opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1801 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Conservation of Migratory Birds
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shyam Yadav Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1801

TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## Conservation of Migratory Birds

## 1801.   SHRI SHYAM SINGH YADAV:

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

- (a) the details of the National Action Plan on Conservation of Migratory Birds;
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  reduce  the  population  decline  of  the Migratory Birds in Uttar Pradesh, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the  Government has conducted any study regarding effects of climate change  on  migratory  birds  and  change  in  their  lifecycle,  particularly  in  Uttar Pradesh; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) The  Ministry  has  launched  the  'National  Action  Plan  for  conservation  of Migratory  birds  along  the  Central  Asian  Flyway'  in  November  2018.  The Action  Plan  emphasizes  on  coordination  and  cooperation  between  various Central  Government  Ministries,  State  Government  Departments,  managers  of Protected Areas, local communities, Civil Societies and Private sector.
- (b) The report indicating population decline of migratory birds in Uttar Pradesh is not available with the Ministry.
- (c) and (d) The Ministry has  not  conducted  study  regarding  effects  of  climate  change  on migratory birds and change in their lifecycle, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The conservation and protection of wildlife and its habitat is primarily the responsibility  of  the  State  and  Union  Territory  Governments.  The  Ministry provides technical and financial assistance on the basis of proposals submitted by the State and Union Territory Governments.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1795 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Rejuvenation of Religious Sites to Promote Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Ramesh Bidhuri

- (b)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1795 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## REJUVENATION OF RELIGIOUS SITES TO PROMOTE TOURISM

## 1795.SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)      whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  for  rejuvenation  of
- religious sites for boosting tourism in the country;
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)    the  various  other  steps  taken  for  promotion  of  tourism  in  the country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM                               (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) & (b): Development of tourism infrastructure is primarily the responsibility  of  the  concerned  State  Government(SG)/Union  Territory Administration(UT),  however,  Ministry  of  Tourism  (MoT)    under  its ' Swadesh  Darshan ', ' Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual  Heritage Augmentation  Drive ' (PRASHAD) and  'Assist ance  to Central  Agencies' Schemes  provides financial assistance to the State  Governments (SG)/Union  Territory  Administrations  (UT)/Central Agencies  (CA)  for development  of  infrastructure  at  the  tourist  destinations  including religious sites.

Based on the proposals received, MoT has approved 46 projects under PRASHAD  scheme  and  76  projects  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme across the country which covers development at religious sites also.

- (c): Ministry of Tourism promotes the tourism destinations and tourism products of the country in a holistic manner. The promotions are carried out under the schemes of 'Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality' (DPPH) and 'Overseas Promotion & Publicity' (OPP) in t he domestic and important global markets. Information on tourist destinations  in  the  country,  are  also  promoted  through  the  website -www.incredibleindia.org,  Dekho  Apna  Desh  Webinars  and  the  social media handles of the Ministry of Tourism.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Affiliating Colleges from Haryana/Punjab
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO1793

ANSWERED ON- 31/07/2023

## AFFILIATING COLLEGES FROM HARYANA/PUNJAB 1793.  SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes affiliating  colleges from  Haryana State  with  Punjab University; (b)  whether the Government is aware that Haryana had voluntary de-affiliated its colleges from Punjab University in the year 1978; (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  Punjab  University  is  the  only  autonomous University in the country which had democratically elected governing bodies like the Senate and the Syndicate which is being diluted by changing system for disaffiliation of colleges of Punjab and affiliating colleges from Haryana; and

