opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 390 (STARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: DBT Scheme under the PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 390 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20TH AUGUST, 2025

## DBT SCHEME UNDER THE PDS

## *390 SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

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

- (a) the details of  States and Union  Territories currently implementing Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)  scheme under the Public Distribution System (PDS);
- (b) the primary objectives behind DBT  scheme implementation in the context of food security and subsidy delivery;
- (c) the key benefits or outcomes observed so far from  its implementation; and
- (d) whether  the  State of Andhra  Pradesh has  implemented this  scheme in  food  subsidy distribution  and if  so, the district-wise  data of beneficiaries and transfers made thereunder?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a) to (d):

A  statement is laid  on the Table of the House

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS  (a)  To (d) of  STARRED QUESTION NO. 390 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 20.08.2025 IN THE LOK  SABHA.

- (a): Pradhan Manta  Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PN4GKAY) is being implemented in  Direct Cash Transfer mode in the UTs of  Chandigarh, Puducheny and part of  Dadra & Nagar Haveli as per the provisions of Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rule, 2015 under which cash equivalent of subsidy is being transferred into  the Bank accounts of  eligible households to  enable them to purchase foodgrains from  open market.  The  Scheme is  optional  for  States/UTs and operates  in "Identified areas' in a State or Union territory or any specified area within the State or Union territory for which there is a written consent of the State Government for  implementation of the Scheme.
- (b) &  (c): The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) (i)  reduce the need for huge physical movement of foodgrains (ii)  provide  greater autonomy to  beneficiaries to choose their  consumption basket (iii) enhance dietary  diversity  (iv)  reduce leakages (v) facilitate  better targeting (vi)  promote financial inclusion.

In  the chosen areas, savings have accrued on account of  no costs incurred on procurement incidentals, handling, storage,  movement, distribution and other administrative overheads, in the direct benefit transfer.

(d): No Sir, DBT  scheme is not being implemented in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

$8888
Lok Sabha Question No. 383 (STARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Development of Small Nuclear-Powered Reactors
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.1 383

3710

ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL NUCLEAR-POWERED REACTORS

## *383.  SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  prioritised  the  development  of  small  nuclear-powered reactors for clean electricity generation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  identified  potential  locations  for  setting  up  of  Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in the Eastern region of the country, particularly in Odisha and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to conduct a feasibility study for setting up an SMR in Bhanjanagar, Odisha considering its proximity (approximately 150 km) to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), Chatrapur and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, whether the Government proposes to evaluate such proposal as part of expansion and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

* * * * *

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A) TO (D) IN RESPECT OF LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO. * 383  FOR  REPLY  ON  20.08.2025 REGARDING  DEVELOPMENT  OF  SMALL  NUCLEAR-POWERED  REACTORS ASKED BY SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI.

- (a) Yes, During the Union Budget 2025 the Government launched the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, which included an outlay of ₹20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Currently  Department  of  Atomic  Energy  (DAE)  is  developing  following  Small Modular Reactors,

- i. Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR-200) for repurposing of retiring thermal  power  plants  &  captive  power  plants  for  energy  intensive industry such as aluminium, steel, cement etc.
- ii. Small Modular Reactors (SMR-55) for providing energy for remote as well as off-grid location with objective to decarbonise the energy sector.
- iii. High  Temperature  Gas  Cooled  Reactor  of  capacity  5  MWth  for hydrogen generation for decarbonisation of transport sector & process industries.
4. (b),(c)&(d) Lead units of reactors are planned to be set up at DAE sites. The subsequent units of these SMRs will be located at the sites offered by the end-user industry in case of captive power plants and at suitable brownfield sites in case of retiring thermal power plants, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 4596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Jobs to Locals in Coal Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri  Chhotelal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4596 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## Jobs to Locals in coal mines

## 4596. # SHRI CHHOTELAL:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether local people are not provided any employment despite the presence of huge coal mines and  major  external  companies  operating  in  Sonbhadra  district  of  Robertsganj  Lok  Sabha Constituency in Uttar Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details of the number of locals and outsiders provided employment so far; and (c)  the  details  of  reasons  behind  lack  of  employment,  particularly  for  the  local  people  of  the aforesaid Lok Sabha Constituency?

