opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2799 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Oil and Gas Reserves Exploration by ONGC in Jharkhand
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Shri Dulu Mahato

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2799 TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 th August, 2024

## Oil and Gas Reserves Exploration by ONGC in Jharkhand

2799.SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI DULU MAHATO:

## पेᮝोिलयमऔरᮧाकृितकगैसमंᮢी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of oil and gas reserves from where oil and gas is being extracted specially in Jharkhand by ONGC along with the quantum of oil and gas available in these reserves; and
- (b) the quantum of oil being produced by ONGC from the reserves in Jharkhand annually?

## ANSWER

पेᮝोिलयमऔरᮧाकृितकगैसमंᮢालयमᱶरा᭔यमंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरे शगोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

- (a) ONGC has not established  any conventional  oil and  natural  gas  reserves  in  the  state  of Jharkhand and does not hold any exploratory block for conventional oil & gas exploration in the state. However, ONGC is exploring unconventional hydrocarbon resource, Coal Bed Methane  (CBM)  and  presently  holds  three  CBM  blocks  at  Jharia,  Bokaro  and  North Karanpura  in  the  state  of  Jharkhand  having  53.42  Billion  Cubic  Meters  (BCM)  of  2P (Proven and Probable) CBM Initially in Place with recoverable reserves of 4.11 BCM.
- (b) Presently, no crude oil is being produced by ONGC in the state of Jharkhand.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2798 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Eco-friendly Technology
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda, Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2798 ANSWERED ON 8 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY

2798. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN: SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  use  more  ecofriendly and cutting edge technology in the road and transportation sector in near future, if so, the details thereof along with the plan outlay, if any, and if not, the reason therefor;
- (b) the details of the key departments and agencies involved in the implementation of said proposal, especially in Bihar;
- (c) the details of the initiatives undertaken to promote eco-friendly construction practices and the use of sustainable materials in road construction; and
- (d) whether the Government has data on highway projects that have incorporated green and sustainable practices and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (d) Adoption of eco-friendly green & sustainable materials and cutting edge construction practices & technology for road construction  is  a  continuous  process.  Based  on  international  best practices and outcome of indigenous research, new standards/guidelines are framed by Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and existing standards/guidelines of IRC are amended from time to time to  facilitate  use  of  such  materials  and  technology.  MoRTH/NHAI have  also  issued  policy  guidelines  on  use  of  such  eco-friendly materials/processes.  New/innovative  materials/processes  are  also accredited by IRC for use in trial sections. All such materials and processes  as  allowed  by  IRC  standards/guidelines,  International Standards  such  as  American  Association  of  State  Highway  and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing of Materials  (ASTM),  Euro  Codes,  British  Codes  as  well  as  materials accredited  by  IRC  are  allowed  in  National  Highways  Projects.  NH Projects  are  generally  implemented  on  EPC/HAM/BOT  mode  where contractor/concessionaire carry out their own design in accordance with  applicable  manual,  standards/guidelines/codes,  etc.  and  then these are reviewed/ approved by AE/IE before its actual use in a NH project. NH  projects  in  Bihar  are  implemented  by  Ministry's  executing agencies such as NHAI, State RCD as well as Ministry's own PIUs and they ensure that Ministry's guidelines are followed. Various kinds of eco-friendly green and sustainable materials such as  fly  ash,  slag,  construction  &  demolition  waste,  waste  plastic, crumb rubber modified bitumen, geosynthetics including jute & coir, ground granulated blast furnace slag, etc. are used in different NH

projects depending upon availability and feasibility of use.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2797 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Collapse of Silkyara Tunnel
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil, Shri Karti P Chidambaram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2797 ANSWERED ON 8 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## COLLAPSE OF SILKYARA TUNNEL

