opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3902 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Gratuity Payment to Coal Workers
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3902 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## Gratuity Payment to Coal Workers

## 3902. SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether there are any irregularities in the payment of gratuity to retired coal workers as highlighted in the recent grievances submitted by various quarters/corners and if so, the steps being taken to address these discrepancies;

- (b)  the  measures  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  to  ensure  compliance  with  the  Gratuity  Act, including the uniform implementation of the revised gratuity cap of Rs.10 lakh as notified in 2018 across all subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL);
- (c) the reasons for delay in the disbursement of revised gratuity payments to eligible workers, especially those affected since 01 January, 2017 and the timeline being set to resolve this issue;
- (d) the response of the Government to the concerns raised about the allocation of additional funds to cover the increased gratuity liabilities and the company's ability to absorb the financial impact; and

(e) whether there are any plans to ensure parity in the application of gratuity norms across all ranks of employees and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a): There are no irregularities in the Payment of Gratuity to the retired coal workers. Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India issued Gazette notification dated 29.03.2018 regarding enhancement of gratuity ceiling from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs and the same has been implemented by the Coal India Limited (CIL). However, Unions have been representing to implement the revised ceiling of gratuity to non-executive employees of CIL at par with Executives w.e.f. 01.01.2017.

(b): The provisions of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2018 has been complied with.

(c): There is no delay in disbursement of revised gratuity to eligible workers of CIL. As per the provisions  of  the  Payment  of  Gratuity  (Amendment)  Act,  2018,  the  enhanced  amount  of Gratuity to employees is applicable w.e.f. 29.03.2018 which has been complied with.

(d): In view of the reply to (a) to (c), not applicable.

( e ): At present, the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act 2018 are being followed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Challenges faced by PIB Kolkata
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Jagannath Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3900

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## CHALLENGES FACED BY PIB KOLKATA

## 3900.   SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Kolkata faced challenges in effectively liaising with regional and district-level media outlets across West Bengal resulting in limited media engagement in these areas;
- (b) if so, the reasons for the inadequate coordination with regional and district media by PIB Kolkata along with the steps being taken by the Government to address this issue;
- (c) whether there has been a noticeable lack of media coverage during visits of Central Government Ministers to Kolkata and if so, the factors that contributed to this situation;
- (d) the measures being implemented by the Government to ensure greater media outreach and more comprehensive coverage during Central Government Ministers' visits to Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal;
- (e) the reasons for which the 'Vartalaap' programme has not been conducted in Nadia district during the last six years; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes to organize such programmes in the near future to enhance media engagement in the district?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):  The  Press Information  Bureau  (PIB)  under  Ministry  of  Information  and Broadcasting is the nodal agency of the Government to disseminate information to the print, electronic and digital media on Government policies, programmes, initiatives and achievements both at central and regional levels. The PIB officers at the regional level, apart from  disseminating  information  emanating  from  the  Headquarter,  also  ensure  coverage  of important events organised by Central Ministries or Central Public Sector Undertakings in their  respective  regions.  Towards  this  end  PIB  works  in  coordination  with  the  State Government authorities and local media outlets.

(e)  &  (f):  While  conducting  Vartalaps,  which  are  media  conclaves  undertaken  by  Press Information Bureau (PIB) with journalists from small towns and rural areas, PIB ensures that all regions, including remote and under-served areas, receive due attention. For this purpose, the  locations  of  conducting  the  Vartalaps  are  rotated  to  ensure  comprehensive  coverage across all districts in a Region. Vartalap programme was organized at Krisnanagar in Nadia District on 22.01.2020.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3899 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Separation of Kisan Express and Magadh Express Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anand Bhadauria

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3899 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## SEPARATION OF KISAN EXPRESS AND MAGADH EXPRESS TRAINS

## 3899 SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA:

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

- (a) whether two trains namely Kisan Express and Magadh Express were split into two parts on route in UP and Bihar respectively, during August and September, 2024 ;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has inquired into splitting of trains into two parts;
- (d) if so, the findings thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e): Unusual occurrence of uncoupling of trains during operation is attributable to a combination of factors such as improper coupling, material properties, corrosion due to adverse weather condition, wear and tear during train operation etc. All such unusuals are investigated

in  detail  and  necessary  action  including  design  improvements  in coaches and training of staff etc., are taken.

The particular incidents in the said trains occurred due to corrosion in a  component  of  the  coupler.  After  detailed  investigation,  material specification with increased corrosion resistance has been introduced to address such cases.

Further, advanced semiautomatic couplers have also been developed for use in Amrit Bharat & Vande Bharat Trains which enable automatic coupling between coaches.

