opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2732 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Aims and Objectives of Shoonya Campaign
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2732

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SHOONYA CAMPAIGN

## 2732.   SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of PLANNING  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched Shoonya campaign by NITI Aayog recently;
- (b) if so, the aims and objective thereof; and
- (c) whether the said campaign is expected to be expanded to more vehicles, especially those used for public transport and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) Yes,  Sir.  'Shoonya'  -  Zero  Pollution  Mobility  Campaign  was  launched  on  15th Sept., 2021. It is a Pan India consumer awareness campaign initiated by NITI Aayog in partnership with leading companies working in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India.
- (b) The principal aim of Shoonya is to nudge delivery systems and ride hailing towards clean mobility. Improving urban air quality, enhancing public health and contributing to the nation's sustainability goals are other positive spin offs.
- (c) So  far,  Shoonya  Forum,  with  the  help  of  220+  corporate  partners  (Domestic  & Global),  has  collaborated  together  and  engaged  approximately  10  crore  citizens through multiple channels and created awareness in favour of pollution-free delivery. Presently the  campaign  in  confined to delivery  ecosystem and ride-hailing segment only.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2730 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Heavy Water Production Units
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2730

ANSWERED ON 11/12/2024

## HEAVY WATER PRODUCTION UNITS

## 2730. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether steps have been taken by Government / Department of Atomic Energy to increase production capacity of existing Heavy Water production units for increasing new production sites;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  adequate  manpower  and  resources  are  available  at  existing  units  /  sites producing heavy water and if so, the details thereof, location-wise; and
- (d) whether the Department of Atomic Energy has requested the State Government of Gujarat to modify the acquired land use designated for heavy water production at its Hazira Project, if so, the future action plans in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Yes.
- (b) Heavy Water Board, a unit under Department of Atomic Energy has initiated steps for expansion / augmentation of Heavy Water production at three locations i.e., Manuguru (Telangana), Kota, (Rajasthan) and Hazira (Gujarat).
- (c) Resources  available  at  the  existing  sites  and  the  existing  sanctioned  manpower  are adequate  to  meet  the  existing  demand  of  heavy  water.  The  sanctioned  strength  of manpower of Heavy Water Board (Central Office) and its units / sites is as follows:-
- (d) Yes, Department of Atomic Energy has requested the State Government of Gujarat to modify the acquired land use designation for Heavy Water production at its Hazira Project.  State Government authorities have visited the Hazira site and held discussions with M/s. Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited and Heavy Water Plant authorities.

| Location   |   Mumbai (Central Office) |   Manuguru |   Kota |   Tuticorin |   Baroda |   Talcher |   Total |
|------------|---------------------------|------------|--------|-------------|----------|-----------|---------|
|            |                       314 |       1627 |    712 |         434 |      521 |       264 |    3872 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2726 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Challenges under PM KUSUM
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Dr. Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2726

ANSWERED ON 11/12/2024

## CHALLENGES UNDER PM KUSUM

## 2726. DR. AMAR SINGH

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is cognizant that one of the principal challenges of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme faces is the availability of cheap electricity for farmers, which diminishes the incentive to shift from electric water pumps to solar water pumps; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) Yes.
- (b) In  order  to  facilitate  farmers,  the  Ministry  is  providing  support  for  installation  of  solar pumps in off grid areas under Component B and solarization of grid connected pumps under Component C (Individual Pump Solarization) of PM KUSUM scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2725 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Cancellation charges on waitlisted Tickets
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ms Iqra Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2725 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## CANCELLATION CHARGES ON WAITLISTED TICKETS

## 2725. MS IQRA CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the IRCTC website levies cancellation charges  on  waitlisted tickets even  if they are cancelled by the Railways itself due to lack of seats in trains;
- (b) if so, whether the Government plans to waive off such cancellation charges on said waitlisted tickets cancelled by the Railways;
- (c) whether the Government has data on the amount of revenue that has been generated from cancellation fees, if so, the details of the same for the last three fiscal years;
- (d) whether such revenue has been utilized for improving services in passenger trains and introducing new coaches for mail trains, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the details of the utilisation pattern of cancellation charges and similar charges levied on passengers?

