opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3388 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Running of Semi-High Speed Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Bhagirath Chaudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3388 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2023

## RUNNING OF SEMI-HIGH SPEED TRAIN

†3388. SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  intends  to  run  a  semi-high  speed  train from  Ajmer  railway  station  to  Ahmedabad  via  Abu  or  from  Ajmer  to Ahmedabad  via  Chittorgarh  and  develop  Ajmer  railway  station  as  a world-class railway station;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the progress made so far in this regard; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d)  Ajmer-Ahmedabad  sector  is  presently  being  served  by  18 pairs  of  train  services,  which  is  catering  to  the  needs  of  the  said sector.  As  on  3rd  August,  2023,  50  Vande Bharat  train  services  are running across the Indian Railways, connecting States having Broad Gauge  (B.G.)  electrified  network.  These  include  02  Vande  Bharat services which are catering to the needs of Ajmer-Delhi sector.   Moreover,  introduction  of  trains,  including  Vande  Bharat services,  is  an  ongoing  process  on  Indian  Railways  subject  to operational feasibility, traffic justification, etc. Ministry of Railways has recently launched 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme'  (ABSS)  for  development  of  Stations  on  Indian  Railways. ABSS envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long term approach. Ajmer Station is one of the Stations identified for development under this scheme. The  scheme  involves  preparation  of  Master  Plans  and  their implementation  in  phases  to  improve  the  amenities  at  the  stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, cleanliness, free WiFi, kiosks for local  products  through  schemes  like  'One  Station  Product',  better passenger information systems, executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc. keeping in view the necessity at each such station. The scheme also envisages improvement of building, integrating   the  station   with  both  sides  of  the  city,  multimodal integration, amenities for 'Divyangjans' sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballast less tracks, 'Roof Plazas' as per necessity phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3387 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Black Sea Grain Initiative
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

## INISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRSI FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3387 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9TH AUGUST, 2023

## BLACK SEA GRAIN INITIATIVE

## 3387.  SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD  AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION w+teT qu+,  wv  dk IIT+gfqq f+Tar ++  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government has  taken  into  consideration the
- implications of withdrawal of Russia from Black Sea Grain Initiative on India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (C) whether  it is going to adversely impact food inflation  in India; and
- (d) if  so, the  plan proposed by the Government to  arrest food inflation arising out of the withdrawal?

## ANSWER

INISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a), (b) & (c): Yes, Sir. Due to fears of withdrawal of Russia from Black Sea Grain Initiative,  there was  increase in global demand for  food9rains. As a result, the prices in the international market started increasing. The Government is alert to the situation and has made modifications in export policy of foodgrains,

- (d): Question does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3385 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Opportunity to Government Employment Aspirants
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: N.K. Premachandran

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3385

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2023)

## OPPORTUNITY TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT ASPIRANTS

## 3385. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the Government  proposes  to  give  one  more  opportunity  to  the  Central Government  employment  aspirants  due  to the Covid  restrictions during  2020-21 pandemic and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government considers the fact that a lot of employment aspirants failed to attend their examination due to Covid positive and quarantine and if so, the action taken thereon;
- (c) whether the Government considers the difficulties of aspirants who faced trauma due to the loss of their family members due to Covid-19 and if so, the details of the action taken thereon;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  relax  the  criteria  for  giving  opportunity  to  those aspirants who served as Covid warriors and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to give relaxation to those who were removed from the examination  halls  due  to  high  fever  during  Covid  restrictions  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): During COVID-19, period the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission  (SSC)  made  all necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of examinations by adopting all COVID- 19 safety protocols.

As regards requests received from candidates on the issue of granting age relaxation and extra attempt to candidates for Civil Services Examination (CSE) due to COVID-19 pandemic, the issue was brought before Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, vide Writ Petitions filed by a few Civil Service Examination (CSE) aspirants. Based on the judgments passed by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, the matter was considered, and it was not found feasible to change the existing provisions  regarding  number  of  attempts  and  age-limit  in  respect  of  the  Civil  Services Examination.

However, since the recruitment cycle of the Staff Selection Commission was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, for the examinations advertised in the year 2022, SSC decided to fix crucial date  for determining age limit as 01.01.2022 which, in the normal course, would have been 01.08.2022 or 01.01.2023, depending on the schedule of conduct of Tier-II Examinations.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Seismological Research Projects
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Anumula Revanth Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3384 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 9 TH  AUGUST, 2023

## SEISMOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

## 3384.       SHRI ANUMULA REVANTH REDDY:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  mechanism  to  disseminate  the  findings  and recommendations of the seismological research projects to the  relevant stakeholders such  as  policy  makers,  disaster  management  authorities,  civil  society  organizations, media, etc.;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the frequency and mode of such dissemination;
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  considers  it  important  or  useful  to  have  such mechanism and whether it proposes to do so in future; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) to (d) Yes  Sir.  Findings,  recommendations  and  reports  of  the  need  based  seismological research  projects  are  shared  to  the  relevant  stakeholders  such  as  policy  makers, disaster management authorities, civil society organizations, media etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3383 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Operation of New Train in Maharashtra
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed, Behanan Benny