2797.    Shri Karti P Chidambaram: Shri Shafi Parambil:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)      whether  the  National  Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  has included a clause in its contract with Navayuga Engineering Company Limited (NEC) for the Silkyara tunnel to construct an escape passage, as mandated by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b)      whether  the  Government  was  aware  of  findings  from  multiple reports that identified construction risks due to the presence of shear zones and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)      the  reasons  for  approving  the  project  despite  these  identified risks; and
- (d)      the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  safety standards in such infrastructure projects?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) National  Highways  and  Infrastructure  Development  Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has included the clause to construct escape passage

in  the  Contract  Agreement  of  construction  of  2-lane  bi-directional Silkyara bend - Barkot tunnel on NH-134 (Old NH-94) as mandated by the Cabinet Committee. The  tunnel  being  constructed  is  a  single  tube  tunnel  with  a partition wall in the center leading to use of both the lanes in case of emergency as an escape passage for each other. (b)&(c) Shear Zones are common  in the Himalayan Regions; therefore,  construction  works  in  hills  are  carried  out  taking  into account the same. The  project  was  approved  considering  the  risks,  such  as  shear zones, to be addressed through scientific technology and methodology as per the Contract Agreement. Further,  the  Silkyara  tunnel  project  is  crucial  for  the  socioeconomic development of the region and provides  for  connectivity  to Yamunotri, a main pilgrimage site on Chardham, throughout the year. The project also serves important strategic purposes of the nation. (d)     Safety measures are an integral part of highway / tunnel projects during  different  stages  of  design,  construction  and  Operation  & Maintenance (O&M).  Appropriate safety measures in accordance with IRC  codes/guidelines  are  adopted  for  the  design,  construction  and

maintenance of NHs/tunnels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2796 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Jal Jeevan Kosh
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Vijay Baghel, Shri Jugal Kishore, Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. - 2796

ANSWERED ON 08/08/2024

## JAL JEEVAN KOSH

†2796  SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SMT. KAMALJEET SEHRAWAT

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the sectors particularly research, development and upgradation for which the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK) funds were allocated;
- (b)   the amount of funds allocated to Chhattisgarh under the said head; and
- (c)   if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

- (a) to (c) Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)  to  make  provision  of  potable  tap  water  supply  to  every  rural  household  in  the country. To enable individuals, institutions, corporates, philanthropists, etc., who have a desire to 'give back to the society' and be a part of this movement, a 'Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh (RJJK)' was set up to receive contributions/ donations to achieve the goal of Jal Jeevan Mission. A dedicated website https://jaljeevankosh.gov.in has been developed to facilitate donations/ contributions, which can be made directly through RJJK website and also  through  JJM  mobile app. As on 29.07.2024 ,  a  sum  of  Rs.  1,83,143.77/-  has  been received as contribution in the account of RJJK. No fund has been allocated or utilized so far from RJJK.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Himachal Pradesh
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- †2793

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 08/08/2024

## EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

†2793     DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  Eklavya  Model  Residential  Schools  (EMRSs)  functioning  being constructed/under construction and proposed to be set up in Himachal Pradesh;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  open  additional  Eklavya  Model  Residential Schools (EMRSs) in Chamba district;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

- (a) to (d): Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned a total number of 4 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in the State of Himachal Pradesh and all are reported to be functional.

Under the new central sector scheme of EMRS approved in 2018, Government decided to set up one EMRS in every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal  persons  (as  per  Census  2011).  Accordingly,  Ministry  has  identified  the  Block Bharmaur in Chamba District fulfilling the criteria and sanctioned one EMRS under the new scheme. Another EMRS was earlier sanctioned at Pangi Block in Chamba District under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India. Details of the 02 EMRSs sanctioned in the district of Chamba are as under:

|   S. N. | District   | Block/ Taluka   | Scheme          | Name of the School   | Functional status   |
|---------|------------|-----------------|-----------------|----------------------|---------------------|
|       1 | Chamba     | Pangi           | Article 275 (1) | EMRS Brahmour        | Functional          |
|       2 | Chamba     | Brahmaur        | New Scheme      | EMRS Pangi           | Functional          |

As of now, there is no plan to set up additional EMRS in Himachal including Chamba.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2790 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Training in Semiconductor Technology for Tribal Students
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2790 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 08/08/2024