- (d) whether the Government proposes to take any action against Government of Punjab for conspiring to dilute the State's rights and against Haryana for their action usurping the rights of the State of Punjab and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUBHAS SARKAR) (a) to (d)   Affiliation of a college i.e. its recognition for admission to the privileges of a university, is a subject matter dealt with under the rules and regulations of concerned universities and as per the  jurisdiction  provided  in  relevant  legislative  enactments.  Panjab  University  Act  1947  has created  Panjab  University  and  the  provisions  made  in  the  Act  govern  the  composition  of  its statutory  bodies.  This  Ministry  has  not  received  proposal  from  Punjab  Government  regarding disaffiliation of its colleges from Panjab University. Haryana Government has made a request to affiliate  its  college  under  Panjab  University.  Punjab  Government  has  informed  that  the  Punjab Vidhan  Sabha  has  passed  a  unanimous  resolution  on  30.06.2022  opposing  any  attempt  to

- change the present status of the Panjab University, in any form.
- ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1790 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Installation of Tallest National Flag Pole
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Mehboob Ali Kaiser

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1790 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## INSTALLATION OF TALLEST NATIONAL FLAG POLE

## 1790.  Ch. Mehboob Ali Kaiser:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  India's  name  does  not  figure  on  the  global  cultural  stage  in  terms  of tallest national flag poles;
- (b) if so, whether any proposal is pending with the Government for the installation of the world's tallest national flag pole;
- (c) if so, the details of the proposed initiatives therefor; and
- (d) if not, whether India's name should also be recorded on the global cultural stage and  the  Guinness  Book  of  World  Records  during  the  ongoing  celebrations  of pious year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by installing the tallest national flag pole along with the names of our neighboring countries such as Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt etc.?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM  AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a)  & (b) Yes Sir. A proposal for installation of tallest Flag Pole at Imphal for hoisting the National Flag has been received from State Government of Manipur.
- (c)  &  (d)  State  Government  of  Manipur  has  been  asked  to  revisit  their  proposal  and submit the details for consideration of Ministry of Culture.

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 1788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Recruitment through ESIC
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed, Behanan Benny

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1788

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## RECRUITMENT THROUGH ESIC

1788. SHRI MOHAMMED FAIZAL P.P.: SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

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

- (a)the details of progress made by the Government for filling up the 2,000 posts of doctors and teaching faculty through Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) as announced by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment in December 2022; and
- (b)whether Indians make up a large proportion of doctors in foreign countries such as the UK, the US, Australia and Canada and if so, the  details  thereof  and  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the Government to prevent the high brain-drain of medical professionals?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a) & (b) The recruitment process for filling up the posts of doctors and  teaching  faculty  in  Employees'  State  Insurance  Corporation (ESIC) is underway.

Indian medical professionals -doctors, nurses and technicians have been making their mark in every corner of the world and have been offering invaluable services for many decades.

The measures/steps taken by the Government to increase the doctors in the country include:-

- i. Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishment of new medical college by upgrading district/ referral hospital under which 107 new medical colleges are already functional out of 157 approved.

- ii. Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  for  strengthening/  upgradation  of existing State Government/Central Government Medical Colleges to increase MBBS and PG seats.
- iii. Under 'Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges by construction  of  Super  Specialty  Blocks'  of  Pradhan  Mantri Swasthya  Suraksha  Yojana  (PMSSY)  scheme,  a  total  of  75 projects have been approved, of which 62 projects are complete.
- iv. Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up of new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved. Undergraduate courses have started in 19 of these.
- v. Relaxation in the norms for setting up of Medical College in terms of requirement for faculty, staff, bed strength and other infrastructure.
- vi. DNB qualification has been recognized for appointment as faculty to take care of shortage of faculty.
- vii. Enhancement  of  age  limit for appointment/ extension/ reemployment against posts of teachers/Dean/Principal/ Director in medical colleges upto 70 years.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1783 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Pension Scheme to Landless Agricultural Labourers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: D. Ravikumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1783 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## PENSION SCHEME TO LANDLESS AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS

1783. SHRI RAVIKUMAR D.:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  to  introduce  pension scheme to landless agricultural labourers and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)the number of agricultural labourers as on 2020, State-wise; and
- (c)whether the Government proposes to introduce uniform minimum wage to agricultural labourers, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