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3383 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2023

## DELAYS IN PRODUCTION OF VANDE BHARAT COACHES

3383.    SHRI MOHAMMED FAIZAL P.P.: SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  reasons  for  the  inordinate  delay  in  the  production  of  Vande Bharat  coaches,  as  taken  note  of  by  the  Parliamentary  Standing Committee and the efforts being taken by the Government to expedite the coach production;
- (b) whether the Government is taking any steps to prevent the frequent technical faults and accidents faced by the Vande Bharat Express;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the manner is which the safety and reliability of the train is likely to be ensured in the long run?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (d) There is no delay in manufacturing of Vande Bharat train. In fact roll out of Vande Bharat is generally considered as very rapid roll out of a new design semi high speed Train.

The train has proved to be a very reliable because of the focus given on better design, precise manufacturing and reliable maintenance.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3381 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Contribution of Steel Sector
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3381 FOR ANSWER ON 09.08.2023

## CONTRIBUTION OF STEEL SECTOR

3381. SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether in view of the contribution of steel, the Government proposes any plan for the industrial and infrastructure development of self-reliant India increase in production, consumption and export of steel at a faster rate from 2017-18 to 2021-22; (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  any  plan  is  proposed  to  encourage  steel  production  under  global competition and international standards; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL

## ANSWER

(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a)&(b):  The Government has taken the following initiatives to make India self-reliant in Steel sector :-

- i. National Steel Policy-  2017 for providing  policy  support  and  guidance  to steel producers.
- ii. Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting procurement of Made in India Steel by government and public sector projects.
- iii. Engagement with potential users like Railways, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Gas,  Housing,  Civil  Aviation,  Road  Transport  and  Highways,  Agriculture  and Rural Development sectors to enhance the steel usage and overall demand for steel in the country.

In  view  of  the  above  initiatives,  the  production,  consumption  and  export  of  Total finished Steel has increased during the period 2017-18 to 2021-22 as under:-

- i. Production of total finished steel has increased from 95.01 Metric ton (mt) in 201718 to 113.60 mt in 2021-22.
- ii. The consumption of total finished steel has increased from 90.71 mt in 2017-18 to 105.75 mt in 2021-22.
- iii. The export of total finished steel has increased from 9.62 mt in 2017-18 to 13.49 mt in 2021-22.

(c)&(d):  The Government has taken the following steps to encourage steel production under global competition and international standards:-

- i. Notification of Steel Quality Control Orders to prevent manufacturing and import of non-standardized steel and to make available quality steel products to the public at large.
- ii. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for production of Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of 'Specialty Steel' within the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3379 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Decline in Textile Exports
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Sajda Ahmed

## DECLINE IN TEXTILE EXPORTS

## 3379. SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED :

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the reasons behind the recent decline in textile exports from India;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to address these issues and revive the textile export sector;

(c) the details of the measures being considered to boost competitiveness and encourage more exports; and

(d)  the  details  of  the  steps  the  Government  has  taken  to  promote  skill  development,  technological upgradation and market diversification to revitalize the  textile export sector and enable it to compete effectively on the global stage?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER )

## वस्त्र राज् य मंत्री ( श्रीमती दर्शना जरदोर्

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)

(a) to (c): Yes sir. Government is implementing various schemes to extend end-to-end support to textile  sector  viz,  Pradhan  Mantri  Mega  Integrated  Textile  Region  and  Apparel  (PM  MITRA), SAMARTH  (Scheme  for  Capacity  Building  in  Textile  Sector),  Silk  Samagra,  National  Handloom Development Programme, National Handicraft Development Programme, Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP), National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM), Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) etc. Further, Government is promoting production of MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles in the country through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles.

In  order  to  increase  the  export  potential,  India  has  so  far  signed  13  Free  Trade  Agreements  (FTAs) including recently concluded agreement with UAE and Australia; and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs)  with  various  trading  partners.  In  order  to  boost  export  of  textiles  products,  Government extended  scheme  of  Rebate  of  State  and  Central  Taxes  and  Levies  (RoSCTL)  on  exports  of Apparel/Garments and Made-ups. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products.