Besides, Design and Development of Coaches to enhance the passenger experience is continuous process over Indian Railways.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3897 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Mobile Phones used in Bharat
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Balabhadra Majhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3897 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## MOBILE PHONES USED IN BHARAT

## 3897.   Shri Balabhadra Majhi:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of mobile phones used in Bharat;
- (b) the number of persons using it;
- (c) the number of villages that are yet to be connected with mobile phone network; and
- (d) the time by when these villages are expected to be connected by mobile phone and internet network?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) The total number of mobile subscriptions in the country are around 115.12 Crores as on 31 st  October 2024.
- (c) & (d) Out of 6,44,131 villages in the country (as per Registrar General of India), around 623622 villages are having mobile coverage as on 31 st  October 2024. Mobile services in an area are provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) based on their techno-commercial viability. Mobile coverage  for  inhabited  uncovered  villages  is  provided  by  Government  and  the  Telecom  Service Providers  (TSPs)  in  a  phased  manner.  Further,  Government  is  implementing  various  schemes  / projects under Digital Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile USOF) for expansion of telecom connectivity through installation of mobile towers in rural, remote and hilly areas of the country. The details of ongoing DBN projects for expansion of mobile services in the country are as follows:
- 1) Saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages
- 2) Left Wing Extremism Phase-II
- 3) Aspirational District Project for uncovered villages
- 4) Left Wing Extremism Phase-I upgradation project.
- 5) The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North-Eastern Region and Islands.

In  addition,  BharatNet  project  (earlier  known  as  National  Optical  Fiber  Network)  being funded  by  Digital  Bharat  Nidhi  (DBN)  is  being  implemented  in  a  phased  manner  to  provide broadband  connectivity  to  all  Gram  Panchayats  (GPs)  in  the  country.  Amended  BharatNet Programme has been approved by Cabinet on 04.08.2023, for up-gradation of existing network of BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II, creation of network in balance 42,000 GPs (approx.), Operation and Maintenance for 10 years and utilization at the total cost of Rs. 1,39,579 crores.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Station at Sooragondanakoppa
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3895 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## STATION AT SOORAGONDANAKOPPA

## 3895.    DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of  RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of the  proposed  Shimoga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur railway line;
- (b) the time by which this railway line would be operational;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  a  railway  halt/station  at Sooragondanakoppa or Nymathi in Davangere district which is a taluk headquarters also;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Government  proposes to upgrade the railway hospital and school in Harihara town in Davangere district and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (e):  Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur  new  line  project  (103 Km) has been sanctioned on  cost  sharing  basis  with  Government  of Karnataka. Government of Karnataka has to provide land  free  of  cost

and  also  share  50%  construction  cost  of  project.  Execution  of  the project is planned in 2 phases, Phase-I is Shivamogga to Shikaripura (46 Km) and Phase-II is Shikaripura - Ranibennur (57 Km). Out of total requirement of 559 Ha land, only 225 Ha land has been handed over by State  Government  of  Karnataka.    The  work  has  been  taken  up  in available land.

Government  of  Karnataka  has  deposited  only  ₹60.26  Crore  against demand  of  ₹150  Crore  from  Ministry  of  Railways  for  this  project. However,  an  outlay  of  ₹150  Crore  has  been  provided  by  Ministry  of Railway to this project for financial year 2024-25.

Soorangondanakoppa  village  is  planned  to  be  served  by  proposed Mallapura railway station of this project.

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 climate conditions etc.

Railway Health Unit at Harihara is already operational with necessary infrastructure to cater to primary healthcare needs of more than 7000 registered railway medical beneficiaries as well as rail passengers.

For  secondary  and  tertiary  healthcare  requirement,  District  Hospital and  Medical  College  are  available  at  Davangere.    Further,  patients requiring  emergency  medical  care  may  also  be  referred  to  Bapuji Hospital (empanelled Hospital by Railway) at Davangere. There is no Railway School at Harihara town.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3893 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Benefits of additional General Coaches to Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. D. Purandeswari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3893 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## BENEFITS OF ADDITIONAL GENERAL COACHES TO TRAINS

## 3893. DR. D. PURANDESWARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  expected  benefits  of  adding  general  coaches  to  trains  and  the manner in which these coaches will help in increasing revenue, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  number  of  additional  passengers  per  month  projected  to  benefit from this decision;
- (c)  the  total  budget  allocation  for  this  initiative  and  the  details  of  the breaks down per coach and train route; and
- (d)  the  details  of  mechanisms  put  in  place  to  monitor  the  utilization, efficiency and passenger satisfaction of these additional coaches and the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are tracked?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) Indian Railways (IR) constantly endeavours to cater the demand of all class of passengers  including general class passengers  and accordingly,  the  extant  policy  regarding  composition  of  Mail/Express trains,  provide  for  12  (Twelve)  General   class  &  Sleeper  class  non-  AC coaches and 08 (eight) AC-Coaches, in a train of 22 coaches, to provide greater  accommodation  for  the  passengers   using  General  and  non-AC Sleeper Coaches.

With  a  view  to  augment  the  accommodation  and  for  the  benefit  of passengers travelling in unreserved coaches, more than 900 General Class coaches have been attached, in the Mail/Express trains operating with LHB coaches  during  the  current  financial  year.  Keeping  in  view  increased demand, IR has planned to manufacture 10,000 non-AC Coaches including General  Class  and  Sleeper  Class  Coaches.  Such  measures  facilitate unreserved  passengers  in  undertaking  journey  in  general  coaches  on Indian  Railways  which,  at  present,  is  carrying  approximately  1.66  crore unreserved passengers per day.

