 100% women schemes have been included in Part A of Gender Budget Statemen! and
- (b) the measures proposed by the Government  to present an uninflated and accurate Gender Budget Statements  in future?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): Houses under PMAY-G are required to be sanctioned mandatorily  in the name of women beneficiaries  of the households from FY 2022-23  onwards as per the advisories  issued to all StatesAJTs.  Therefore, Department  of Rural Development  has included the scheme PMAY-G in Part A of Gender Budget Statement. Further, Ministry of Women & Child Development, as the nodal Ministry for Gender  Budgeting,  provides capacity building and technical support  to Central Ministries, Departments  and Statesfunion Territories  relating  to gender budgetary  processes.

**{.{.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1111 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Shortage of Staff in SBI
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan, Shri Rambhual Nishad

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1111

ANSWERED ON 2 nd  DECEMBER, 2024 (MONDAY) / AGRAHAYANA 11, 1946 (SAKA)

## Shortage of Staff in SBI

## 1111. Shri Rambhual Nishad: Shri V K Sreekandan:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the State Bank of India cuts its headcount by 25,000 in the last five years and facing a shortage of staff;

(b) whether the reduction in headcount is taking place despite the fact that the bank enjoys one of the lowest attrition rates in the banking sector which stood at 1.43% during the Financial Year 2024;

(c)  whether  in  view  of  the  staff  shortage,  the  customers  have  to  wait  for  hours  for  small transactions in all the branches of State Bank of India including Kurebhar Branch in Sultanpur district; and

(d) the details of steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve the situation including deployment of officials and employees?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) : Public Sector Banks (PSBs) including State Bank of India (SBI) are board governed commercial entities. The requirement of manpower in each PSB is determined by the respective PSB keeping in view various factors which include, inter-alia , business requirement, spread of activities, superannuation and other unplanned exits. Appointment of officers and staff is done accordingly by the bank and it varies from year to year based on their requirements.

As per SBI, the current staff is adequate for carrying out the operations smoothly and recruitment drive(s) are conducted from time to time to supplement the staff position in the Bank well in advance.

Further, the bank has informed that as on 22.11.2024, a total of 101 staff has been posted in the Sultanpur District. A new Regional Office has also been established there. Additionally, 75 Customer Service Points are linked to the Sultanpur District branches to cater services to customers. As per the bank, the average transaction time in these branches range from 5-10 minutes depending upon the nature of transaction.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1110 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Pending Pension for Veteran Artists
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1110 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## 'Pending Pension for Veteran Artists'

## 1110. DR. MALLU RAVI:

## Will the MINISTER OF CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that several veteran artists from Telangana State have not received their pension under the Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists for  the  last  two  years  despite  submitting  the  required  documents,  and  if  so,  the  details thereof, including the month from which payments are pending;
- (b) the details of the total amount of pension pending for veteran artists from Telangana State till date; and
- (c) whether the Government considers expediting the payment of pending pensions to these artists and if so, the time-frame for the same?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

## (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) & (b) Release of financial assistance to the selected artists under the 'Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists' depends on submission of certain mandatory documents such as, Digital Life Certificate (DLC) once in a year, annual income certificate once in every five years,  documents  showing  receipt  of  artist  pension,  if  any,  from  the  concerned  State Government/UT Administration. Once the requisite mandatory documents are received from the selected artists, which is a continuous process throughout the year, all efforts are made to disburse the financial assistance expeditiously.

Accordingly,  the  number  of  veteran  artists  from  the  State  of  Telangana  getting  Financial Assistance under the scheme during last two years is given below:

| Financial Year   |   Number of Veteran Artist supported |   Amount disbursed (Rs. in Lakh) |
|------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| 2022-23          |                                  489 |                           268.16 |
| 2023-24          |                                  293 |                           274.94 |

(c) Ministry of Culture had entrusted the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) for disbursing the financial assistance to the selected beneficiaries prior to the year 2017. With effect from 2017, the Ministry itself started the disbursal of assistance to the old artists upon receipt of requisite documents  from  them.  To  further  streamline  the  disbursement  of  financial  assistance  to  the beneficiaries  of  all  states  including  Telangana  under  the  scheme,  an  MoU  has  been  signed between  the  Ministry  and  Canara  Bank  on  28.06.2023  which  has  led  to  increase  in  the disbursal of financial assistance from Rs. 18.17 crore in 2022-23 to Rs. 28.96 crore in 2023-24.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1104 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Implementation of RTE Act
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1104 ANSWERED ON 2 nd  December, 2024

## Implementation of RTE Act

1104. Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether some States/UTs have not yet implemented the Right of Children for Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act even after 15 years of passing the Act; (b) if so, the details of the States/UTs that have failed to implement RTE Act along with the reasons for non-implementation; (c) whether  the  Government  is  following  up  with  States/UTs  for  the  immediate implementation of RTE Act; and (d)  the  details  of  the  measures  initiated  for  incentivizing/facilitating  implementation  of

- RTE Act in States/UTs in 2022-23 and 2023-24?

## ANSWER

- MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) to (c) The Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 extends to the whole  of  India  and  mandates  the  appropriate  Government  to  provide  free  and compulsory  elementary  education  to  every  child  of  the  age  6  to  14  years  in  a neighborhood school. Education is in the concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of the schools are  under  the  domain  of  the  respective  State  and  UT  Government  which  is  the appropriate government under the RTE Act, 2009. Ministry of Education issues various advisories/  guidelines  to  all  the  States/UTs  to  ensure  the  implementation  of  all  the

provisions of the RTE Act, 2009 in their respective jurisdiction from time to time.

(d) Samagra Shiksha scheme, launched in 2018-19, has now been aligned with the recommendations  of  NEP  2020.  The  main  objectives  of  the  scheme  are  provision  of quality  education  and  enhancing  learning  outcomes  of  students,  bridging  social  and gender gaps in school education, ensuring minimum standards in schooling provision, support to states in the implementation of RTE Act, 2009 and strengthening of teacher education institutions throughout country. This scheme focuses on providing support to all States/ UTs for different interventions like; in-service training of teachers and schools heads, conduct of achievement surveys at National and State level, composite school grant  to  every  school  for  providing  a  conducive  learning  environment,  library  grants, provision of  textbooks  and  school uniforms as per eligibility  etc.  Also,  under Samagra Shiksha, States and  UTs  are  inter alia supported  for strengthening of existing Government Elementary and Secondary schools and for creation and augmentation of infrastructure facilities as per proposals received from respective State/UT.

*****