ANSWER

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

( SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b): Clerkage charge is levied on cancellation of all waitlisted tickets  including  cancelled  through  IRCTC  website  as  per  Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fare) Rules 2015.

Moreover,  waitlisted  tickets  are  issued  to  take  care  of  berths  going vacant  against  cancellation  of  confirmed/RAC  tickets  during  advance reservation  period.  Further,  waitlisted  ticket  passengers  have  also option to get upgraded under upgradation scheme or shifted to alternate train under VIKALP scheme. (c):  The  amount  credited  on  account  of  cancellation  of  tickets  is  not maintained separately.

(d) and (e): The revenue generated from all sources including cancellation, forms part of Railways' total receipts which are utilized for working expenses relating to maintenance & operations under Revenue expenditure and Capital expenditure for renewal/replacement of assets, customer amenities and other unremunerative development works.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2719 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Amendment to Telecommunication, Act 2023
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2719 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## AMENDMENT TO TELECOMMUNICATION, ACT 2023

## 2719.   DR. D RAVI KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering amendments to the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to repeal Section 20 or introduce safeguards to prevent its potential misuse;

(b) the steps taken by the Government to ensure transparency by maintaining and publishing records  of  all  orders  issued  under  Section  20  of  the  Telecommunications  Act  and  the  Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017;

- (c) whether the Government proposes to release quarterly compliance reports detailing internet shutdown orders and their adherence to the laws in force;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  evaluated  the  need  for  an  independent  inquiry  into  the economic, social and community-wide impacts of internet shutdowns in the country; and
- (e) the  measures  being  taken  to  assess  and  address  the  consequences  of  frequent  internet shutdowns on country's economy and societal well-being?

## ANSWER

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

(a) No Sir, there is no proposal to amend Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. In the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, necessary safeguard to prevent potential misuse of this section have been provided.

(b) As per seventh schedule of the Constitution, Police and public order are State subjects and States are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of such crime through their law enforcement machinery. Concerned State Governments are empowered to issue orders for temporary suspension  of  internet  service  to  maintain  law  and  order  in  the  State  or  part  thereof  under  the provisions contained in the Telecommunications (Temporary suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 issued under section 20 (2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The Rules requires that the order issuing authority shall publish such orders.

- (c) No Sir.
- (d) & (e) No Sir. The contribution of internet for the well-being of citizens has to be balanced with stopping misuse by anti-social elements requiring temporary shutdowns as per the rules based on the assessment by Local (State/UT Government) Authorities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2716 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Delhi to Kamakhya Junction via Kanpur and Etawah
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2716 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## DELHI TO KAMAKHYA JUNCTION VIA KANPUR AND ETAWAH

†2716. SHRI BHARAT SINGH KUSHWAH :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether North East Express train has been operated from Delhi to Kamakhya junction via Kanpur and Etawah, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the said train is likely to be operated from Delhi, Gwalior, Etawah  and  Kanpur  to  Kamakhya  junction  so  as  to  provide  train service to the people of Madhya Pradesh for Kamakhya; and
- (c)  if so, since when?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (c)  Presently,  12505/06  Kamakhya-Anand  Vihar  (T)  North  East Express is being operated via Kanpur-Etawah and  is well patronised on  its existing route. Besides,   the  services  of  19305/19306  Dr. Ambedkar  Nagar-Kamakhya  Express  is  available  from  Jhansi  for  the passengers of Gwalior.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2712 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Survey for Kovvur to Bhadrachalam Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. D. Purandeswari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2712

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## SURVEY FOR KOVVUR TO BHADRACHALAM RAILWAY LINE 2712   DR. D. PURANDESWARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  status  of  the  pending  survey  for  the  proposed  railway  line between Kovvur to Bhadrachalam;
- (b) the reasons for the delay in the survey for the said railway line and the steps taken by the Government to expedite it;
- (c) whether the funds  have been allocated for the survey and if so,
- the amount and utilization status of such funds;
- (d) the estimated timeline for the completion of the said survey and subsequent steps for approval and construction of the said railway line; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  prioritize  this  project  in  the current financial year, considering the potential benefits for connectivity  and  local  development  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof and if not, the reasons thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e)  Bhadrachalam  Kovvur  (119  Km)  New  Line  project  was sanctioned on 50% cost sharing basis with Government of Andhra Pradesh  at  an  anticipated  cost  of  Rs.2155  crore.  BhadrachalamSatupalli (56.25 km) new line project has already been completed in May 2022.

