opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 505 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: BSNL Subscribers
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 505 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## BSNL SUBSCRIBERS

## †505.   SHRI VIVEK NARAYAN SHEJWALKAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that there has been a continuous decline in the number of Mobile subscribers of BSNL and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to bring any attractive Tariff plan to increase the number of said BSNL mobile subscribers and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether any timeline has been fixed to upgrade into 5G Network service and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The number of mobile subscribers of BSNL in last ten years is as below:
- (b) BSNL is offering competitive and affordable mobile tariff plans as per market trends. Some popular tariff plans of BSNL are followings as of date:
- (i) Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) - MRP Rs. 118/- (20 days validity) and MRP Rs. 147/(30 days validity).
- (ii) Plan Vouchers: MRP Rs. 153/-(26 days validity), MRP Rs. 197/-(70 days validity), MRP Rs. 397/-(150 days validity), MRP Rs. 797/- (300 days validity) etc.
- (c) BSNL has issued purchase order for procurement of 1 Lakh sites to rollout 4G services all over India over a period of 24 months. This equipment is upgradable to 5G.

|   S.No. | Date       | No. of Mobile Subscribers   |
|---------|------------|-----------------------------|
|       1 | 31.03.2014 | 9,46,49,445                 |
|       2 | 31.03.2015 | 7,72,23,655                 |
|       3 | 31.03.2016 | 8,63,45,709                 |
|       4 | 31.03.2017 | 10,09,89,553                |
|       5 | 31.03.2018 | 11,16,79,483                |
|       6 | 31.03.2019 | 11,57,42,565                |
|       7 | 31.03.2020 | 11,98,72,123                |
|       8 | 31.03.2021 | 11,86,28,482                |
|       9 | 31.03.2022 | 11,37,41,960                |
|      10 | 31.03.2023 | 10,36,83,498                |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 504 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: Research Centres and Development Sectors
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Debasree Chaudhuri, Poonam (Mahajan) Vajendla Rao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 504

ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023

## Research Centres and Development Sectors

504.   MS. DEBASREE CHAUDHURI: SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number of new research centres and development sectors for research and learning about innovative use of atomic energy that have been established  across  the  country  including  the  States  of  West  Bengal  and Maharashtra;
- (b) the details of funds that have been disbursed and allocated for the purpose;
- (c) whether nuclear energy partnerships have been created with global establishments across the country including West Bengal and Maharashtra; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Two  new  research  centers  are  being  established  across  the  country  for research and learning about innovative use of atomic energy; i) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC) Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh ii) Radiation Medicine Research Centre (RMRC), Kolkata, West Bengal.

## (b) Details of fund

(Rs. in Crores)

| Name of Centre   |   Fund allocated |   Fund Disbursed till date |
|------------------|------------------|----------------------------|
| BARC Vizag       |           358.43 |                     160.32 |
| RMRC, Kolkata    |           125.09 |                     102.02 |

(c)&(d) Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP), a constituent unit of Department  of  Atomic  Energy  (DAE)  has  signed  Memorandum  of  Understanding (MoU) with 14 international partners including International  Atomic  Energy  Agency (IAEA) [USA, Russia, IAEA, France, UK & Northern Ireland, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Malawi, Argentina, Uzbekistan, AFCONE, Ghana and Kazakhstan].

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 501 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: Mixing of Indian Cardamom
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Gautham Sigamani Pon

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.501 ANSWERED ON 06/12/2023

## MIXING OF INDIAN CARDAMOM

## 501. DR. PON GAUTHAM SIGAMANI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मं त्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that Guatemalan cardamom is mixed with Indian cardamom and pooled at the auctions;
- (b) whether it is a fact that the mixing of Guatemalan cardamom with local produce has led to fall in prices of Indian cardamom;
- (c) whether  it  is  true  that  such  mixing  has  been  brought  to  the  notice  of  the Government; and
- (d) if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (d) Spices Board received one reference regarding such mixing. However, Spices Board has informed that there is no evidence, so far, to prove that Guatemalan cardamom is mixed  with  Indian  cardamom  and  pooled  in  the  e-auctions.  Spices  Board  has  also  issued directions  to  all  the  auctioneers  to  take  necessary  action  to  ensure  that  lots  mixed  with cardamom from Guatemala are not pooled for sale in the e-auctions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 498 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: PLI Scheme for Textiles
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Pritam Gopinath Munde, Rahul Ramesh Shewale

