opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1804 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Survey using AI and ML
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1804 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## SURVEY USING AI AND ML

1804. DR. PRADEEP KUMAR PANIGRAHY:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

the manner in which the Government accelerates the transition to real-time, high-frequency economic indicators by integrating diverse data sources and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (Al) /Machine  Learning  (ML)  moving  beyond  traditional  survey  delays  for more agile policy responses?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION;  MINISTER  OF STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  PLANNING AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CULTURE  [RAO INDERJIT SINGH]

National Sample  Survey  (NSS) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is committed to ensuring accurate,  reliable  and  high  quality  data  in  the  large  scale  surveys conducted  across  the  country.  To  achieve  this,  robust  and  welldefined  mechanisms  are  employed  in  different  statistical  products which  undergo  periodic  improvements  based  on  evolving  needs, feedback,  and  advancements  in  methodologies  to  enhance  their effectiveness.

Upgradation  and  synergizing  of  existing  IT  based  data  collection techniques  is  a  continuous  process  in  MoSPI.  The  primary  data collection  in  all  surveys  is  being  done  in  digital  platform  using Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) or web-based application with in-built validation mechanism to ensure consistency at  the  stage  of  data  collection.  This  facilitates  real-time  submission and validation of survey data and has resulted into a drastic reduction in the time lag in releasing of survey reports. Further,  whenever  a  new  survey  is  taken  up,  possible  methods  and new technologies  are  explored  for  their  appropriate  adoption.  Some features  of  AI/ML  have  been  introduced  in  enterprise  surveys  like CAPEX  and  Annual  Survey  of  Unincorporated  Sector  Enterprises (ASUSE) to address the field queries at real-time basis. CAPI has been made agile in respect of ongoing surveys such as Construction module has  been  added  in  the  CAPI  of  ASUSE  2025  mid  survey,  some additional  blocks  have  been  included  in  PLFS,  etc.  to  meet  the continuous data requirements of the stakeholders. as Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education to cater the

Short duration surveys have also been launched such emerging need for high frequency socio-economic indicators.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1796 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Asset Monetisation Programme
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1796 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## ASSET MONETISATION PROGRAMME

## †1796. SHRI HARIBHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  proposes  to launch Asset Monetisation  Programme  for upgrading infrastructure in each State in the budget during the year 2025-26;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
- (c) the details of the States selected for the launch of Asset Monetisation Programme for upgrading infrastructure at State and district level, State and district-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) to (c) : The Union Budget 2025-26 announced the launch of Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 to plough back Rs. 10 lakh crore to further accelerate the creation of infrastructure in the country.

Asset Monetisation Plan primarily includes linear assets such as highways, transmission lines, pipelines etc, which often span multiple states. The details of the assets to be monetized under Asset Monetisation Plan are maintained sector-wise, and state-wise or district-wise details are not maintained.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1794 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Benefit for Minorities
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan, Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1794

ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## BENEFIT FOR MINORITIES

## 1794.   SHRI S. VENKATESAN:

## SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that India is the only country where the minorities get more benefits and protections than the majority community;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  this  statement  is  undermining  both  the  purpose  of  the  Government  and  the need to instil confidence among the minorities;
- (c) whether minorities are not entitled for special care in the background of reports like Sachar Committee on their backwardness, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has conducted any study or has any data to make such assessment, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (d): Articles 15 (1) & (2), 16(1) & (2), 25(1), 26, 28 and 29(2) of Indian Constitution provides freedoms &  protection against discrimination to Indian citizens including minorities.  Articles  30(1),  30(1A)  and  30(2)  specifically  covers  the  minorities.  Under  its policy of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, the Government implemented various schemes for the welfare  and  upliftment  of  every  strata, including  the  six  (6)  centrally  notified minority communities viz. Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Parsi and Sikh, especially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections of the society.

The  Government  adopted  a  holistic  approach  to  cover  all  eligible  beneficiaries  under  the schemes.   Some  of  such  schemes  were  also  re-structured  by  extending  their  coverage  and scope to make them universal for all eligible beneficiaries. Under the saturation approach of Government, many of the schemes/components have achieved mainstreaming.

