opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2498 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Fair Expenditure of CSR in Meerut and Hapur, UP
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2498

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025/SRAVANA 13, 1947 (SAKA)

Fair Expenditure of CSR in Meerut and Hapur, UP QUESTION

2498. Shri Arun Govil:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government has any action plan for the fair expenditure of CSR amount in each district; and
- (b) if so, the time by which the fair CSR expenditure is likely to be incurred in Meerut and Hapur districts of Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS   AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS [SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a)&(b): The legal framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is provided through  Section  135  of  the  Companies  Act,  2013,  Schedule  VII  of  the  Act  and Companies  (CSR  Policy)  Rules,  2014.  Every  CSR  mandated  company  having  net worth of Rs. 500 crore or more or turnover of Rs.1000 crore or more or net profit of Rs. 5 crore or more during immediately preceding financial year shall ensure that it spends, in every financial year, at least 2% of the average net profits of the company made during the three immediately financial years in areas or subjects specified in Schedule VII of the Act.  CSR is a Board driven process and the Board of the company is empowered to plan, decide, execute and monitor CSR activities of the company based on the recommendation of its CSR Committee. The Board has to ensure that the  approved  amount  has  been  spent  on  the  assigned  activity(ies).  In  case  any amount remains unspent then such amount shall be transferred in the designated fund(s) in Schedule VII in the prescribed time limit. The Government does not issue any direction on which activity or area, company shall spend.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2497 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Vacancies in IIT, Guwahati
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2497 ANSWERED ON-04/08/2025

## Vacancies in IIT, Guwahati

## 2497. Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of sanctioned and vacant posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, Assam;
- (b) the total number of guest faculty currently engaged by the Institute; and
- (c) the total number of vacant posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Caste (SCs) in the Institute?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):  Indian  Institute  of  Technology  (IITs)  are  autonomous  institutes  governed  by  the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 and the Statutes framed there under from time to time. IIT Guwahati was established in 1994 with a world class infrastructure for carrying out advanced research and has been equipped with state-of-the-art scientific and engineering laboratories. Besides its laurels in teaching and research, IIT Guwahati has been able to fulfil the need for the technical support for the development of the North East region.

Occurring of vacancies and filling thereof is a continuous process. The vacancies arise due to retirement, resignation and additional requirement on account of enhanced students' strength.  The  Institute  issues  rolling  advertisement  for  faculty  recruitment  which  are  open throughout the year in order to attract the best talent to the institution. Further, IITs follow a rigorous faculty recruitment process comprising multiple stages, such as pedagogy demonstrations and internal evaluation, to ensure the selection of top-notch faculty. Shortlisted candidates undergo seminar presentations, faculty interaction, and interviews by a committee with external experts.

Further, IITs engage Professors of Practice (PoP) to enhance students' experiences by providing insights into real-world best practices. PoPs also serve as a bridge between industry and the institute to identify teaching and research opportunities that support the public interest and societal needs. Further, IITs also hire visiting faculty members who are from academics or senior  industry  professionals  joining  IITs  for  a  short  duration  to  promote  a  cross-cultural exchange of ideas and perspectives.

In 2019, reservation at the Associate Professor and Professor levels was introduced, in IITs through the enactment of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Act, 2019. The Act provides for 15%, 7.5%, 27% and 10% reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs and EWS, respectively.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2496 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Handing over the land of Tughlakabad to ASI
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2496 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## HANDING OVER THE LAND OF TUGHLAKABAD TO ASI

## †2496. SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of CULTUREbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  issued  any  notification  to  hand  over  the  land  of  village Tughlakabad to the Archaeological Survey of India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to demolish the settlements that came up after 1993 on that land of village Tughlakabad and hand it over to ASI; and
- (d) if so, the details of the land in area and the number of houses proposed to be demolished?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) There  is  no  notification  regarding  the  transfer  of  land  of  village  Tughlakabad  to  the
- & (b) Archaeological Survey of India. However, an area measuring 2,661 Bighas and 12 Biswas, located within Tughlaqabad Fort was handed over to the ASI on 16.11.1995.
- (c) The matter is currently sub-judice before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi. The Hon'ble
- & (d) High Court has directed that all settlements that came up after 1993 in the said area are to be removed. However, any future action, including the extent of land and number of houses proposed  to  be  removed  will  be  undertaken  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  Court's directions.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2495 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Recognition/Equivalency of Degrees Awarded by Central Universities
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2495 ANSWERED ON-04/08/2025