- (a): In  order  to  provide  old  age  protection  to  unorganised  sector workers, the Government of India had launched a pension scheme in 2019 namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) to provide a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- after attaining the age of 60  years  to  unorganized  workers.  The  workers  including  landless agricultural labourers can register for this scheme free of cost either through  self-registration  through  maandhan.in  portal  or  by  visiting any Common Service Centre (CSC). There are more than 5 lakh CSCs. This is a voluntary and co-contributory pension scheme. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000/or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt. Funded) can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% of monthly contribution varies between Rs. 55/- to Rs. 200/- depending upon the entry age is payable by  the  beneficiary  and  equal  matching  contribution  is  paid  by  the Central Government. The Life Insurance Corporation of India is the fund manager of the scheme.

## (b): As per Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21 report a total of 46.5 % persons are engaged in agricultural activity.

|   Sr. No |   Male (In %) |   Female (In %) |   Total (In %) |
|----------|---------------|-----------------|----------------|
|        1 |          39.8 |            62.2 |           46.5 |

(c): As  the  Central  Government  and  the  State  Governments  are appropriate Government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to fix, review and revise the minimum wages of the employees employed in the scheduled employments including agriculture, in their respective jurisdiction, the rates of minimum wages vary from one appropriate Government to another.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1781 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Biography of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1781

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## BIOGRAPHY OF PANDIT BHIMSEN JOSHI

1781.  Shri T.R. Baalu:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) (a) whether the Ministry has published the Biography of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi to commemorate his great contribution to the Hindustani Classical music and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the  Government  proposes  to  publish  more  such  publications  on  other grate Carnatic musicians like Thirumathi M.S. Subbulakshmi and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to formulate a Special Scheme to bring out books  including  biographies/autobiographies  of  renowned  maestros  of  art  and culture in recognition of their rich contributions to Indian culture and tradition?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM  AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a)  No, Sir
- (b)  Yes, Sir. Government proposes to publish short biographies/monographs on other grate Carnatic musicians.
- (c)  Government has  approved a project to bring out Biographies of Legends starting with  the  biographies  of  Fellows  and  Awardees  of  Sangeet  NatakAkademi,  all  of whom are/have been renowned maestros of the performing arts of India

* * * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 1780 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Ban on Agricultural Commodities Futures Trading
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Thirumaa Valavan Thol

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO.: 1780

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023/SRAVANA 9, 1945 (SAKA)

## Ban on Agricultural Commodities Futures Trading

## 1780. SHRI THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOL:

Will the Minister of FINANCE

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has banned Agricultural commodities futures trading;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the agricultural commodities futures trading is beneficial to the farmers;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (b): Given the unusual situation arising from the Covid-19 pandemic leading to supply disruptions  and  price  volatility  in  international  and  domestic  markets,  it  was  considered important  that  all  possible  measures  be  taken  to  maintain  stability  in  the  prices  of  food items. In this regard, futures trading in seven agri-commodities namely, Paddy (non-basmati), Wheat, Chana, Mustard seeds and its derivatives, Soya bean and its derivatives, Crude Palm Oil  and  Moong  was  suspended  on  19  December  2021,  which  has  been  extended  till  20 December 2023.

(c) to (e): The agricultural commodities futures trading is expected to provide various direct and indirect benefits to commodity value chain participants, including farmers, for discovery of prices and hedging of price risk.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1778 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Restoration of Heritage Sites in Cities Covered under HRIDAY Scheme
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Kirit Premjibhai Solanki

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1778

TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## RESTORATION OF HERITAGE SITES IN CITIES COVERED UNDER HRIDAY SCHEME