## TRAINING IN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS

## 2790 SHRI C M RAMESH:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government is planning to provide training to tribal students in semiconductor technology in collaboration with IISc, Bengaluru and ISRO;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the extent to which the Indian Semiconductor Mission has helped trained tribals to get employment opportunities in the country; and
- (d) the details of tribal students who are going to be provided training in the said programme from the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

- (a)  to  (b): Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs,  Government  of  India,  has  entrusted  the  project  'Semiconductor Fabrication & Characterization Training for Students from Tribal Community' to Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru under the central sector scheme: Tribal Research Information,  Education,  Communication  and  Events  (TRI-ECE)  during  the  financial  year  2023-24.  The project aims to deliver 2100 NSQF-certified level 6.0 & 6.5 training in semiconductor technology to tribal students over three years.
- (c): As informed by IISC, Bengaluru, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has created 6  large  Nano  centers  (including  IISc)  for  delivering  training  in  Semiconductor  technology.  The  degree programs at these nano centers have representation from tribal community, as per the reservation policies. Other than degree programs the nano centers also run short term training programs under INUP program https://inup-i2i.in/inup\_wrapper/home.php. However, the program with MoTA is the first training program dedicated exclusively to tribal communities.
- (d): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with IISc Bangalore will provide basic training to 1500 tribal students and advanced training to 600 tribal students, in semiconductor technology over the next 03 years.  All tribal students, including those from the states of  of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who possess a degree in one of the engineering subjects, are eligible to apply for the program.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2786 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Transfer Policy in NHAI
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2786

ANSWERED ON 8 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## TRANSFER POLICY IN NHAI

2786. SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  a  policy  of  transfer,  posting  and  deputation  of officers to NHAI and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  some  of  the  officers  have  sought extension on completion of their tenure and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the list of the officers in NHAI under extension of deputation who have  been  granted  extension  without  following  the  policy  guidelines and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  number  of  cases  of  such  violation  reported  during  the  last three years; and
- (e) whether the NHAI has overlooked the policy of NHAI regulation   and  DoPT  instructions,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the action taken against the officials disregarding the rules?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  Yes,  Sir.  Transfers  and  postings  of  officers  of  National  Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are carried out in the interest of organization for  operational  requirements  and  as  per  the  laid  down  guidelines. Deputation of officers in NHAI is undertaken as per NHAI's regulations and  applicable  guidelines  of  Department  of  Personnel  and  Training, Government of India, issued from time to time. (b)    Advance  action  for  extension  of  deputation  period  is  taken  on regular  intervals,  mostly  six  months  prior  to  the  completion  of  the approved deputation tenure, in terms of NHAI regulations and applicable  Government's  extant  guidelines/  instructions  issued  from time to time in this regard. (c) to (e) There are no such instances as the extension of deputation tenure is granted as per laid down guidelines.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2781 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Point of Call Swapping
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2781 (To be answered on the 8 th  August 2024)

## POINT OF CALL SWAPPING

## 2781. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government proposes to swap the point of call status of any foreign carrier from Gulf countries currently operating on non-viable routes in the country with Kannur International Airport and would allow these carriers to operate to Gulf countries from Kannur;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the details of the airports, including the foreign airlines operating with a point of call status but having lower viability since 2019, year-wise;
- (d) whether the Government has any criteria for swapping the point of call status between airports in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) to (e): There is no proposal under consideration to swap the point of call status between the airports in the country for any foreign carrier.

At present, the Government of India promotes more international operations by Indian carriers from non-metro points either directly or through their own domestic operations. Accordingly, non-metro airports are not granted as new points of call in the Air Services Agreements (ASAs) to any foreign carrier.