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

(a) & (b): In Sonbhadra district of Robertsganj Lok Sabha Constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Coal India Limited operates through Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL).  Northern Coalfields Limited in its various contracts ensures that local people are adequately accommodated in various works being  carried  out  through  the  contract  system.  The  numbers  of  employment  given  to  Project Affected  Family(PAP's)/Locals  by  major  contractor's  agencies  of  NCL  as  on  01.08.2025  in Sonbhadra district under Robertsganj Lok Sabha Constituency of Uttar Pradesh is 3311 out of the total 5295 contract workers i.e. 62.53%.

(c):  There  is  no  lack  of  employment  particularly  for  the  local  people  of  the  above  said parliamentary constituency as is evident from the above that about 62% of the locals and PAPs have been engaged for employment by the major contract agencies functioning in NCL.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4595 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Improving the Quality of Foodgrain
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4595

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20TH AUGUST, 2025

## IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FOODGRAIN

## 4595. SHRI YADUVEERWADIYAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps for improving  quality offoodgrain;
- (b) if  so, the details thereof; and
- (C) if  not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

(a) and (b): Yes. The foodgrains meant for  central pool  are procured strictly  as per the uniform specifications formulated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Additionally, the department has developed a Quality  Management System (QMS) to monitor laboratory activities  in real time. This system is designed  to enhance operational planning, improve the quality control of foodgrains and ensure greater reliability and accuracy throughout  the procurement, preservation and entire supply chain processes offoodgrains.

- (c): Does not arise in view to (a) & (b) above.

RSc SeSeSc
Lok Sabha Question No. 4592 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Waterlogging in Railway Underpasses in Dharashiv, Maharashtra
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Omprakash Bhupalsinh Alias Pavan Rajenimbalkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4592 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## WATERLOGGING IN RAILWAY UNDERPASSES IN DHARASHIV,

## MAHARASHTRA

†4592.SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that during the monsoon season, several railway underpasses in Dharashiv (Osmanabad), Maharashtra face  severe  waterlogging  rendering  them  unusable  and  causing great  inconvenience  to  farmers  who  need  reach  their  agricultural
- lands and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  plans  or  taken  any steps  to  address  this  recurring  problem  of  waterlogging  in  these underpasses and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to install proper drainage systems, construct elevated passages or install pumping mechanisms  to  ensure  the  usability  of  the  underpass  in  the  area
- throughout the year and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons for not taking action despite difficulties faced by farmers and local residents in Dharashiv repeatedly?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) : Total 30 Nos. Road Under Bridges (RUBs) exist in Dharashiv (Osmanabad)  district  on  Kurduvadi-  Latur  Road  section.  During  heavy rains, Problem of water logging has been reported for short duration in few  underpasses,  which  has  been  addressed  by  provision  of  pumping arrangement. Further, Railways have taken several remedial measures to mitigate the problem of water logging in underpasses as under: (i)  Adequate  drainage  arrangements  are  made  as  integral  part  of planning of new Road Under Bridge (RUB)/Subways. (ii) In existing  RUBs/subways  remedial measures  like water flow diversion to nearby bridge and nallahs/drains, provision of cover shed on approach roads, provision of hump at entry to Road under Bridge (RUB), provision  of  cross  drains,  sealing  of  joints  etc.    are  made  as  per feasibility, suitability and site requirements. (iii)    Pumping  arrangement  is  made  for  identified  RUBs,  to  drain  out water  expeditiously  in  case  of  emergency  and  provision  to  stop  road traffic in exceptional/unusual rainfall situation for safety of road users. (iv) Any instances of water-logging are dealt with promptly and resolved on  priority.  Daily  monitoring  of  water-logging  cases  is  being  done  at various  levels  and  substantial  reduction  in  Nos.  of  reported  cases  has been observed.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Proposal to Empower Minority Affairs Commission
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4591

ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## PROPOSAL TO EMPOWER MINORITY AFFAIRS COMMISSION

## 4591. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM  R:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  considered  or  has  any  proposal  to  empower  Minority  Affairs Commission with constitutional powers; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) & (b): The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was set up as a statutory body through the NCM Act, 1992 and is sufficiently empowered to carry out its mandate. As per Section 9(1) of the NCM Act, 1992, the Commission is empowered to act as below:-

(i) evaluate the progress of the development of Minorities under the Union and States;

(ii)  monitor  the  working  of  the  safeguards  provided  in  the  Constitution  and  in  laws  enacted  by Parliament and the State Legislatures;

(iii) make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of Minorities by the Central Government or the State Governments;

(iv) look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of Minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities;

(v)  cause  studies  to  be  undertaken  into  the  problems  arising  out  of  any  discrimination  against Minorities and recommend measures for their removal;

(vi) conduct studies, research and analysis on the issues relating to socio-economic and educational development of Minorities;

(vii)  suggest  appropriate  measures  in  respect  of  any  Minority  to  be  undertaken  by  the  Central Government or the State Governments;

(viii)  make  periodical  or  special  reports  to  the  Central  Government  on  any  matter  pertaining  to Minorities and in particular difficulties confronted by them; and

(ix) any other matter, which may be referred to it by the Central Government.

Further, as per Section 9 (4) of the NCM Act, the Commission while performing any of the functions listed in (i), (ii) & (iv) above, has all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and, in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:-

(i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;

(ii) requiring the discovery and production of any document;

(iii) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(iv) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;

(v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents; and

(vi) any other matter which may be prescribed.

There is no proposal to make it a constitutional body.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4586 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Research and Development Projects on Coal Mine
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4586

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON COAL MINE

## †4586.   SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  any Research and Development (R&D) projects have been undertaken on coal mine methane extraction or underground coal gasification; and

- (b) if so, the details of key R&D projects currently underway or recently completed in these areas especially in Odisha?

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

(a)&(b): One R&D project titled 'A Pilot Project on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) to establish technology in Indian geo-mining Conditions' has been undertaken by M/s Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), Canada, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Kasta West block of ECL, Jharkhand. Phase I of the project was completed on 31.05.2025 and Phase II of the project commenced on 20.06.2025 with a duration of 15 months.

One research project on coal mine methane extraction titled 'Capacity Building for extraction of  CMM Resource within Coal  India  Limited  (CIL) Command Areas'  was undertaken by CMPDI and the Commonwealth Scientific  and  Industrial  Research  Organization (CSIRO), Australia.  This  research  project was completed  during  2022-23.  Under  this  project,  the CMPDI's  capacity  was  upgraded  for  accurate  and  rapid  CMM/CBM  potential  assessment through installation of advanced equipment, mobile testing unit, and reservoir modelling tools.

However, no research project related to coal mine methane extraction or underground coal gasification has been undertaken in Odisha, till date.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4582 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: SAKSHAM-3000
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Ms Kangna Ranaut

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4582 ANSWERED ON 20 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## SAKSHAM-3000

## †4582.  MS KANGNA RANAUT:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) the  key features and capabilities of the indigenously developed SAKSHAM-3000 Switch cum-Router;

