opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2693 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Exemption to Industries
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2693

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## Exemption to Industries

## 2693.   SHRI BAJRANG MANOHAR SONWANE:

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

- (a) whether the Government has exempted white category of industries from the requirement of mandatory approval of Environmental Clearance from Central Pollution Control Board with regard to air and water pollution;
- (b) if so, the facts in this regard;
- (c) whether  various  civil  society  Organizations  and  eminent  persons  have  urged  the Government to cancel the said exemptions given to white category of industries from the required mandatory approval of Environmental Clearance; and
- (d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)  and  (b): Prior  Environmental  Clearance  (EC)  is  necessary  requirement  for  projects  or activities  mentioned  under  Schedule  of  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  Notification,  2006, which may have higher environmental impact. Further, Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) is granted to industries under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, by the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).

Central Government has amended Section-21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,  1981  and  Section-25  of  the  Water  (Prevention  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1974  to exempt  certain  categories  of  industries  from  obtaining  Consent  to  Operate  (CTO)/Consent  to Establish  (CTE).  Accordingly,  the  Ministry  of  Environment  Forest  and  Climate  Change (MoEF&CC) has exempted 39 sectors, which are classified as White Category by the Central Pollution  Control  Board  (CPCB),  from  obtaining  CTE/CTO  under  the  said  Acts  subject  to certain conditions. Further, MoEF&CC vide O.M. dated 14.11.2024 and 14.01.2025 has issued

Standard  Operating  Procedure  for  effective  implementation  of  the  said  notification  by  the concerned authorities.

(c)  and  (d): The  draft  notification  for  exemption  of  Industrial  plants  having  Pollution  Index Score  up  to  20  i.e.  white  category,  were  published  in  Gazette  for  public  consultation  of stakeholders  vide  G.S.R.  425(E)  and  421(E),  dated  19.07.2024  under  Water  (Prevention  and Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1974  and  Air  (Prevention  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act,  1981 respectively.  The  notifications  were  finalized  after  taking  into  consideration  all  the  comments from State Governments, civil society organizations and general public etc.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2692 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: GST on Jeevan Rakshak Life Insurance Policies
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Pushpendra Saroj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2692

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025

## GST ON JEEVAN RAKSHAK LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

## †2692. SHRI PUSHPENDRA SAROJ:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to abolish 18 per cent GST imposed on the premium of 'Jeevan Rakshak' life insurance policies; and (b) whether the Government proposes to include the amount of premium being deposited for 'Jeevan Rakshak' life insurance policies (medical) under section 80 of the Income Tax Act?

## ANSWER

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

(a): GST  rates and exemptions on all services and goods are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council which is a Constitutional body comprising of members from both the Union and State/UT Governments. The issue of GST on health and life insurance was placed before the GST Council in its 54th meeting held on 09th September 2024 in New Delhi. After detailed deliberations, the GST Council recommended to constitute a Group of Ministers (GoM) to holistically look into the issues  pertaining  to  GST  on  life  insurance  and  health  insurance.  Accordingly,  a  Group  of Ministers (GoM) on Life and Health Insurance  was constituted under the Convenorship of Sh. Samrat Choudhary, Hon'ble Deputy CM, Bihar. During the 55th meeting of the GST Council held on 21st December 2024 in Jaisalmer, the Convenor of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Life and Health Insurance sought more time for  finalizing  the  GoM's  recommendations  and  placing  the  same  before  the  GST  Council. The Council agreed to give more time to the GoM to finalize its recommendations. There is no such proposal under consideration. Deduction in respect of health insurance

(b): premia is already allowed under Section 80D of the Income-Tax Act, 1961.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: PM-SYM
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2689 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## PM-SYM