## PLI SCHEME FOR TEXTILES

## 498. SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU: DR. PRITAM GOPINATHRAO MUNDE: SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE:

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

- (a) whether despite being a significant player in the textiles and apparel industry, India has been unable to make a sizable mark in a sub segment man-made fibres;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) the details of the response received towards performance linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles from various States, particularly Odisha and Maharashtra;
- (d) whether the Government has extended the date of inviting fresh applications under PLI scheme for textiles of man-made fibre apparel, fabrics and products of technical textiles;
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the response received from three States;
- (f) whether man-made fibre industry is thriving in India; and
- (g) if so, the reasons for not being ready to challenge China?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज् य मंत्री ( श्रीमती दर्शना जरदोर् )

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

- (a) & (b) : India has a considerable share of manmade fibre (MMF) products (fibre, yarn, fabrics, made-ups, readymade garments of MMF) in the total Textiles & Apparel (incl. handicrafts) exports.
- (c) : Under  the  PLI  Scheme  for  Textiles  focusing  on  MMF  Apparel,  MMF  Fabrics  &  Technical Textiles, 64 selected applicants are expected to set up 84 units in 14 states and 1 UT including one in Odisha & 10 in Maharashtra.
- (d) & (e) :  The Government has extended the date of inviting fresh applications through online portal under PLI Scheme for Textiles upto 31 st December 2023 and applications are currently being received.
- (f) & (g) : The industry is gearing up to tap the potential of MMF and Technical Textiles segment, which  is  a  sunrise  industry  segment  in  the  country  duly  supported  by  PLI  Scheme  for  Textiles  and National Technical Textiles Mission.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 494 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: 3G and 4G Services under Atma Nirbhar Initiative
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: P.R. Natarajan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 494 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## 3G AND 4G SERVICES UNDER ATMA NIRBHAR INITIATIVE

## 494. SHRI NATARAJAN P.R.:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether BSNL has taken serious steps to provide 3G and 4G services across the country with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of towers purchased through Expression of Interest (EoI) and commercial negotiations and balance to be purchased;
- (c) the timeline fixed for providing 3G and 4G services with the required advanced infrastructure facilities to compete with the private telecom giants; and
- (d) the details of the fund provision made and utilised so far from the revival plan?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) In  accordance  with  Atmanirbhar  initiative  of  the  Government,  BSNL  floated Expression of interest (EoI) for development and deployment of indigenous 4G technology. BSNL has placed purchase order for 1 Lakh sites to rollout 4G services all over India over a period of 24 months.

(d) Details of fund allocation and utilization:

| Financial Year   | (Amount in ₹ crore)   | (Amount in ₹ crore)                                                         |
|------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Financial Year   | Fund Allotted         | Fund Utilized (Capital infusion, Viability Gap Fund, Ex-gratia and Pension) |
| 2019-20          | 4,646.00              | 4,452.86                                                                    |
| 2020-21          | 11,269.24             | 12,059.57*                                                                  |
| 2021-22          | 3,046.74              | 2,977.11                                                                    |
| 2022-23          | 54,244.11             | 45,568.79                                                                   |
| 2023-24          | 56,996.75             | 42,381.56 (up-to 28.11.2023)                                                |

*  Actual  expenditure  exceeded  allocation  on  account  of  claims  of  committed  liability  such  as pension.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 493 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: e-Commerce Export Policy
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Kani K. Navas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 493 ANSWERED ON 06/12/2023