The budget allocation for Train/Route wise augmentation of coaches is not maintained.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3892 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Vande Bharat Express Train between New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3892 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS TRAIN BETWEEN NEW JALPAIGURI AND GUWAHATI

3892.  SMT. BIJULI KALITA MEDHI :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Vande  Bharat  Express  between  New  Jalpaiguri  and Guwahati has been found less attractive by rail passengers of Guwahati due to its wrong timings;
- (b) whether the Vande Bharat Express start from Guwahati in the morning and return from New Jalpaiguri in the afternoon;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) Presently, 22227 New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express departs from New Jalpaiguri station at 06:10 hrs and arrives Guwahati at 11:40  hrs.  In  the  return  direction,  22228  Guwahati-New  Jalpaiguri  Vande Bharat  Express  departs  from  Guwahati  at  16:30  hrs  and  arrives  New Jalpaiguri at 22:00 hrs.

During the financial year 2024-25 (upto October 2024), the overall occupancy  of  Vande  Bharat  Express  trains  between  New  Jalpaiguri  and Guwahati is more than 100%.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3891 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Akashvani and Doordarshan
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3891

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024)

## AKASHVANI AND DOORDARSHAN

3891. Dr. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA

Will the Minister of Information and Broadcasting be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is working towards its vision to have at least one community radio  in  every  district  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  particularly  for  Palghar  district  of Maharashtra;

- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  prescribed  any  criteria  to  set  up  such  stations  in  the district and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any relay stations of Akashvani and Doordarshan have been set up during the last three years and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether any relay stations of Akashvani and Doordarshan are functional in Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof, district -wise?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) &  (b) Under  the Central Sector scheme  titled  'Supporting  Community  Radio Movement  in  India',  several  initiatives  have  been  taken  to  increase  the  number  of Community Radio Stations (CRSs), in the Country. Currently, there are a total of 522 commissioned Community Radios in 308 districts across India, among which, there are 58 Community Radios in 26 districts of Maharashtra. There is no commissioned CRS in the district of Palghar. Due to recent initiatives taken by the Government in the last 10  years,  there  has  been  almost  300  percent  increase  in  the  number  of  CRSs.  The eligibility  criteria  and  the  list  of  CRS  is  available  on  the  website  of  Ministry  at https://mib.gov.in/broadcasting/community-radio-stations.
- (c) and (d) During the last three years, 104 relay stations of Akashvani and Doordarshan have  been  set  up  across  the  country,  including  7  relay  stations  in  Maharashtra. Presently, 15 relay stations are functional in the districts of Maharashtra, out of which three  are  in  Gadchiroli  district  and  one  each  in  Amravati,  Chandrapur,  Buldhana, Gondia, Hingoli,  Jalna, Nashik, Nandurbar, Thane, Ahmednagar, Wardha and Washim districts.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Need of a Railway Over Bridge near Manoharpur Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Joba Majhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3889 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## NEED OF A RAILWAY OVER BRIDGE NEAR MANOHARPUR RAILWAY

STATION

†3889. SMT. JOBA MAJHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that due to the railway crossing at  main  road  Manoharpur  West  Singhbhum  near  Manoharpur  Railway Station, Chakradharpur Railway Division, West Singhbhum  under Chakradharpur  traffic  is  always  disrupted  and  whether  there  is  an urgent need to construct a Railway Over Bridge there;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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  taken  up  on  the basis  of  its  impact  on  safety  in  train  operations,  mobility  of  trains  & impact for road users and feasibility, availability of funds 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 cost of ₹ 92,692 crore on Indian Railways including 160 Nos. ROBs/RUBs at the  cost  of  ₹  2,757  Crore  in  the  state  of  Jharkhand,  which  are  at various stage of planning and execution.

There  is  a  Level  Crossing  (LC)  No.  193A  at  Km.  373/21-23  at Manoharpur Railway station yard of Chakradharpur Railway Division. The work of preparation of Technical Feasibility Report / Detailed Project Report (TFR / DPR) for the construction of ROB/RUB in lieu of LC

No. 193A has been taken up.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3888 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Impact of Bharat Gaurav Trains on Culture, Tourism and Local Economy
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Bunty Vivek Sahu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3888

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## IMPACT OF BHARAT GAURAV TRAINS ON CULTURE, TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMY

†3888. SHRI BUNTY VIVEK SAHU:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Bharat Gaurav trains have not only improved the travel experience but also played vital role in promoting cultural exchange between States;
- (b) if  so,  the  information  about  the  cultural  programmes  and  events organised on these trains; and
- (c) the  impact  of  Bharat  Gaurav  trains  on  promoting  tourism  and boosting local economy on the routes?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION &BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (c)    Bharat  Gaurav Tourist Trains are operated on various theme based  circuits  across  India  viz.  North  East  Circuit,  Char  Dham  Circuit, Ramayana  Circuit,  Garvi  Gujarat  Circuit,  Shri  Jagannath  Yatra,  Divya Kashi  Circuit,  Bharat  Nepal  Astha  Tour  etc.  to  promote  tourism  and boost the local economies.

*****