(d): Ministry  of  Textiles  is  implementing  (Samarth)  -  Scheme  for  Capacity  Building  in  Textiles Sector  (SCBTS),  with  the  objective  to  provide  demand  driven,  placement  oriented  National  Skill Qualification  Framework  (NSQF)  compliant  skilling  programmes  to  incentivize  and  supplement  the efforts of the textile industry in creating jobs in the organised textile (excluding spinning & weaving) and  related  sectors  and  to  provide  skilling  and  skill-upgradation  in  the  traditional  textile  sectors. Government also provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies engaged in promotion of textiles and garments exports, for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3378 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: New Train Services
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Mahabali Singh, Ravindra Kushawaha, Ravi Kishan Shukla

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3378 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2023

## NEW TRAIN SERVICES

†3378. SHRI MAHABALI SINGH: SHRI RAVINDRA KUSHWAHA: SHRI RAVI KISHAN :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the criteria set for starting new train services on any route;
- (b)  the  reasons  behind  not  starting  new  railway  services  on  Delhi-Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya - Dehri on Sone route and Delhi-Gorakhpur-Barauni connecting Bihar despite having daily wait list of more than 300 passengers on these routes; and
- (c) the corrective measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (c)  At  present,  Delhi-Pandit  Deen  Dayal  Upadhyaya-Dehri  on  Sone sector  is  being  served  by  10  pairs  of  Mail/Express  trains  while  DelhiGorakhpur-Barauni  sector  is  being  served  by  06  pairs  of  Mail/Express trains. On Indian Railways (IR) demand pattern of reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and varies over lean and peak periods. IR  constantly  monitors  the  wait-list  position  of  trains  and  demand  and subject to operational feasibility and availability of resources endeavours to provide additional accommodation and enhance the carrying capacity, by augmenting the load of train services both on temporary and permanent basis,  extending and  increasing the frequency  of existing services, operating special train services, and introducing new train services. These are on-going processes.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3376 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Seismic Events in Jammu and Kashmir
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Hasnain Masoodi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3376

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 9 TH  AUGUST, 2023

## SEISMIC EVENTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

## 3376.     SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any steps have been taken by the Ministry to mitigate the probable damage and enhance overall resilience in the light of recent seismic events in Jammu and Kashmir; if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Ministry  has  taken  an  assessment  of  buildings/  houses  that  are  not earthquake-resistant in the high seismic zone like Jammu and Kashmir; if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Ministry  has  any  plans  to  conduct  assessment  of  the  vulnerable buildings that are not earthquake resistant; if so, the details in this regard; and;
- (d) whether the Ministry has taken any steps for the setting up of resilient public buildings that could withstand the effects of earthquake, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) to (d)  The  national  disaster  management  authority  (NDMA)has  not  done  specific  for  J&K, but  there  are  a  number  of  things  NDMA  has  done  which  pertain  to  these  concerns. NDMA has developed  following  guidelines to  reduce  earthquake  risk,  and minimize the impact, loss of lives, and damage to property caused by earthquakes:
1. Prepared Primer on Rapid Visual Screening(RVS)Consolidating EarthquakeSafety Assessment Efforts in India. https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Technical %20Documents/RVS-Doc-11-2020.pdf
2. The  Earthquake  Disaster  Risk  Index  for  selected  cities  covers  Jammu  and Srinagar.  https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Reports/EDRI\_Report\_final. pdf
3. "Home Owner's Guide for Earthquake and Cyclone Safety" which is relevant to J& K other states and UTs in earthquake prone areas.
4. "NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES for SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF DEFICIENT BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES" that are relevant forJ&K.https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Guidelines/ retrofitting-guidelines.pdf
5. National Disaster Management Guidelines on Management of Earthquakes: https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Guidelines/earthquakes.p df

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3374 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Postal Unions
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3374 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  AUGUST, 2023

## POSTAL UNIONS

## 3374.   SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B.:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state :

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Government has derecognised two postal unions, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is true that this has been done based on the complaint by another association of postal employees, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether allegation has been levelled while derecognising the two postal unions that  they contributed to the farmers protests, etc; and

- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) to (d) Recognition of All India Postal Employees Union Group 'C' and National Federation of Postal Employees was withdrawn by the Department. This matter is currently sub-judice.

.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3373 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: India Post Payments Bank
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3373 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  AUGUST, 2023

## INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK

## †3373. SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India Post Payments Banks have launched WhatsApp Banking Services;
- (b) the manner in which the said service is likely to empower the customers to avail the banking services through their mobile phones across the country including Gujarat; and
- (c) whether the said service is likely to enable the people to avail services at their doorsteps and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) Yes, India Post Payments Bank has launched WhatsApp Banking Service. The WhatsApp Banking number of IPPB is 88007 56000.

(b) & (c) IPPB WhatsApp Banking works on a conversation mode which enables the customer to get information on various products and services of the bank. This enables customers to access the information from the messaging app without downloading banking app or visiting post office.  It provides  the  customers  with  the  facility  of  locating  their  preferred  post  office  just  by  entering pincode. It also enables the customers to book doorstep service requests for banking services like opening of Account, Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), Domestic Money Transfer (DMT), citizen  centric  services  i.e.  Aadhaar  mobile  update,  Child  Aadhaar  Enrolment,  insurance,  loan referral services etc.

Customers can type 'Hi' in the WhatsApp chat and are guided to options where they can select the required services. Once doorstep banking option is selected, the customer is prompted to select  the  type  of  doorstep  services  from  among  banking  transactions,  banking  services  or  loan referral. Further, the customer is also guided to choose transaction type. This is followed by filling up of details like name, date of birth, address and pin code to enable the post office to get in touch with the customer for providing the requested service.

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