To implement the ongoing schemes, the Government of India has now introduced various monitoring  mechanism/agencies  such  as  Development  Monitoring  and  Evaluation  Office (DMEO)  of  NITI  Aayog  for  monitoring  various  schemes/programs.  DMEO  has  been mandated  to  actively  monitor  and  evaluate  the  implementation  of  schemes,  programs  and initiatives of the Government of India (GoI) to strengthen their implementation and scope of delivery  of  services.  The  Output-Outcome  Monitoring  Framework  (OOMF)  entrusted  to DMEO,  NITI  Aayog,  endeavours  to  provide  measurable  indicators  for  achievement  of scheme objectives, or the 'Outcomes'.

Further,  participating  Ministries/Departments  have  inbuilt  monitoring  mechanism  in  their respective  schemes  and  they  are  regularly  monitoring  the  progress  of  their  respective schemes.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Baby Feeding Room at Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai, Shri Azad Kirti Jha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1793 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## BABY FEEDING ROOM AT RAILWAY STATIONS

1793. SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI: SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  number  of  Shishu  Aahar  Kaksh  (baby  feeding rooms) available at railway stations across the country including Maharashtra and West-Bengal, station-wise;
- (b) whether there is any demand for the same facility from any other cities in the States, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure proper maintenance, cleanliness and safety of these rooms  for mothers and infants; and
- (d) the details of the plans to expand Shishu Aahar Kaksh facilities at more stations and enhance awareness among passengers ?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) : Provision of Shishu Aahar Kaksh facility at railway stations in  Indian  Railways  is  a  continuous  and  on-going  process  depending upon requirement,  volume  of the  passenger traffic,  funds  availability etc.

Presently,  Baby  Feeding  Rooms  are  available  at  452  railway stations  across  the  country,  including  57  stations  over  Maharashtra state and 20 stations over West-Bengal state. It  is  ensured  that  proper  maintenance  including  cleanliness  of the Baby Feeding Rooms at stations is taken up. Periodic inspections are  also  conducted  to  maintain  a  comfortable  and  safe  environment for mothers and infants at stations. Proper signage boards and posters indicating  the  availability  of  this  facility  are  provided  at  prominent locations  at  stations  to  enhance  awareness  among  passengers  and necessary assistance is also extended by railway staff to users upon inquiry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1786 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Obscene or Harmful Content on Digital Platforms and Influencers ads
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Rahul Kaswan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1786

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

OBSCENE OR HARMFUL CONTENT ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND INFLUENCERS ADS

1786. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government issued  advisories  in  May  2025  directing  all  OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to immediately remove all media content originating from Pakistan;
- (b) if so, the rationale behind this directive and any precedents;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  simultaneously  drafting  new  regulations  to govern 'obscene' or 'harmful' content on digital platforms and influencer ads and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any consultation has been held with various stakeholders on this draft frame work and content boundaries and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government proposes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism or content evaluation body under the new Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill; and
- (f)  if  so,  the  anticipated  structure,  oversight  process  and  timeline  for  its implementation?

## ANSWER

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

## (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a) to (f): The Government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary  Guidelines  and  Digital  Media,  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021  on 25.02.2021 under IT Act, 2000.

-  Part-III of the rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms).
-  OTT  platforms  are  under  obligation  to  not  transmit  any  content  which  is prohibited by law for the time being in force.
-  OTT platforms are under obligation to undertake age-based selfclassification  of  content,  based  on  general  guidelines  provided  in  the Schedule  to  the  Rules  which  contain  the  provisions  related  to  depiction relating to nudity and sex.
-  The  OTT  platforms  are  also  under  obligation  to  put  in  place  adequate safeguards for restricting age-inappropriate content for children with adequate access control measures. Besides, Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000 provides  for  notification  by  appropriate  Governments  of  unlawful  act  or content to the intermediaries for removing/disabling access to such content.

