opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 942 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Maintenance of Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Murasoli S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 942

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## MAINTENANCE OF THANJAVUR BRIHADEESWARAR TEMPLE

## 942. SHRI MURASOLI S:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  dilapidated  condition  of  certain parts  of  the  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site  of  Thanjavur  Brihadeeswarar Temple and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  details  of  amount  of  funds  sanctioned  by  the  Government  for  the maintenance and upkeep of the Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, from the year 2019, year wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  for  restoration works in the  Thanjavur  Brihadeeswarar  Temple  and  the amount  of    funds sanctioned for the same and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to promote the UNESCO World Heritage site of Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur is a Centrally Protected Monument of  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  and  is  also  a  UNESCO  World Heritage  Site.  The  ASI  undertakes  regular  maintenance,  Conservation  and Restoration Works as per the requirement and availability of resources.
- (b) The details of the Allocation and Expenditure incurred on the maintenance and  upkeep  of  the  Thanjavur  Brihadeeswara  Temple,  from  the  year  2019, year wise are mentioned as under:

(Amount Rs. in Lakhs)

|   S. No. | Year    |   Allotment |   Expenditure |
|----------|---------|-------------|---------------|
|        1 | 2019-20 |       23.6  |         23.6  |
|        2 | 2020-21 |       15.38 |         15.38 |
|        3 | 2021-22 |        8.5  |          8.5  |
|        4 | 2022-23 |       93.01 |         93.01 |
|        5 | 2023-24 |      136    |        136    |
|        6 | 2024-25 |       20.69 |         20.69 |

- (c) Archaeological Survey of India undertakes the conservation including annual maintenance  and  upkeep  of  the  Centrally  Protected  Monuments  as  per  the need and requirements of the Monuments.
- (d) Archaeological Survey of India, conducts various cultural events from time to time specially during the World Heritage Day, World Heritage Week and various other important occasions besides illuminating the Temple Complex to promote and attract visitors.
Lok Sabha Question No. 939 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Irregularities in Sanctioning Loan to Marginal Farmers
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Financial Services

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 939

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

## Irregularities in Sanctioning Loan to Marginal Farmers

## 939. Shri Arun Kumar Sagar:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  marginal  farmers  who  have  been  provided  loans  by  the  Co-operative Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks for installation of tube wells particularly in backward and rural areas during the last three years, year-wise;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  complaints  regarding  irregularities  in  the sanction of these loans during the said period;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the efforts made or proposed to be made by the Government to prevent such irregularities?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): As reported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), number of marginal farmers who have been provided loans by the Co-operative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for installing tube wells particularly in backward and rural areas during the last three years, is as follows:

| Financial Year   | Number of Farmers   |
|------------------|---------------------|
| 2021-22          | 2,296               |
| 2022-23          | 3,047               |
| 2023-24          | 2,205               |

NABARD has reported that no complaints regarding irregularities in the sanction of these loans during the said period have been received in case of RRBs and Cooperative Banks.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 937 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Bonded Labour in the North Eastern Region
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 937

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## BONDED LABOUR IN THE NORTH EASTERN REGION

## 937.  SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

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

- (a)the details regarding the number of evaluatory studies conducted in the  North  Eastern  Region  (NER)  over  the  last  five  years  under  the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer, Statewise;
- (b)the  details  regarding  the  number  of  surveys  to  identify  bonded labourers conducted in the NER since the above-mentioned scheme came into force, State-wise;
- (c)the details regarding the amount disbursed to each State in the NER to generate awareness on bonded labour in the last five years, Statewise;
- (d)the  details  regarding  the  progress  made  on  setting  up  special  fast track courts to deal with bonded labour specifically;
- (e)whether  the  Government  has  operationalised  a  National  Portal  on Bonded Labour and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f)whether  the  Government  has  taken  steps  to  create  a  national database  to document  the  corpus  of non-financial assistance provided to rehabilitated bonded labourers across the country, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): Ministry of Labour and Employment is implementing a central sector  scheme  for  rehabilitation  of  bonded  labourer.  The  scheme  is demand  driven,  where  the  funds  are  also  provided  to  concerned states/union  territories,  on  their  request,  for  conducting  survey  in sensitive districts, evaluatory studies related to bonded labourers and awareness  generation  programme.      The  states/  union  territories  are requested regularly to submit proposals in this regard.   During last five years, the Ministry has not received any such proposal.