## 2689. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

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

- (a)the  details  of  the  total  number  of  Pradhan  Mantri  Shram  Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) beneficiaries and the number of unorganized sector workers registered under the scheme in the State of Tamil
- Nadu till date;
- (b)the role of financial institutions and Post Offices in facilitating the registration and implementation of PM-SYM in Tamil Nadu, and the number of workers that have been linked to their Pension accounts under the scheme; and
- (c)the  number  of  female  workers  and  workers  from  marginalized communities such as SC/STs in Tamil Nadu who have benefitted from the scheme and the Government's efforts to enhance their participation?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): The  Pradhan  Mantri  Shram  Yogi  Maan-dhan  (PM-SYM) scheme was launched in February, 2019 in order to provide old age protection to the workers of unorganised sector. This is a voluntary and  contributory  pension  scheme.  Under  the  scheme,  a  monthly assured pension of Rs. 3000/- is provided to the unorganised workers after attaining the age of 60 years. 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) or not an income tax payer are  eligible  to  join  the  scheme.  The  monthly  contribution  by  the beneficiary ranges from Rs. 55/- to Rs. 200/- depending upon the entry age of the beneficiary. Under the scheme, equal matching contribution  is  paid  by  the  Central  Government.  Enrolment  to  the Scheme  is  done  through  the  Common  Service  Centres,  with  its network  of  about  4  lakh  Centres  across  the  country.  In  addition, eligible unorganised workers can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in.

The total number of unorganized workers registered under the  PM-SYM scheme, as on 05.03.2025, are more than 51.19 lakh. Registration in Tamil Nadu is 69,050 out of which number of female,

SC and ST beneficiaries are 36055, 12217 and 1003 respectively.

The  Ministry  holds  periodic  review  meeting  with  the States/UTs and regular meetings with the Common Service Centres (CSC) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), interaction with Department  of  Financial  Services,  Pension  Fund  Regulatory  and Development  Authority,  National  Institute  of  Public  Finance  and

Policy to increase the outreach of the scheme.

cum  registration camps across  the  country  through  Welfare  Commissioner  and  the Dattopant  Thengadi  National  Board  for  Workers  Education  and

Ministry also organised awareness Development.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2688 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: USIS in Bundelkhand
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Anurag Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2688 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## USIS in Bundelkhand

2688. Shri Anurag Sharma:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  total  funds  allocated  under  Urban  Sports  Infrastructure  Scheme (USIS) in Bundelkhand, including Jhansi, since its inception;

(b)  the  details  of  the  projects  that  have  been  sanctioned  under  USIS  in Bundelkhand  including  Jhansi  along  with  the  current  status  of  these projects;

(c) the details of USIS benefits for the local youth in Bundelkhand, including Jhansi,  in  terms  of  access  to  quality  sports  infrastructure  and  training facilities; and

(d)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  expand  and  improve  the sports infrastructure in Bundelkhand, including Jhansi, under the USIS?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA }

(a)  to  (d)  The  Urban  Sports  Infrastructure  Scheme  (USIS)  was  operational from 2010-11 to 2015-16, wherein a total of sixty-two sports infrastructure projects got sanctioned, out of which two projects were sanctioned in the State of Uttar Pradesh at Varanasi and Gazipur.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2685 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Rate of Unemployment
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Shri Deepender Singh Hooda, Shri Omprakash Bhupalsinh Alias Pavan Rajenimbalkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2685

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH  MARCH, 2025

## RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT

2685.   SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:

SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH:

SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  unemployment  rate  in  the  country  during  the last ten years and current year, year and State-wise;
- (b) whether  the  situation  of  unemployed  people  in  the  country  is getting worse day by day;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the rate at which the unemployment has increased in the last decade; and
- (d) the  details  of  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  reduce  the unemployment rate?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a)  to  (d):  The  official  data  on  Employment  and  Unemployment  is collected through Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which is conducted  by  Ministry  of  Statistics  and  Programme  Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. The survey period is July to June every year.

As  per  the  data  available  in  latest  Annual  PLFS  Reports,  the estimated Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years and above has decreased from 6.0 % during 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. Year and State/UT-wise details may be seen at https://www.mospi.gov.in/download reports?main\_cat=ODU5&cat=All&sub\_category=All.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is a priority of Government.  Accordingly, Government  is implementing various employment generation schemes/ programmes. These inter-alia include Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP),

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY), Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAYNULM),  Pradhan  Mantri  Mudra  Yojana  (PMMY),  etc.  The  details  of various employment generation schemes/programmes being implemented by the Government may be seen at https://dge.gov.in/dge/schemes\_programmes.