Government has issued advisory dated 19.02.2025 to OTT platforms and Selfregulatory Bodies of OTT platforms for ensuring adherence to Indian Laws and the Code of Ethics laid down under the IT Rules, 2021 while hosting of content on their platforms.

After  due  consultation  with  relevant  Ministries,  43  OTT  platforms  have  been blocked so far.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1785 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Mobile Network Coverage/Internet Penetration in Rural and Hilly Areas of Tamil Nadu
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1785 ANSWERED ON 30 TH  JULY, 2025

## MOBILE NETWORK COVERAGE/INTERNET PENETRATION IN RURAL AND HILLY AREAS OF TAMIL NADU

## 1785.   DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) the current status of mobile network coverage and internet penetration in rural and hilly areas of Tamil Nadu;

(b) whether there are delays in setting up 4G/5G towers under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the  steps  taken/being  taken  to  improve  telecom  infrastructure  in  backward  and  tribal dominated regions of Tamil Nadu?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Out of 16,488 villages in the state of Tamil Nadu (as per data of Registrar General of India), 16,483 villages have mobile coverage and internet connectivity. Out of these, 16,431 villages have 4G mobile coverage, including in rural and hilly areas.

Mobile coverage for any uncovered inhabited villages is provided by the Telecom Service Providers  (TSPs)  based  on  the  techno-commercial  viability.  Government,  through  funding  from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), is implementing various schemes for expansion of telecom connectivity through installation of 4G mobile towers in the rural and remote areas of the country, including Tamil Nadu. As on June 2025, 256 towers have been commissioned in Tamil Nadu under DBN funded mobile schemes, providing 4G mobile coverage to 300 villages.

BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) for broadband services, such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections  etc.  Further,  the  Union  Cabinet  has  approved  Amended  BharatNet  Program  for provisioning of connectivity to all GPs in the country in ring topology including upgrading existing network and connectivity to about 3.8 Lakh non-GP villages on demand basis. As of June 2025, 2,14,325 GPs have been made service ready under BharatNet project in the country, including 10,298 GPs in Tamil Nadu.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1783 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Use of Predictive Models for Price Stabilization of Commodities
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1783

TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## USE OF PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR PRICE STABILIZATION OF COMMODITIES

1783.  SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:

## Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  price  forecasting  model  developed  by  the  Government  is  currently  being  used  to predict  retail  prices  of  essential  commodities  beyond  pulses  and  if  so,  the  details  of  additional commodities included;
- (b) the  number  of  instances  since  2023  in  which  model-generated  insights  led  to  the  Government intervention through buffer stock release, duty rationalisation or export restrictions;
- (c) whether  any  state-specific  data  on  retail  prices  and  volatility,  including  for  Odisha  is  being utilised to target such interventions more effectively and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government plans to expand predictive  analytics  to  cover  perishable  commodities such as onions and tomatoes; and
- (e) if so, the details of expected timeline and implementation framework?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L. VERMA)

(a) to (e) : Department of Consumer Affairs monitors the daily prices of 38 essential food commodities submitted  by  the  566  price  monitoring  centres  across  the  country.  The  daily  report  of  prices  and indicative price trends are analysed for appropriate decisions on targeting the calibrated release of stocks from the buffer, changes in trade policy instruments like rationalization of import duty, restrictions on export of the commodity etc. Model based price forecasting model is being used in analyzing price trends in respect of pulses, together with fundamental analysis, which takes into account details regarding the crop  and  market  dynamics  to  understand  the  emerging  scenario  and  for  formulating  inputs  for  policy decisions.

The  analyses  of  price  trends  across  the  states  are  being  used  in  calibrating  and  targeting  the release of onions from the buffer. For targeting the release, price variations in a state over the past one month and one year and variations over all-India average are compared to determine and prioritise the release. During 2024-25, about 6,975 MT of onion were released in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha both in the retail as well as in wholesale markets to stabilize the prices.