(d): As per provisions under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the state government may confer the powers of a Judicial Magistrate to an Executive Magistrate for the trial of offences under the Act.   An offence under this Act may be tried summarily by a Magistrate.

(e) & (f): Ministry of Labour and Employment has finalised the agency for development of portal on bonded labour.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 934 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Skill based Training under PMKVY
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 934

ANSWERED ON - 02/12/2024

## SKILL BASED TRAINING UNDER PMKVY

† 934.  SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  skill  based  training  is  provided  to  the  youths  under  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any proposal has been submitted by any NGO for providing such trainings in Yavatmal District;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  action  taken  by  the  Government  on  the  said proposal so far;
- (d) the number of proposals submitted by NGOs and number of proposals are under final stage of approval; and
- (e) whether  any  NGO  has  been  selected  for  imparting  training  under  Pradhan  Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana (PMKVY) in Yavatmal District and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

- (a) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing its flagship Scheme  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY)  since  2015.  Under  PMKVY,  skill training is imparted through Short Term Training (STT) and Re-skilling and Up-skilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to youth across the country.

(b)to(e) Training under PMKVY 4.0 is being conducted through Accredited and Affiliated training  centres  in  Educational  Institutions,  Industry  and  Industry  Associations,  Central  and State Government Institutions. Further, community-based organizations are engaged to impart training  to  address  the  skilling  demand  based  on  one  district-one  product  across  tribal, aspirational and North-east districts.

During the last Financial Year i.e. 2023-24, under PMKVY 4.0, a total of 1,157 proposals were received under Community Based Organisation category which also included NGOs. Out of  these,  575  proposals  were  shortlisted  for  allocation  of  targets,  including  5  proposals  from Yavatmal District. In the current Financial Year i.e. 2024-25, only one NGO has submitted a proposal for providing skill training in Yavatmal District under PMKVY 4.0.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 932 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani, Adv. Adoor Prakash, Shri Rajesh Ranjan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 932

ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows

932.    Ms. S Jothimani:

Adv. Adoor Prakash:

Shri Rajesh Ranjan:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of net FDI Inflows during the last five years, country-wise and sector-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has assessed the impact of new tax regulations on FDI inflows;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  further  simplify  tax compliance  for  startups  and  foreign  investors  to  foster  a  more  conducive investment environment?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) : The net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows during last five years is given in table below, however, data on country-wise and sector-wise net FDI inflows is not maintained.

| Year    |   Net FDI (US$ billion) |
|---------|-------------------------|
| 2019-20 |                    43   |
| 2020-21 |                    44   |
| 2021-22 |                    38.6 |
| 2022-23 |                    28   |
| 2023-24 |                    10.1 |

Source:

RBI.

- (b) to (d): FDI inflows into a country depend on a host of factors such as availability of natural resources, macro-economic stability, investment decision of foreign investors,  global  investment  climate,  central  bank  interest  rates  and  tax regulations among others. To promote FDI, the government has put in place an investor friendly policy, wherein most sectors, except certain strategically important sectors, are open for 100% FDI under the automatic route. Further, to simplify tax compliance for startups and foreign investors, the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been amended in 2024 to abolish angel tax and to reduce income tax rate chargeable on income of a foreign company.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 929 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Mahabharata Age
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † 929

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE OF MAHABHARATA AGE

## † 929.  SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the plan of the Government to preserve and promote the art and culture in Hastinapur, Meerut; and
- (b) the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  so  far  to  preserve  the  cultural  heritage  of Mahabharata age period?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has a protected site in Hastinapur, Meerut which
- & was declared by the Union Government as one of the five 'Iconic Sites' in 2021-22.
- (b) Conservation  and  Development  works  within  the  site  viz,  construction  of  pathways connecting the site with the main road, parking, development of gardens and provision of  essential  public  amenities  has  been  taken  up  in  the  recent  past.  Archaeological Excavations were also conducted at Hastinapur site in the year 2021-22 and 2022-23 and a photo exhibition on the excavation and the findings has been displayed at the site. Encroachments from the sites have also been removed.

