opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2161 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Gig Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2161 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## GIG WORKERS

2161. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

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

- (a)whether the demand for Gig workers has increased ten-fold while the participation of Gig workers rose by three times in calendar year  2024,  if  so,  the  comparatively  details  thereof  since  2015
- onwards till date;
- (b)whether the youth participation in the Gig economy has increased eight times and as many as 49 per cent of Gig workers on the platform are under the age of 25, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)whether the Government has met the concept of the Gig which is finding wide acceptance, as there is a surge in participation of youth, who are preferring to take up Gig job roles, and women's participation  too  has  increased  and  they  have  been  majorly employed in roles related to customer support, content monitoring and moderation, tele-sales, and audits and survey and if so, the details thereof and present status thereof till now?

## ANSWER

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

As per an estimation by NITI Aayog vide its report titled 'India`s Booming Gig and Platform Economy' published in June 2022, the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country was 7.7 million in 2020-21 which is expected to rise to 23.5 million by

(a) to (c): 2029-30.

This report estimates the growth in the size of the gigplatform economy and its contribution to India's economic output. As  per  the  report,  given  the  advantages  the  gig  and  platform economy offer, ranging from low-entry barriers and ease of access and enrollment, to flexibility of time, digital platforms have immense potential for creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and PwDs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2153 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: GST on Food Items
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B, Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024

## GST ON FOOD ITEMS

## 2153.   SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B: SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is considering implementing a GST rate of either zero or 5% on all food items across India, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the rationale behind differential GST rates on different food items, and the impact of these rates on consumers and businesses;

(c)  the  comparative  analysis  of  GST  rates  on  food  items  in  the  country  with  other  countries, particularly those with similar socio-economic profiles; and

(d)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  GST  rates  on  food  items  on vulnerable sections of society, especially in terms of affordability and accessibility?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): GST  rates  and  exemptions  are  prescribed  on  the  recommendation  of  the  GST Council, which is a constitutional body comprising of representatives from the States/UTs  and Centre.  There  is  no  recommendation  from  the  GST  Council  in  this  regard  pending  for implementation.

Fresh milk and pasteurised milk are fully exempt from GST. Food items of mass consumption like food grains, flour, pulses, curd, lassi, buttermilk, paneer etc., are exempt from GST unless they  are  pre-packaged  and  labelled.  Such  goods  when  pre-packaged  and  labelled  attract  a concessional GST rate of 5%.

(c): No such data is available.

(d): Fresh  milk  and  pasteurised  milk  are  fully  exempt  from  GST.  Food  items  of  mass consumption like food grains, flour, pulses, curd, lassi, buttermilk, paneer etc., are exempt from GST unless  they  are  pre-packaged  and  labelled.  Such  goods  when  pre-packaged  and  labelled attract a concessional GST rate of 5%.

Moreover,  more  than  80  Crore  beneficiaries  under  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Garib  Kalyan  Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) are getting benefits of free foodgrains across the country.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2150 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Children Dropouts/Teachers Resigned after Violence in Manipur since 2023
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Abhishek Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2150

ANSWERED ON - 05.08.2024

## Children Dropouts/Teachers Resigned after Violence in Manipur since 2023

- 2150      Shri Abhishek Banerjee:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a)  the  number  of  children  who  dropped  out  of  schools  due  to  violence  in  Manipur  since 2023; and (b) the number of teachers who resigned from their jobs in the aftermath of the violence in

- Manipur in 2023?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EUDCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) and (b): As reported by the State Government of Manipur, five (5) students have dropped out of schools and no teacher has resigned from job due to violence in Manipur since 2023 in the State.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2149 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Linking of Parivesh Portal with RTI
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2149

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## Linking of Parivesh Portal with RTI

## 2149.  SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Parivesh Portal now limits access to information to only Government and companies personnel, if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that the Parivesh Portal has removed the information regarding certain projects from its portal, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government has linked the Parivesh Portal with the RTI and the information can be rejected based on RTI clauses, if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) PARIVESH Portal does not limit access to any information related to the project proposal  submitted  for  Environment,  Forest,  Wildlife  and  Coastal  Regulation  Zones (CRZ) Clearance. Information such as details submitted by the Project Proponent, Agenda and Minutes of meeting of Expert Appraisal Committee, Advisory Committee, Regional Empowered  Committee,  National/State  Board  for  Wildlife,  Coastal  Regulation  Zones (CRZ), Clearance letters etc are available in the public domain on the PARIVESH Portal. The PARIVESH portal is aligned with the provisions of the RTI Act and the provisions of the extant Acts, Rules and Regulations including that of RTI Act have to be adhered to so as to ensure that there is no violation of the provisions of any Act, Rule or Regulations.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2141 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Sports Infrastructure Development Projects under Khelo India Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri G Lakshminarayana, Shri Appalanaidu Kalisetti, Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2141 ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