## e-COMMERCE EXPORT POLICY

## 493. SHRI K. NAVASKANI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government agrees with the view that the country's e-commerce export Policy should be an independent document addressing all pain points faced by exporters;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  steps  that  are  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government keeping  in  mind  that  this  policy  should  be  jointly  issued  by  the  Reserve  Bank  of  India (RBI),  Customs,  and  the  Directorate  General  of  Foreign  Trade  (DGFT)  after  making necessary changes to their regulations; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefore?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a) The  Foreign  Trade  Policy  (FTP)  2023  as  notified  on  01.04.2023  has  introduced  a separate chapter for 'Promoting Cross Border Trade in the Digital Economy'.  The objective of this chapter is to provide a framework for cross-border trade of goods and services from India in the digital economy and the promotion of e-Commerce and other emerging channels of exports from India.
- (b) & (c) Under  the  FTP  mandate,  DGFT  is  working  jointly  with  Department  of Revenue, RBI, Department of Posts, Ministry of MSMEs and other stakeholders, to review and  revise  relevant  policy  and  procedures  to  provide  facilitation  to  exports  through  eCommerce.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 486 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: National Rail Plan
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: S. Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 486 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023

## NATIONAL RAIL PLAN

486.   SHRI S. VENKATESAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  Railways  has  evolved  a  National  Rail  Plan  (NRP) covering the period 2021-2051?
- (b) if so, the details of the amount of expenditure envisaged as per the plan and the amount that is planned to be mobilized; and
- (c) the amount budgeted and spent for NRP during the years 202021, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24?

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 486 BY SHRI S. VENKATSAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 06.12.2023 REGARDING NATIONAL RAIL PLAN.

(a) to (c) Indian Railways have prepared National Rail Plan (NRP) to create  a  'resilient'  Railway  system  for  India.  It  aims  to  formulate strategies  based  on  both  operational  capacities  and  commercial policy  initiatives  to  increase  the  share  of  Railways  in  freight transportation.  The  objective  of  the  Plan  is  to  create  capacity ahead  of  demand,  which  in  turn  would  also  cater  to  the  future growth in demand upto 2050. The  NRP  envisaged  funding  of  projects  through  various  sources such  as  Gross  Budgetary  Support,  Internal  Accruals  and  Extra Budgetary Resources. Total estimated cost of proposals in NRP is more than ` 38 lakh cr.

## Details  of  total  Capex  spent  during  2020-21  to  2023-24  are  as under:

| Year         | Expenditure (in Cr)       |
|--------------|---------------------------|
| 2020-21      | 1,55,181.02               |
| 2021-22      | 1,90,267.07               |
| 2022-23      | 2,03,982.99 (provisional) |
| 2023-24 (BE) | 2,60,200.00               |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: Lithium Batteries
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Dinesh Chandra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 483

ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023

## Lithium Batteries

483.   SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH: SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that a student from Bhagalpur of Bihar has  discovered  the  formula  for  preparing  lithium  batteries  from  nuclear waste and if so, the details thereof; and (b) whether the Government proposes to promote the said discovery and if so,
- the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) No such information has been brought to the notice of  Department of Atomic Energy(DAE).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 481 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: Circular Rail Network in Bengaluru
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Sumalatha Ambareesh, D.K. Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 481 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023

## CIRCULAR RAIL NETWORK IN BENGALURU

481.  SHRIMATI SUMALATHA AMBAREESH: SHRI D.K. SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  South  Western  Railway  (SWR)  has  proposed  a  287-km circular rail network on the outskirts of Bengaluru to decongest the city's traffic and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has set any timeframe to complete the said rail project and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the estimated cost of the proposed rail project?