-----
Lok Sabha Question No. 927 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: India's Stance on BRICS Currency
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 927

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2024 INDIA's STANCE ON BRICS CURRENCY Shri M K Raghavan:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of any initiative for a joint currency of BRICS Nations;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including India's stance on the discussions around a potential BRICS currency; and
- (c)  the  details  of  India's  contributions  to  the  BRICS  New  Development  Bank including  the  projects  funded  by  the  New  Development  Bank  in  India  and  the manner in which these projects align with India's development priorities?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (FINANCE) (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  & (b) During 2024, under their BRICS Chairmanship, Russia prepared a Report, " BRICS Chairmanship Research on the Improvement of the International Monetary and Financial System ". The report covers various aspects of current systems and possible alternatives  relating to  cross-border  payments,  investments,  sovereign reserves,  development  mechanisms,  the  Global  Financial  Safety  Net,  and leveraging  existing  technology  to  find  an  alternative  currency.  The  Report  was taken note of by BRICS Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and Leaders.

- (c) India's contribution to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) stands at USD 2.0 billion, paid in seven instalments from the fiscal year 2015-16 to 2021-22. As on date, 20 Externally Aided Projects with loan amount of USD 4867 million funded by NDB are ongoing in India. The sectors being covered by such projects include Transportation Infrastructure for Urban Centres, Integrated Water Conservation, Water Supply and Flood Area Management, Improvement of Connectivity in Rural Areas, among others, which align with India's development priorities.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 924 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Reservation to STs in IITs
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 924 ANSWERED ON- 02/12/2024

## Reservation to STs in IITs

## 924. Shri S Venkatesan:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of number and percentage of ST candidates got admissions in IITs during the last academic year, institute and course-wise;
- (b) the number of such students got admission through General category; and
- (c) the details of the mechanisms devised by the Government to ensure filling up of seats reserved for STs and for admissions over and above the reserved seats through general category?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):    The  total  number  of  seats  allotted  in  admission  cycle  2024-25  in  IITs  for undergraduate programme was 17695, out of which seats allocated to ST students were 1336, which is 7.55% of the total allotment. Two students have taken admission under the General Category seats, one of them through open and other through open-PwD as allotment category.

Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) is the body responsible for counselling and seat allocation to IITs based on the candidates' JEE (Advanced) rank. The process of counselling is centralized and seat allocation is done through an online computerized process  governed  by  notified  Business  Rules.  This  counselling  process  follows  the Reservation Policies as mandated by the Government of India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Cases of Idols Smuggling and Theft
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-921

ANSWERED ON- 02/12/2024

## CASES OF IDOLS SMUGGLING AND THEFT

## 921. DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

- (a) the  details  of  total  number  of  cases  of  idol  smuggling  or  theft  from  temples  in  Tamil Nadu  State  that  have  been  reported  to  law  enforcement  agencies  during  the  last  five years;
- (b) the details of the list of the temples affected by  idol smuggling or theft in Tamil Nadu State, along with the estimated value of the stolen idols;
- (c) the  details  of  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  prevent  and  combat  idol smuggling and theft from temples in Tamil Nadu State;
- (d) the  details  of  the  total  number  of  individuals  that  have  been  arrested/charged  in connection with idol smuggling or theft from temples in Tamil Nadu State and current status of these cases in the legal system;
- (e) the details of individuals involved in politics or religious heads convicted in connection with idol smuggling or theft cases in Tamil Nadu State; and
- (f) the details of the cases and convictions?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)&  (b)  During  the  last  five  years,  one  idol  has  been  reported  stolen  from  the  Centrally Protected Monument. The metal idol of Panchaloga (standing Vishnu) was stolen from the  Parthasarthi  and  Krishna  Temple,  at  Vilavankode,  Dist.  Kanyakumari.  FIR  was lodged at the Pudhukadai Police Station and the idol was recovered.
- (c)   Archaeological  Survey  of  India  is  committed  to  protection  of  monuments,  sites     and antiquities under its jurisdiction. Besides regular watch and ward staff of Archaeological Survey of India, Private Security Guards and Central Industrial Security Force have been deployed as per requirement. Whenever any theft of antiquity is reported, FIR is lodged in concerned police station and 'Look Out Notice' is issued to law enforcement agencies including  Custom  Exit  Channels  to  keep  vigil  to  trace  stolen  antiquity  and  prevent  its illegal export.
- (d)  to  (f)  One  arrest  by  the  Tamil  Nadu  Police  has  been  reported  in  the  case  of  theft  at Parthasarthi and Krishna Temple at Vilavankode, Dist. Kanyakumari.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 78 (STARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Yoga Training for Rural Women
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.78 FOR 29.11.2024