Further, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, is running the National Career Service (NCS) Portal which is a one-stop solution  for  providing  career  related  services  including  jobs  from private  and  government  sectors,  information  on  online  &  offline  job fairs, job search & matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information  on  skill  development  courses,  skill/training  programmes etc. through a digital platform [www.ncs.gov.in].

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2683 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Promotion of Sustainable Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Balram Naik Porika

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2683 ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

## 2683. SHRI BALRAM NAIK PORIKA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  initiatives  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote sustainable tourism in ecologically sensitive areas;
- (b) the impact of cultural tourism on local economies during the last five years; and
- (c) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  preserve  and promote traditional art forms through tourism?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including  sustainable  tourism  and  traditional  art  forms  is  undertaken  by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements  the efforts of States/UTs by developing and promoting various tourism products of the country, including sustainable tourism and traditional art forms through various schemes and initiatives.

Environmental Sustainability and Socio-Cultural Sustainability are two key pillars in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry.  In  line  with  the  strategy,  Travel  for  LiFE  programme  has  been inititated to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices.

The  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  of  the  Ministry  has  been  revamped  as Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  (SD2.0)  with  the  objective  to  develop  sustainable and  responsible  tourism  destinations  following  a  tourist  &  destination centric  approach.  The  Scheme  encourages  adoption  of  principles  of sustainable  tourism  including  environmental  sustainability,  socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2680 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Preservation and Promotion of Folk Music and Traditional Performances of Gujarat
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2680 ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF FOLK MUSIC AND TRADITIONALPERFORMANCES OF GUJARAT

## 2680. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAIBHABHOR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the efforts being made by the Government to preserve and promote the folk music and traditional performances of Gujarat;
- (b) the details of the financial support provided to folk artists and performers in Gujarat;
- (c) the role of the Government in organizing folk music festivals and cultural events for the promotion of Gujarat traditions; and
- (d) the details of the initiatives to integrate Gujarat's traditional performances into national cultural festivals?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur (Rajasthan), an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, has been set up by Government of Indiato preserve and promote the folk music and traditional performances of its member States including the State  of  Gujarat.  WZCC  organizes  various  cultural  activities  and  programmes  on  regular basis in its member States including the State of Gujarat.
- (b) Rs. 72.67 lakh has been provided to 670 artists of Gujarat by WZCC during the year 2024-25.
- (c) Folk artists of Gujarat are engaged by WZCC to showcase Gujarat traditions in the folk music festivals and cultural events organized by them in the country for which they are paid honorarium, TA/DA, boarding & lodging, local transport etc.
- (d) Ministry  of  Culture  organizes  Rashtriya  Sanskriti  Mahotsav  (National  Culture Festivals) in the country where traditional performances from all over the country including the State of Gujarat are showcased at one place. A RSM has been organized at Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the year 2017-18.

Besides,  WZCC  also  organizes  Shilpdarshan  Mela,  Shilpgram  Utsav,  Lokotsav, Vasantotsav,  Ged  Mahotsav,  Daang  Darbar,  Maru  Mahotsav,  Lok  Rang,  Lokanarunjan, Nareli  Purnima,  National  Unity  Day,  Pushkar  Mela,  Lord  Birsa  Munda  National  Tribal Festival, Bundi Mahotsav, Matsay Mahotsav, Ranakpur Jawai Dam Festival, Kota Mahotsav, Beneswar Mela, Maru Mahotsav etc. where folk/ tribal art forms like Garba &Talvaar Raas, Daang &Rathwa Nritya, Siddhi Dhamal, Mewasi&Pawari Nritya etc. are presented.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2678 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Database of Small Firms
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2678 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## DATABASE OF SMALL FIRMS