## Recognition/Equivalency of Degrees Awarded by Central Universities

2495. Shri M K Raghavan:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the  Government is aware that several State and private Universities as well as recruiting agencies are demanding equivalency certificates for degree obtained through regular, distance and online modes from Central Universities like IGNOU, AMU, Jamia Milia Islamia and JNU;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  regulate  such irregularities;
- (c) whether there is any proposal to ensure uniform recognition/equivalency of degree awarded by  Central  Universities,  regardless  of  the  mode  of  education  across  all  Universities  and Government departments; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d) The issue of equivalence of qualifications obtained through distance and online mode from  Central  Universities  with  the  regular/conventional  mode  in  undergraduate  and  post graduate  studies  is  regulated  by  the  University  Grants  Commission  (Open  and  Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which is available in public domain on UGC website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in/

Regulation 22 of University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and  Online  Programmes)  Regulations,  2020  stipulates  about  'Equivalence  of  qualification acquired through Conventional or Open and Distance Learning and Online modes'.

UGC also writes to the State Governments, Central Ministries, autonomous/statutory bodies, Public  Sector  Undertakings  and  Industry  associations  etc  whenever  reference  regarding equivalence of degree is received.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2484 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Introduction of Third Language in Primary Classes
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Tariq Anwar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2484 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Introduction of Third Language in Primary Classes

†2484. Shri Tariq Anwar:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has directed State Governments/Union Territories to introduce a third language for students of primary classes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is implemented; and
- (c)  the  details  of  States  which  have  already  implemented  the  same  alongwith  year  of implementation?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, inter-alia , at para 4.13, provides that the three-language  formula  will  continue  to  be  implemented  while  keeping  in  mind  the Constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions, and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity. However, there will be a greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State. The three languages learned by children will be the choices of States, regions, and of course the students  themselves,  so  long  as  at  least  two  of  the  three  languages  are  native  to  India.  In particular, students who wish to change one or more of the three languages they are studying may do so in Grade 6 or 7, as long as they are able to demonstrate basic proficiency in three languages (including one language of India at the literature level) by the end of secondary school.

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 aims to enable all our students to  learn  at  least  three  languages,  so  that  students  achieve  independent  reading  and  writing proficiency in three languages by the end of high school. At least two of these three Languages

- R1, R2, and R3 - must be native to India. R1 is the first language in which students learn literacy, ideally their mother tongue or, if not feasible, the state language, with proficiency expected by age 8, R2 is the second language distinct  from  R1,  with  proficiency  to  be  achieved  by  age  11  and  R3  is  the  third  language different from R1 and R2, with proficiency targeted by age 14.

Further, Education being a subject in the Concurrent list of the Constitution, the respective States/Union Territories Governments may decide the implementation of the Three Language Policy in the spirit of NEP 2020.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Complaints against Officers of Prathma UP Grameen Bank
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA T]NSTARRED  QUESTION  NO. 2483

ANSWERED  ON MONDAY, AUGUST 04,2o25/SRAVANA  I3, 1947 (SAKA)

## Complaints  Against Officers of Prathma  UP Grameen  Bank

2483. Shri Jai Prakash:

Will the Minister  of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government  has received any complaint against Prathma  UP Grameen Bank, Amipur Nagola Branch regarding malfunctioning,  disbursement of Agriculture  loan by abusing their positions  of powers and blatantly  ignoring  the rules set up in the Bank and trapping the unwary  and vulnerable  villages in their intrigue;

- (b) if so, whether the Govemment  has conducted an inquiry in this regard;
- (c)  if so, the details  thereof  and the outcome of such Inquiry;
- (d) whether any Bank Officer was found guilty or identified in floating the bank rules; and
- (e)  if so, the details thereofand  the details oldisciplinary action taken against delinquent  bank officers?