## 1778.   DR. (PROF.) KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government has carried out preservation and restoration work  for heritage sites in cities covered under HRIDAY scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken initiatives to promote tourism and cultural activities in these cities; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) Yes, Sir.  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  has  carried  out  preservation  and
- & restoration work for monuments  in cities i.e. Mathura (Uttar Pardesh),  Badami
- (b) (Karnataka) and Ajmer (Rajasthan) covered under HRIDAY scheme. Conservation and preservation work of monuments/sites is taken up as per the requirement and availability of resources and all are in good state of preservation.
- (c) ASI  organises  many  cultural  programmes  to  promote  awareness  about  the  culture  and
- & heritage  on  the  occasion  of  World  Heritage  Day,  World  Heritage  week,  International
- (d) Yoga  Day,  Azadi  ka  Amrit  Mahotsav,  etc.  In  addition,  visitor  amenities  have  been provided at all World Heritage and ticketed monuments to facilitate the tourists.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: EdTech Sector
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Ravneet Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1775 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## EdTech Sector

## 1775.  SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether it is a true that a large number of complaints have been made by the users against the educational technology or EdTech sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, year-wise and EdTech company-wise;
- (c) whether many prominent EdTech companies are also facing financial crisis situations  as  well  as funding issues, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the general nature of complaints being filed against these companies;
- (e)  whether the Government is taking any measures to bring in more transparency in the working of the EdTech Sector in the country to make it more effective and useful for the students in future;
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (g) if so, the details of the EdTech Companies during the last three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUBHAS SARKAR)

(a)  to  (g)  In  order  to  ensure  transparency  and  safeguarding  students'  interest,  Department  of  School Education & Literacy has issued advisory on 23 rd  December, 2021 which includes do's and don'ts for the stakeholders.  It  has  also  reiterated  legal  provisions  for  e-commerce  firms  (which  were  notified  by  the MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (Department of Consumer Affairs)) for information to citizens who are consumers of ed-tech services. The details may be seen at https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784582.

A few complaints have been received by University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regarding grievances against Ed-tech platforms. Considering this UGC and AICTE have issued multiple public notices advising the students to check recognition/entitlement status of  programme  on  official  website  before  enrolling  any  course.  These  advisories  can  be  accessed  at https://deb.ugc.ac.in/Latest/OL.

University  Grants  Commission  (UGC)  has  constituted  Complaint  Redressal  Committee  (CRC)  for processing  complaints  related  to  violations  of  UGC  (ODL  Programmes  and  Online  Programmes) Regulations,  2020.  These  regulations  prohibits  franchise  arrangement  with  private  sector  and  the ownership of offering online programmes shall be that of HEIs only. The CRC examines complaints as and  when  received  are  examined  and  suggests  various  corrective/punitive  measures  to  address  the issues.  More  than  70  top  ranked  Universities  are  offering  over  350-degree  programme  under  these regulations.

.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1774 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Quality of Education in Ashram Schools
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kuruva Gorantla Madhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1774

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 31/07/2023

## QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN ASHRAM SCHOOLS

## 1774.  SHRI KURUVA GORANTLA MADHAV:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether any quality checks have been undertaken at Ashram schools during the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has considered the demand for bringing these schools under the Department of Education to ensure more focus on the quality of education; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI BISHWESWAR TUDU)

- (a) to (d): Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) was running a separate scheme 'Establishment of  Ashram  Schools  in  Tribal  Sub-Plan  Areas"  under  which  funds  were  provided  to  State Governments  for  construction  of  Ashram  schools.  During  2018-19,  the  said  scheme  was subsumed in the scheme of 'Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) and Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India. Later during 2021-22, the scheme of SCA to TSS has been revamped into scheme of 'Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) with the aim of integrated development of 36,428 villages which have population of 500 and above with more than 50% tribal persons.

Under the scheme of "Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas", MoTA, provided construction cost to the State Governments, who are responsible for running and overall  maintenance of  these  Ashram  Schools  and  undertaking  quality  checks.   The  state Government depending on their requirements send proposals for upgradation and renovation of  Ashram  Schools/  tribal  hostels  under  Article  275(1).   There  is  no  proposal  under consideration of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for bringing these schools under the Department of Education.

*****