The Government does not interfere in the operational plans of the airlines who are free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate within the ambit of bilateral agreements. The airlines provide air services to specific places depending upon passenger demand, availability of slots, the economic viability of the route, and other associated factors. The review of ASAs including replacement of point of call depends upon many factors which include benefits to the Indian aviation sector, presence of Indian diaspora in that country, future plans of Indian carriers, elements of reciprocity, balance of benefits and other relevant factors between two countries.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2777 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Discrimination against Tribal Students in Manipur
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2777

TO BE ANSWERED ON - 08.08.2024

## DISCRIMINATION AGAINST TRIBAL STUDENTS IN MANIPUR

## 2777 SHRI S VENKATESAN:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the exam results of Kuki-Zo students from Manipur University are being  revised  after  their  protest  against  discrimination  where  many  of them  were even awarded zero marks initially;
- (b) whether  the  Ministry  would  intervene  and  advise  the  University  Grants  Commission (UGC)  to  constitute  a  committee  to  investigate  the  allegations  of  discrimination, harassment and oppression against the said students;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Ministry  has  taken  up  the  issue  of  transfer  of  all  Kuki-Zo  students  from Manipur University  to  other  reputed  State  Universities  with  UGC  and  the  Ministry  of Education to ensure continuity of their academic career without a break; and
- (e) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) to (e) : The subject matter falls under the domain of the Ministry of Education. As per information provided by the M/o Education has stated that,

"Manipur University informed that an inadvertent error was committed in the Tabulation sheet which was subsequently reexamined and rectified. Accordingly, the revised result for the students including Kuki-Zo students has been published by the University.

Education falls under the concurrent list, and thus the Central and State Government both monitor and facilitate educational institutions. Manipur University has allowed students to attend  classes  and  appear  in  the  Online  and/or  Offline  University  examinations  in  any affiliated college of their choice within the State, as per the convenience of the students. The

University has been continuously providing best possible support in terms of uploading the class notes to the website of the university, sending study materials through email, making phone calls, conducting Google classrooms etc to all students who are not able to attend the University. Further, Manipur University has also allowed students to transfer credits from one affiliated college to another so as to make them enable to study in any college of their choice located in their district, within the State.

Further, Manipur University has informed that as per request received from some students, Manipur University, Imphal along with North Eastern Hill University, Shillong and Assam University, Silchar has devised a joint way forward to ensure continuity of the academic career of these students".
Lok Sabha Question No. 2775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-08
Subject: Coal-fired Power Plants
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2775

## ANSWERED ON 08.08.2024

## COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS

## 2775   SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  specific  plan  to  phase  out  coal-fired  power plants and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government has adopted any mechanism put in place to ensure a just transition of workers and communities currently reliant on the coal sector, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) : The  Central  Electricity  Authority  has  issued  an  advisory  dated  20.01.2023  and 07.07.2023 to all the Thermal Power Utilities not to retire or repurpose their coal-based power stations before 2030 and to ensure the availability of thermal units after carrying out Renovation and Modernization (R&M)  activities, if required, considering the expected energy demand scenario in future.

Further,  electricity  generation  is  a  delicensed  activity  as  per  Section-7  of  the Electricity  Act,  2003  and  phasing  out/retirement  of  units  are  decided  by  Power Generating  Utilities/Companies  based  on  their  own  techno-economic,  energy  demand and environmental reasons.

- (b) : As the economy continues to grow and access for affordable electricity becomes more  widespread,  the  coal  sector  will  remain  a  crucial  source  of  energy  in  India. Despite  a  growing  push  towards  renewable  energy,  coal  is  projected  to  remain  as  a prominent  source  of  energy  for  providing  affordable  and  reliable  electricity  to  the consumers. As the percentage contribution of renewables in the nation's primary energy mix  rises,  the  share  of  coal  will  decrease,  however,  it  will  increase  on  an  absolute tonnage basis.

Although,  in  due  course,  some  mines  may  close  down  due  to  exhaustion  of reserves but at the same time, many new coal mines are being operationalized to meet the growing energy demand. These mines are not only ensuring affordability and energy security  of  the  nation  but  are  also  providing  new  opportunities  for  employment  and redeployment of workers and at the same  time generate indirect  employment opportunities in coal sector.

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