Sports Infrastructure Development Projects under Khelo India Scheme in

Andhra Pradesh

2141. SHRI APPALANAIDU KALISETTI: SHRI SRIBHARAT MATHUKUMILLI: SHRI G LAKSHMINARAYANA:

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

- (a) the details of sports infrastructure development projects approved in the  State  of  Andhra  Pradesh  under  the  Khelo  India  scheme  during  the last five years, district-wise, especially in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts;
- (b)  the  funds  allocated  and  disbursed  by  the  Government  for  the development of approved projects under the aforementioned scheme in Andhra Pradesh, District-wise and year-wise especially in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts during the last five years;
- (c) the current status of the approved  projects in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts in Andhra Pradesh State under the Khelo India scheme, specifying whether they are completed, ongoing or delayed and the details regarding funds utilization;
- (d) whether any challenges or delays were encountered in implementing the Khelo India scheme projects in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts and the reasons thereof; and
- (e) whether there are any pending proposals for new sports infrastructure  development  projects  under  the  Khelo  India  scheme  in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts in Andhra Pradesh State, and the reasons for their pendency?

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

(a) to (c) The details of the sports infrastructure projects approved and sanctioned cost, funds released and their physical and financial progress,  under  Khelo  India  Scheme,  across  the  country,  including  in Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh, are available in public domain on the dashboard at https://mdsd.kheloindia.gov.in.

(d) The projects sanctioned under Khelo India Scheme are envisaged to be  completed  within  two  years  from  the  date  of  their  administrative approval. A total of ten sports infrastructure projects  have  been sanctioned in State of  Andhra  Pradesh  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme. Out of these 10 projects, three projects have been completed. Further, seven projects are ongoing.

(e) No, Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2137 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: SC/ST Cells in IITs
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2137

ANSWERED ON- 05/08/2024

## SC/ST Cells in IITs

## 2137  Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that out of the 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) that have SC/ST cells, 16 are non-functional and have not conducted any events;
- (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that the existing 4 IITs which do not have any SC/ST cells comply the UGC guidelines;
- (d) whether it is also true that there is a lack of funds for the existing SC/ST cells;
- (e) if so, the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely allocation and disbursal of funds to these cells; and
- (f) whether it is also true that many of the cells do not have any room allotted for meetings and discussions and do not have information regarding reservation or a mechanism to check the implementation of reserved quota?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (f) : Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are autonomous Institutions governed by Institute of Technology Act, 1961 and the statutes framed thereunder. All IITs have functional SC/ST cell, and receive  necessary  funding  and  logistical  support  from  their  respective  institutions  for  smooth functioning.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2132 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Externally Aided Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2132 TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY 5** August, 2024 [14 Shravana, 1946 (Saka)]

"Externally Aided Projects in Andhra Pradesh"

No. 2132: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the Finance Minister of the Government of Andhra Pradesh met Finance Minister during pre-budget consultations and requested that the Centre provide 90% of funds in externally aided projects as grants to the State and 10% as loan to the State; and
- (b) If so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government so far?

## ANSWER

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

- a & b): As part of pre-budget consultations, suggestions from various Stakeholder nd State Governments were receivec

Considering the suggestions, the Regular Budget 2024-2025 has been presented in the Parliament on 23d July 2024.

* * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 2129 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Funds for Scholarship and Research and Development
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2129 ANSWERED ON - 05/08/2024

## Funds for Scholarship and Research and Development

## 2129 Shri Charanjit Singh Channi :

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  specific  plan  to  increase  funds  for  research  and development, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has any data regarding the scholarships given to minorities for pursuing Ph.Ds. in last ten years, and if so, the details thereof, gender-wise; and
- (c) whether the Government has any data about the declining numbers of scholarships to minorities  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof,  religion-wise,  since  the  discontinuation  of Maulana Azad National Fellowship to minorities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a): Recognising research as a core requisite for quality education, National Education Policy (NEP 2020) exhorts HEIs to focus on research and innovation by setting up start-up incubation centres; technology development centres; centres in frontier areas of research; greater industryacademic  linkages;  and  interdisciplinary  research  including  humanities  and  social  sciences research. Government has also taken numerous efforts to enhance the Research & Development (R&D) expenditure and create adequate opportunities for researchers.