## Answer

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

(a)  to (e) A complaint  was received  against  the Manager of Amipur Nagola, Hapur Branch of erstwhile Prathama  UP Gramin Bank (PUPGB), alleging siphoning  of funds against loan account  of the complainant. The said complaint was forwarded  to NABARD to investigate the matter under the applicable  rules/regulation in force. NABARD has informed that an independent  investigation into the allegations  revealed that all loan documents were duly signed by the complainant. However, the investigation also found that there were lapses/irregularities  in the loan documentation  process and financial  transactions.

The concemed Branch  Manager was also implicated in a fraud case in another branch and has since been terminated  from the Bank's services.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Third Party Impact Assessment of CSR Projects
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2479

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, August 4, 2025/Sravana 13, 1947 (Saka)

## THIRD PARTY IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF CSR PROJECTS

## QUESTION

2479.   Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  make  third-party  impact  assessments  or social  audits  mandatory  for  all  major  CSR  projects,  regardless  of  company  size  or threshold; (b) whether the Government has any plans to publish an annual CSR Outcomes Report, in  collaboration with NITI Aayog, to assess developmental impact beyond financial disclosures; (c) whether the Government is considering to mandate or recommend district-wise CSR planning frameworks to align corporate spending with local SDG priorities; and (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  facilitate  pooled  CSR  funds  to  address regional  challenges  such  as  groundwater  depletion,  tribal  education  or  climate
- resilience;

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS   AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS [SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a) & (b) Rule 8 of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 contains provisions related to impact assessment of CSR projects which state that every company having average CSR obligation of 10 crore rupees or more in pursuance of sub-section (5) of section 135 of  the  Act,  in  the  three  immediately  preceding  financial  years,  shall  undertake impact  assessment,  through  an  independent  agency,  of  their  CSR  projects  having outlays of one crore rupees or more, and which have been completed not less than one year  before  undertaking  the  impact  study.    The  details  of  CSR  activities,  Impact Assessment etc. are required to be reported by the companies in the 'Annual Report on CSR' including an annual action plan on CSR which is part of  the  Company's Board Report.  There  is  no  such  plan  to  publish  an  annual  CSR  Outcomes  Report,  in collaboration  with  NITI  Aayog,  to  assess  developmental  impact  beyond  financial disclosures.

(c) & (d) No, Sir. Schedule VII of the Act indicates the list of eligible activities which can be undertaken by the companies as CSR. The activities mentioned under Schedule VII are broadly aligned with national priorities to promote inclusive and sustainable development which are already aligned with SDG goals. Further, entries in Schedule VII are broad based and may be interpreted liberally so as to capture the essence of the subjects  enumerated  therein.  The  Government  does  not  issue  any  directions  to Corporates to spend in any particular area or activity.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2477 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Increase in Deforestation
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Sanatan Pandey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2477

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Increase in Deforestation

## 2477.   SHRI SANATAN PANDEY:

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

- (a) whether it is  a  fact  that  deforestation  has  increased  due  to  developmental  projects, which has resulted in loss of biodiversity;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that incidents of human-wildlife conflict have increased due to interference in the wildlife habitats; and
- (c) if  so,  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  conserve  forests  and  protect biodiversity along with the assessment of their effectiveness?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (c) The  proposals  for  diversion  of  forest  land  for  various  non-forestry  purposes including infrastructure are considered as per the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam  Samvardhan)  Adhiniyam,  1980.  Based  on  the  recommendation  of  the Advisory Committee or Regional Empowered Committee, constituted under the Van  (Sanrakshan  Evam  Samvardhan)  Adhiniyam,  1980  and  Rules  made thereunder,  the  Central  Government    appraise  the  developmental  proposals holistically including their impacts on forests and biodiversity.

Compensatory  afforestation  and  realization  of  Net  Present  Value  (NPV)  are stipulated mandatorily by the Central Government while allowing diversion of forest land to compensate the loss of forest and tree cover. In addition to this, the diversion of forest land is also subject to the implementation of other mitigation measures such as Soil and Moisture Conservation activities, Wildlife Conservation measures, including mitigation of human  wildlife conflict, Catchment Area Treatment etc.