## 2678. SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN:

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

- (a)whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  establish database  of  firms  employing  more  than  fifty  employees  and facilities  available  in  these  establishments  particularly  in  West Bengal;
- (b)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether the Government has taken measures to address operational challenges like shortage of staff, infrastructure and incompatible working hours; and
- (d)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  to  (d):  The  Ministry  of  Micro,  Small  and  Medium  Enterprises (MSME)  has    launched  the  Udyam  Registration  Portal  (URP)  on 01.07.2020 for registration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on voluntary and self declaration basis. The total number of MSMEs  in  the  country,  including  those  in  West  Bengal,  who  have declared employment of more than fifty employees is 2,28,985 as on 13.03.2025.

To  address  operational  and  infrastructural  challenges being faced by these enterprises,  Ministry of MSME is implementing a  Central  Sector  Scheme  called  the  Micro  and  Small  Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) across the country. The objective of the scheme  is to enhance  the productivity and competitiveness  of  MSEs  for  their holistic  development  adopting cluster development approach by extending financial assistance as Gol grant to establish Common Facility Centers (CFCs) in the existing clusters and establish/upgrade infrastructural facilities in new/existing industrial estates/areas/flatted factory complexes.

Labour  being  a  subject  under  the  Concurrent  List,  the enforcement of labour laws is done by the State Governments and the Central  Government  in  their  respective  jurisdictions.  As  per  the existing labour laws, working conditions including working hours and overtime etc. are regulated through the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and the Shops and Establishments Acts of the respective State  Governments.  Most  of  the  establishments,  including  the corporate offices, are governed by the Shops and Establishments Act, for which the appropriate government is the State Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Budget Allocation for NYK and My Bharat Initiative
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2676 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

Budget Allocation for NYK and My Bharat Initiative

2676. Adv Dean Kuriakose:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  budget  allocated  for  the  Nehru  Yuva  Kendra (NYK)  for  2023-24  including  the  amount  utilized  during  the  last financial year;
- (b) the amounts sanctioned and utilized till date for NYK for 2024-25;
- (c) the amount budgeted for the upcoming financial year of 2025-26 and break up of the allocation for the schemes and programs of the NYK;
- (d) whether the activities undertaken by My Bharat are utilized from the budget allocated to Nehru Yuva Kendra, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the budget allocated to My Bharat initiative during the last two years?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a) The details of the budget allocated and amount sanctioned for the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) during the last financial year 2023-24 and the amount utilized is as follows:

(₹ in Crore)

| Year    |   Budget Estimate |   Revised Estimate |   Amount Sanctioned |   Amount Utilized |
|---------|-------------------|--------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| 2023-24 |            401.49 |              402.3 |              379.54 |            334.26 |

## (b) The amount sanctioned and utilized till date for NYK during the year 2024-25 is as follows:

(₹ in Crore)

| Year    |   Budget Estimate |   Revised Estimate |   Amount Sanctioned |   Amount Utilized |
|---------|-------------------|--------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| 2024-25 |               426 |                412 |             410.465 |             299.1 |

(c) For the upcoming financial Year 2025-26, a total of ₹ 423.50 Crore have  been  budgeted  for  Nehru  Yuva  Kendra  Sangathan  and  the breakup of allocation is as follows:

-  ₹ 300.00 crore under Grants-In-Aid for Salary & allowances and retirement dues of existing and retired employees.
-  ₹ 118.00 crore under Grants-In-Aid General for Core Programme and office expenses.
-  ₹ 2.00 crore under Grants-In-Aid Swachhta Action Plan for Core Programme.
-  ₹ 3.50 crore under GIA-Capital to meet the fund requirement for capital expenditure.

(d) No.

(e) MY Bharat was launched on 31.10.2023 and the budget allocated to MY Bharat initiative during the last two years is as follows:

(₹ in Crore)

| Year    | Budget Estimate   |   Revised Estimate |
|---------|-------------------|--------------------|
| 2023-24 | -                 |             150    |
| 2024-25 | 200               |              74.76 |

*****