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c):   Government of India has always emphasized development of transportation services in Bengaluru city and its surrounding areas. As a part of this initiative, a circular railway has been conceptualized around Bengaluru City. ` 7.19 crore has been sanctioned for preparing Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  of  this  project.  Further  steps  on  this project  will  depend  upon  the  outcome  of  DPR  and  support  of  State

Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 480 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: Import of Wheels from China
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Gaddam Ranjith Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 480 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2023

## IMPORT OF WHEELS FROM CHINA

480.  DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  total  number  of  wheels  that  Railways  needed,  on  an average, annually for its wagons, coaches, locos, etc.;
- (b) whether it is true that Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and  Rashtriya  Ispat  Nigam  Limited  (RINL)  are  unable  to  supply wheels  to  Railways  and  hence  Railways  has  decided  to  import wheels from China, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the 'Make in India' call is defeated on this account; and
- (d) if so, the facts in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): The annual average requirement of wheels for manufacture  and  maintenance  of  wagons/  coaches/locos  etc  of Indian Railways is about 4,40,000.

The requirement of wheels of Indian Railways is fulfilled by supply of wheels from Rail Wheel Factory/Bangalore, Rail Wheel Plant/Bela, SAIL/Durgapur Steel plant and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited(RINL)/Rae Bareli.

Only shortfall requirement of wheels is met through imports as per existing policy guidelines of Government of India.

In an effort to fully develop indigenous capacity for wheels as per Railways  requirement,  sufficient  measures  have  been  taken  by Ministry of Railways, which are as under:

- i) Contract  under  Long  Term  Agreement  for  supply  of  80,000 forged wheels annually has been awarded in June 2023. Under this initiative, the agency has to establish forged wheels plant in India under 'Make in India'.  With the initiatives taken, India is on the way to become Atmanirbhar in Forged Wheels.
2. ii) Under  off-take  agreement  entered  with  Railways  to  supply 80,000  forged  wheels  annually,  Rashtriya  Ispat  Nigam  Limited (RINL) has also set up forged wheels plant in Raebareli.  This plant has been commissioned in September, 2021.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: New Industries in Gaya
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Vijay Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 479. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 06 th  DECEMBER, 2023.

## NEW INDUSTRIES IN GAYA

## 479.   SHRI VIJAY KUMAR:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether any new industry has been set up in Gaya Lok Sabha Constituency in Bihar till date;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री सोम प्रकाश ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- (a) to (c): Setting up of industry is primarily the domain of State Governments. Government  of  India  provides  support  for  promotion  of  Industrial activities  across  the  country  through  appropriate  policy  intervention. The Government of Bihar is taking steps for setting up major industries in the State of Bihar. The State Government also incentivizes              setting up of Industries through Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2016  and  Bihar  Industrial  Investment  Promotion  Policy  (Textile  &

Leather Policy), 2022.

As Per Information available with State Investment Promotion Board Secretariat,  28  units  have  been  approved  under  Bihar  Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2016.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 478 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-06
Subject: LGDs
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Devendrappa Y, Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre, Devji Mansingram Patel, Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadiya, Saikia Dilip

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 478 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/12/2023

## LGDs

## 478. SHRI Y. DEVENDRAPPA:

SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  plans  to  develop  indigenous  technology  for  producing critical machinery components and seeds required for production of Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD);

- (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the  fresh  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide  the  indigenous  technology  to startups  at  affordable  cost  in  order  to  increase  employment  opportunities  as  well  as increased export of cut and polished LGDs?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,o am|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jherh vuqfiz;k iVsy½

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a)  to  (c) In  order  to  promote  indigenization  of  technology  in  producing  Lab  Grown Diamonds, a research Project has been awarded to IIT Madras with an outlay of Rs. 242.96 crores over a period of 5 years.

The Research Project on InCent-LGD is in its initial stage. Once the project gets completed, startups in Gems and Jewellery Sector may take benefit of the developed technology. In order to reduce input cost on LGDs, Custom duty on Seeds for use in manufacturing of rough labgrown diamonds has been reduced from 5% to 'NIL' for a period of two years. In order to ensure that exported diamonds are correctly classified, separate HS Codes to differentiate and identify LGD stones and LGD stones studded in gold, silver & platinum jewellery from that of natural diamonds was announced in the Union Budget 2023- 24. All these steps are likely to  increase  the  export  of  cut  and  polished  LGDs  which  will  also  increase  employment opportunities.

*****