As per India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2023, there has been a net increase of 16,630.25 square kilometer in forest cover during last ten years in the country between ISFR 2013 and ISFR 2023. Hence, the forest  cover of the country is not only  maintained  but  has  shown  net  increase  over  the  last  decade  due  to implementation of various policies and programs including conservation efforts made by the respective States/UTs.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2474 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: IICA Regional Campus in North-East
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balabhadra Majhi, Shri Khagen Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2474

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 4th AUGUST, 2025 / Sravana 13, 1947 (SAKA)

IICA Regional Campus in North-East

## QUESTION

2474. Shri Balabhadra Majhi: Shri Khagen Murmu:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the key objectives of establishing Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs's (IICA) regional campus in Shillong;
- (b) the  manner  in  which  the  Shillong  campus  will  contribute  to national  goals  such  as  Ease  of  Doing  Business  and  Atmanirbhar Bharat;
- whether there is any specific domains of training and research
- (c) planned for this regional centre; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS.

(SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA)

- (a) & (b):  The establishment of a regional campus of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) in Shillong, Meghalaya was approved under the PMDevINE Scheme with the main objective of fostering social development in the  region  by  advancing  areas  such  as  Environmental,  Social,  and Governance (ESG) practices, skill enhancement, corporate governance in the North Eastern Region (NER).
- (c) & (d): To strengthen collaboration and support IICA Shillong's objectives in the North Eastern Region, Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between IICA and the following institutions
1. Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI)

2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong 3. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) 4. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) 5. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) 6. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

7. National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam

Further, as part of its initiatives, IICA Shillong has started its activities in the North Eastern region as follows:(i) A  conclave  'IICA  NER  Conclave  2025'  on  theme  of  'Ideation  to Incorporation' was held on 11-12 July, 2025 at IICA Shillong. The conclave hosted sessions on start-up incorporation & regulatory guidance, Incubation and innovation models etc. (ii) Capacity  Building  Program  on  'Navigating  Procurement  via  GeM, Procurement  Integration,  Choices  &  Strategic  Options' from  29 -31  July 2025. (iii) IICA-DPE Program on Corporate Governance, Compliance, and DPE Guidelines from 28 July -01 August 2025, targeted at DGMs and GMs of CPSEs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2473 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: ESIC Hospital in Vellore
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2473 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## ESIC HOSPITAL IN VELLORE

## 2473. THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND:

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

- (a)whether the Government has conducted any survey or received reports indicating the high demand for a dedicated ESIC hospital in the Vellore Lok Sabha Constituency, which includes several labourintensive zones like Ambur, Gudiyattam and Vaniyambadi, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether  the  Government  has  received  any  formal  request  from Tamil Nadu or elected representatives seeking the establishment of an ESIC hospital in this region and if so, the current status of action taken by the Government including funding, design approval and hospital commissioning timeline;
- (c)whether the Government will ensure inadequate health infrastructure to give high priority to Vellore under ESIC expansion plans  that  has  large  ESI  subscriber  base  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (d)if not, the manner in which the Government plans to ensure social security and medical equity for industrial workers and their families in this backward region?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Setting up of Employees State Insurance (ESI) hospitals is a  continuous  process.  As  per  ESIC  norms,  minimum  20,000  and 50,000 present Insured Person (IP) population / futuristic number of IP population in upcoming 05 years is required within radius of 25 Kms of proposed location for setting up of 30 bedded and 100 bedded ESI hospital respectively.

At  present,  a  50  bedded  ESIS  hospital  is  functional  in Vellore.  The IP population in remaining areas of Vellore Lok Sabha Constituency  viz.  Ambur,  Gudiyattam,  Vaniyambadi,  Pallikonda, Pernmabut and Tirupathur were 26668, 9302, 13652, 1182, 5831 and

3773 respectively as on 31.03.2024.

ESIC  received  a  proposal  from  State  of  Tamil  Nadu  for setting  up  of  hospital  at  Ambur  in  December  2024.  However,  the proposal was incomplete lacking details of land availability etc.

Apart from 50 bedded hospital in Vellore, 06 State-run ESI dispensaries are also functional i.e. one each at Ambur, Gudiyatham, Vaniyambadi, Pallikonda, Pernambut and Vellore. ESIC has also made tie-up arrangement with 02 hospitals to provide health facilities to its beneficiaries in the region.

*****