## YOGA TRAINING FOR RURAL WOMEN

## *78.SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

Will the Minister of Ayushbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is taking any measures to provide yoga training to rural women in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the details of progress made in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

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

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 78 FOR 29 th  NOVEMBER, 2024

## Answer: (a) to (d)

Ministry  of  Ayush  through  its  Autonomous  bodies  imparts  training  of  Yoga  to  public including Rural Women.

Further, Ministry of Ayush promotes Yoga in the country through its three autonomous bodies namely  Morarji  Desai  National  Institute  of  Yoga  (MDNIY),  New  Delhi,  Central  Council  for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi and National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune. MDNIY provides various courses for Yoga Education. CCRYN is the apex body for research and development in the Yoga and Naturopathy systems. NIN, a premier institute for Naturopathy,  organizes  various  activities  related  to  Naturopathy  and  Yoga.  The  activities  and programs  of  MDNIY,  CCRYN  and  NIN  are  available  on  the  websites  i.e.  yogamdniy.nic.in, www.ccryn.gov.in and ninpune.ayush.gov.in respectively.

Also, the Ministry is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM)  through  State/UT  Governments  for  development  &  promotion  of  different  Ayush systems  in  the  country  including  Yoga  and  providing  financial  assistance  to  them  as  per  the proposals  received  in  their  State  Annual  Action  Plans  (SAAPs). State/UT  Governments  may avail financial assistance by submitting proposals through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per  the  NAM  guidelines.  Under  National  Ayush  Mission  (NAM),  Ministry  of  Ayush  is implementing  the  operationalization  of  12,500  Ayushman  Arogya  Mandir  through  State/UT Governments. At these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Yoga is being taught to the public including Rural Women for general health promotion as community-based intervention by qualified Yoga Instructors.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 76 (STARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Challenges faced by NRIs in Maldives
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

STARRED Q. NO. 76

## ANSWERED ON 29.11.2024

## CHALLENGES FACED BY NRIs IN MALDIVES

*76. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware about the challenges faced by NRIs residing in the Maldives while sending their salary and other income remittances back to India and other difficulties faced by them in this process;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take any steps to regulate and improve the remittance channels for NRIs in the Maldives; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the measures taken/proposed to be taken to reduce transaction fees and ensure smooth transfers?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

*****

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of the Lok Sabha Starred

Question No. *76 for reply on 29.11.2024 regarding 'Challenges faced by NRIs in Maldives.' (a) to (d): Maldives Monetary Authority, which is the Central Bank of Maldives, allocates a limited amount of US dollars per month to banks in Maldives to facilitate remittances abroad. This has impacted the ability of banks in Maldives to facilitate remittances beyond a certain limit for foreign nationals, including Indian nationals, earning their salaries in local  Maldivian   currency   (Maldivian   Rufiyaa   -   MVR).   Indian   nationals earning their salaries in US dollars do not face difficulties in remitting their money to India. The High Commission of India in Maldives has already taken up the matter with the Government of  Maldives and the Maldives Monetary Authority, requesting their support in enhancing allocation of US dollars to banks in Maldives in order to address the issues faced by Indian nationals   residing   in   Maldives.   In   accordance   with   the   importance attached to the welfare of the Indian nationals, our High Commission continues to follow up on the issue with the Maldivian authorities. *****