The  completion of any Railway project depends on various factors like quick land acquisition by State Government, forest clearance by officials  of  forest  department,  deposition  of  cost  share  by  State Government in cost sharing projects, priority of projects, shifting of infringing  utilities,  statutory  clearances  from  various  authorities, geological  and  topographical  conditions  of  area,  law  and  order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months  in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. Various  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  speedy  approval  and implementation  of  Railway  projects  include  (i)  setting  up  of  Gati Shakti units (ii) prioritisation of projects (iii) substantial increase in allocation of funds on priority projects (iv) delegation of powers at field level (v) close  monitoring  of  progress  of project at various levels,  and  (vi)  regular  follow  up  with  State  Governments  and concerned authorities for expeditious land acquisition, forestry and Wildlife  clearances  and  for  resolving  other  issues  pertaining  to projects. This has led to substantial increase in rate of commissioning since 2014.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2707 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Misuse of AI and Media
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Vivek Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2707 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

MISUSE OF AI AND MEDIA

2707. SHRI VIVEK THAKUR:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  any  action  against possible  misuse  of  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  and  media  such  as  AI

generated fake videos and audios; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  INFORMATION  AND  BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN):

(a)  &  (b):  The  Government  has  notified  the  Information  Technology (Intermediary  Guidelines  and  Digital  Media  Ethics  Code)  Rules,  2021 ('IT  Rules,  2021')  on  25.02.2021  under  the  Information  Technology Act, 2000. Part-III of the Rules provides for a Code of Ethics for digital news  publishers  and  publishers of online curated  content  (OTT Platforms). The Code of Ethics provides that they will not transmit any content  which  is  prohibited  by  law  for  the  time  being  in  force, including illegal AI generated content.

For the user  generated  content  on  intermediaries/  social  media intermediaries, Part-II of IT Rules, 2021 casts specific legal obligations on such intermediaries to take expeditious action towards removal of the unlawful information which includes information prohibited under various laws, patently false, untrue or misleading information.

Further,  to  address  the  emerging  problems    in  the  cyberspace  like misinformation, deepfakes powered by AI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued advisories dated 26.12.2023 and  15.03.2024, reminding the intermediaries about their due-diligence  obligations  outlined  under  the  IT  Rules,  2021  and advising  them    on  countering  unlawful  content  including  malicious 'synthetic media'  and 'deepfakes'.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2706 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Construction of Railway Bridges/Underpass/Link road/Footpath at Davanagere, Karnataka
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2706 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY BRIDGES/ UNDERPASS/ LINK ROAD/ FOOTPATH AT DAVANAGERE, KARNATAKA

## 2706. Dr. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  plans  for  construction  of  a  railway bridge  or  underpass  at  the  Davanagere  fish  market,  Link  Road  at Ashoka  talkies in Davanagere which is currently narrow for commuters to travel and a path at Lingeshwara temple in Davanagere;
- (b) if so, whether a study team of railway officials has been appointed to inspect the feasibility of construction of railway bridge/underpass/link road/footpath at the said locations; and
- (c) if so, the time by which the action is expected to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c): Sanctioning of works of Road over Bridge (ROB)/Road under Bridge  (RUB)  in  lieu  of  Level  crossings  (LCs)  is  a  continuous  and dynamic process of Indian Railway. Such works are prioritised and taken  up  on  the  basis  of  its  impact  on  safety  in  train  operations, mobility of trains & impact for road users and feasibility etc.