- (b) the specific applications and areas in which SAKSHAM-3000 is used; and

(c) the timelines and steps taken/being taken for commercial deployment of the said technology and its adoption by the large enterprises and telecom operators?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The  SAKSHAM-3000  is  a  high-performance switch-cum-router indigenously designed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development arm of the Department of Telecommunications. It offers a switching capacity of 25.6 terabits per second and supports various types of network connections. The device is built to fit standard equipment racks and includes features that ensure reliable operation, such as backup power supplies and cooling fans that can be replaced without shutting down the system. It is designed for flexibility, supporting a wide range of network functions and communication methods. These capabilities make it suitable for  use  in  modern  digital  networks,  where  high  performance,  reliability,  and  adaptability  are essential. SAKSHAM-3000 can be effectively utilized across various application areas, including deployment as a Leaf Switch, Spine Switch, or Super-Spine Switch in data centers, as well as serving as an Edge Router or Core Router in telecom and IP networks.

(c) To enable the commercial deployment and adoption of the SAKSHAM-3000 technology by large enterprises and telecom operators, several steps have been taken. The production technology has  already  been  transferred  to  a  Public  Sector  Undertaking  (PSU)  partner,  M/s  Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), to achieve large-scale manufacturing and deployment. Additionally, the product is being showcased at various telecom product exhibitions where C-DOT is participating.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4580 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Targets for Digital Literacy under PMGDISHA
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Dr. C N Manjunath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4580

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 20 .08.2025

## TARGETS FOR DIGITAL LITERACY UNDER PMGDISHA

## 4580.  DR. C N MANJUNATH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has set quantifiable targets for digital literacy under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) or related schemes;
- (b) the number of beneficiaries certified under digital literacy initiatives in rural and aspirational districts; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to integrate digital literacy with skilling, financial inclusion and cyber safety awareness modules and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):  Ministry  of  Electronics  and  Information  Technology  (MeitY),  Government  of  India launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) in 2017 to ensure digital  literacy.  The  Scheme  was  implemented  by  CSC  e-Governance  Services  India  Limited through  4.39  Lakh  Common  Service  Centres  (CSC)  run  by  Village  Level  Entrepreneurs (VLEs).The scheme ended on 31 st March 2024.

The  PMGDISHA Scheme was aimed  at  bridging  the  digital  divide  through    empowering  the citizens in rural population in the age group of 14 to 60 years by training them to operate computer or digital access devices (like tablets, smart phones etc.), send and receive emails, browse internet, access Government services, search for information, undertake digital payments etc. and hence enable them to use the Information Technology (IT) and related applications especially Digital Payments to actively participate in the process of nation building. The marginalized sections of society like Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST), Below Poverty Line (BPL), women, differently-abled persons, and minorities were covered under the said scheme. The duration of the training was 20 hours to be completed in minimum 10 and maximum 30 days.

Under the scheme, a total of 6.39 crore individuals were trained across the country against the target to train 6 crore individuals. Out of this, around 1.1 crore candidates were trained across 112 Aspirational Districts in the country.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4576 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-20
Subject: Disruption of Rail Services from Jassur to Pathankot
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4576 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025

## DISRUPTION OF RAIL SERVICES FROM JASSUR TO PATHANKOT

## † 4576.  Dr. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  pillars  of  the  bridge  over  Chakki  rivulet  near Pathankot  collapsed  due  to  illegal  mining  causing  disruption of rail services from Jassur to Pathankot;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  prevent illegal mining in future to ensure seamless rail services?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (c):    Chakki  Khad  Bridge  No.  32  is  located  between  Dalhousie road  and  Nurpur  road  Railway  station  on  Pathankot Cantt  -  Joginder Nagar  narrow  gauge  route.  The  section  is  on  hilly  terrain  and  there have been unprecedented rains during monsoon. Due to unprecedented rains and consequent washing away of piers of Chakki khad Bridge number-32 on 20.08.2022, train services were discontinued between Pathankot to Nurpur road.

Restoration of Bridge no. 32 along with other works of repairs & strengthening has already been taken up, which is in advance stage of completion.

The  issue  of  illegal  mining  is  also  taken  up  by  Railway  with concerned State Governments administration time to time.

*****