The  prices of perishable commodities  like onion and  tomato are being analysed using fundamental analysis and price seasonality. These types of predictive analytics are deployed and being used on regular basis, together with model basis forecasting.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Running of a New Train to Kota  from Bihar
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1782 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## RUNNING OF A NEW TRAIN TO KOTA FROM BIHAR

†1782. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  thousands  of  students  from  North  Bihar study at Kota in Rajasthan, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  there  is  only  one  train  from  Champaran  to  Kota  namely Avadh  Express  which  is  overcrowded  with  the  passengers  from Gujarat  and  Maharashtra  and  takes  much  time,  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to run a train via NarkatiaganjGorakhpur route for the convenience of students from Champaran, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (c)  The  railway  network  straddles  across  State  boundaries, trains  are  introduced,  as  per  network  requirement,  across  such boundaries.  Presently, Kota-Bapudham Motihari sector is being served by 02 pairs of train services including 01 pair of special train service viz.  09451/09452  Gandhidham  -Bhagalpur  Special  cater  to  the  extra rush of  passengers.

To facilitate the passengers of Gorakhpur-Narkatiaganj sector, Indian Railways  (IR), w.e.f. 18th July, 2025, have  introduced 15567/68 Bapudham Motihari-Anand Vihar(T) Amrit Bharat Express [with stoppages at Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur] and 15561/62 Darbhanga-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express [with stoppages at Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur]. IR have also introduced 26501/02 Gorakhpur-Patliputra Vande Bharat Express [with stoppage at Narkatiaganj] w.e.f 20th June, 2025.

Besides, introduction of new trains is an on-going processe on Indian Railways, subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, availability of resources, etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1780 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Reduced Budget Allocation to various Schemes for Minorities
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Bapi Haldar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1780

ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## REDUCED BUDGET ALLOCATION TO VARIOUS SCHEMES FOR MINORITIES

## 1780. SHRI BAPI HALDAR:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  in  the  Union  Budget  2025-26,  allocation  have  been  substantially  reduced  or completely eliminated in several major schemes for minority communities, such as pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, free coaching scheme, madrasa modernisation and Hunar Haat and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has made these cuts after assessing the socio-economic status of the students and families benefiting under these schemes and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has announced any new inclusive or target-based scheme as an alternative to these schemes to provide opportunities for education, employment and social security to minority communities; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (d):  Ministry of Minority Affairs implements various schemes across the country for socio-  economic  and  educational  empowerment  of  the  six  (6)  centrally  notified  minority communities. These schemes give representation to all weaker segments of society including minorities.

The budget allocation the Ministry of Minority Affairs including its various schemes in the FY 2024-25 was Rs. 3183.24 crore, whereas in the FY 2025-26, it is Rs. 3350.00 crore.

The  Free  Coaching  and  Allied  was  discontinued  w.e.f  2022-23.  The  scholarship  schemes have  not  been  approved  for  implementation  beyond  2021-22.    However,  the  Ministry  of Minority Affairs is implementing PM-VIKAS scheme to provide opportunities for education, employment, and social security etc. to minority communities through various agencies.

PM-VIKAS  scheme  converges  five  erstwhile  schemes  viz.  'Seekho  Aur  Kamao',  'Nai Manzil', 'Nai Roshni', 'USTTAD' and 'Hamari Dharohar' schemes and  focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through the following:

- i. Skilling and Training (Non-traditional and traditional)
- ii. Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- iii. Education (through National Institute of Open Schooling)
- iv. Infrastructure Development (through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)

Under the PM VIKAS scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned three proposals worth Rs 187.00 crore covering about 40,000 beneficiaries.

Under  the  PM-VIKAS  scheme,  the  Ministry  has  also  organising  four  'Lok  Samvardhan Parv',  bringing  together  minority  artisans  from  across  India  and  assisting  them  in  scaling their  operations  and  businesses.  The  platform  offers  artisans  a  unique  opportunity  to showcase their indigenous arts, crafts, and rich cultural heritage.

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