Nos. of ROBs/RUBs constructed on Indian Railways during the period 2004-14 vis a vis 2014-24 is as under:

| Period   | ROBs/RUBs constructed           |
|----------|---------------------------------|
| 2004-14  | 4,148 Nos.                      |
| 2014-24  | 11,945 Nos. (about three Times) |

As on 01.04.2024, 4200 Nos. ROBs/RUBs are sanctioned at the cost  of  ₹  92,692  crore  on  Indian  Railways  including  105  Nos.  of Road Over Bridge (ROB)/Road Under Bridge (RUB) works at cost of ₹ 2,483 crore in the state of Karnataka, which are at various stage of  planning  and  execution.  During  2014-24,  total  638  Nos.  of ROBs/RUBs were constructed in the state of Karnataka.

There is an existing underpass (7.5m x 2.75m) at Davanagere at Km 324/700-800 in Hubballi-Chikkajajur section. This Underpass was constructed in lieu of LC No. 199. On public demand, work of an additional underpass (2 x 7.5m x 4.5m) at this location has been taken up.

Completion & commissioning of ROB/RUB works depends on various  factors  like, fixing  of  approach  alignment,  approval  of General Arrangement Drawing (GAD), land acquisition, removal of encroachment, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from  various  authorities, law  and  order  situation  in  the  area  of project  /  work  sites, duration  of  working  season  in  a  year  for  the particular  project  /  area due  to  climatic  conditions  etc.   All  these factors affect the completion time of the projects / works.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2705 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Guru Nanak Darbar in Shillong
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2705

ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## GURU NANAK DARBAR IN SHILLONG

## 2705. SHRI GURMEET SINGH MEET HAYER:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether the historic Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Shillong's Punjabi Lane is at risk of demolition due to redevelopment plans of State Government, despite protests by the local Sikh community and national organizations such as the SGPC;

(b)  if so, the immediate steps taken by the Government to ensure its protection;

(c) whether the Union Government has engaged with the Meghalaya Government to prevent actions that could harm religious structure in the area and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the measures being taken to safeguard the constitutional rights of minority communities involved in this dispute; and

(e)  whether  the  Government  has  a  plan  to  balance  between  urban  development  and preservation of such historic and religious sites and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (e)  A petition dated 23.08.2024 was received in National Commission for Minorities (a statutory  body  under  Ministry  of  Minority  Affairs)  from  Shri  Gurjit  Singh,  President  Guru Nanak  Darbar,  Shillong  regarding  the  State  Government's  order  to  dismantle  the  Gurudwara Sahib and other religious places i.e, Dera Baba Shri Chandji, three Hindu Temples, and a Church in the Punjabi Colony. National Commission for Minorities took up the matter with the Hon'ble Chief  Minister,  Government  of  Meghalaya  on  22.10.2024  and  issued  directions  for  taking appropriate action in the matter.

Further, State Government of Meghalaya has finalized a blueprint to relocate Sikh residents of Punjabi  Lane/Harijan  Colony,  Shillong  to  Bivar  Road,  Shillong.  The  relocation  plan  is  under scrutiny by High Court of Meghalaya and the matter is subjudice.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Automatic Block Signaling
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2701 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNALING

## 2701. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  Automatic  Signaling  and  the  manner  in  which  it improve train operations;
- (b) the details about the existing guidelines for provision of Automatic Block Signaling over Indian Railways; and
- (c) the  details  of  route  Kilometers  that  have  been  provided  with Automatic Block Signaling during the last ten years?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c):   Automatic Signalling is a system of train working in which movement  of  the  trains  is  controlled  by  the  automatic  stop signals. These signals are operated automatically by the passage of trains into and out of the automatic signalling sections. In this system,  more  than  one  train  can  be  moved  in  block  section

between two stations. Automatic Block Signalling enhances line capacity within existing track infrastructure.

Automatic Block Signalling also improves safety as all LC gates are required to be interlocked and complete track is provided with train detection equipment.

The provision of Automatic Block Signalling is made on all notified sub-urban sections and routes identified by Zonal Railways based on traffic requirements.

The  details  of  Automatic  Block  Signaling  provided  on  Indian Railways during 2004-2014 vis-a-vis 2014-2024 is as under:

| Period    | Progress of Automatic Signalling   |
|-----------|------------------------------------|
| 2004-2014 | 1486 Rkm                           |
| 2014-2024 | 2497 Rkm (about 1.7 times)         |

*****