As  per  'Research  and  Development  statistics  at  a  glance  2022-23'  published  by Department  of  Science  &  Technology,  Ministry  of  Science  &  Technology,  the  Gross Expenditure  on  Research  &  Development  (GERD)  in  the  country  has  been  consistently increasing over the years and has more than doubled from Rs. 60,196.75 Crore in 2010-11 to Rs. 127,380.96 Crore in 2020-21.

Further,  'Anusandhan  National  Research  Foundation  Act,  2023'  was  notified  to establish  the  Anusandhan  National  Research  Foundation.  Anusandhan  National  Research Foundation,  an  apex  body  has  been  envisaged  to  provide  high-level  strategic  direction  for research, innovation  and  entrepreneurship  in the fields of natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture. It also seeks to promote scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences. Total estimated cost of Anusandhan National Research Foundation for five years is Rs. 50,000 crores.

(b) & (c): The Ministry of Minority Affairs, under Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) has disbursed a total of Rs. 887 Cr in the last 10 years (from 2014-15 to 2023-24) to various beneficiaries, which includes 11,114 male and 13,128 female candidates.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2128 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Allowance for Unemployed Youth
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Harendra Singh Malik

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2128

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 TH  AUGUST, 2024

## ALLOWANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

## 2128. SHRI HARENDRA SINGH MALIK:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  a  scheme  to provide unemployment allowance to the unemployed youths of the country to ensure that they survive the high inflation;
- (b) whether the Government has prepared any draft in this regard:
- (c) if so, the current status of the said draft; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor along with the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Under the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) being implemented by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the unemployment benefit subject to eligibility conditions, is paid to insured workers who lose their job. The unemployment benefit under the ABVKY has been enhanced to 50% from 25% of the average daily earning,  payable  upto  90  days,  alongwith  relaxation  of  eligibility conditions to claim the benefit for insured workers.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2124 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: National Action Programme to Combat Desertification
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2124

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## National Action Programme to Combat Desertification

## 2124.   SHRI RAJU BISTA:

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

- (a) the details  about  aim  and  budget allocation for the  National  Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAPCD);
- (b) the  details  of  projects  undertaken  to  combat  desertification  during  the  last  three years, State-wise along with the success rate particularly in West Bengal;
- (c) the  details  of  impact  of  above  projects  on  land  degradation  and  restoration  along with data, if any, in this regard; and
- (d) the manner in which NAPCD impacts the flora and fauna of the areas where the plan is implemented?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) India  is  a  party  to  the  United  Nations  Convention  to  Combat  Desertification (UNCCD) and National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2023 was prepared taking due consideration of the country's commitments for restoration of 26 million hectares  of  degraded  land  by  2030.  The  plan  further  suggests  indicative  models under  the  categorization  of  remedial  and  preventive  models for  combating  land degradation and desertification and details about the new initiatives to address the issues of land degradation.

The National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2023 highlights the need for a synergetic, efficient planning and implementation of the eco-restoration initiatives in the country by converging all afforestation schemes to provide the much-needed impetus and focus on sustainable management of forest and natural resources. The plan  emphasizes  on  convergence  of  the  various  schemes  for  restoration  of  the degraded land and does not have separate provision for financial assistance.

- (b) to (d)  Does not arise in view of (a) above.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2120 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-05
Subject: Kailash Yatra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Smt. Malvika Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2120 ANSWERED ON 05.08.2024

## KAILASH YATRA

2120 SMT. MALVIKA DEVI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps being taken for promoting east India's coastline tourism specially in the State of Odisha;
- (b) the  details  of  the  rules  and  regulations  for  visiting  Kailash Yatra  including  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  make the Yatra safer and convenient for the pilgrims; and
- (c) the details of the steps taken by the Government to encourage travel agencies and Government companies to promote tourism in the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a):   The  Ministry  of  Tourism  promotes  tourism  destinations  and products  of  India  including  coastline  of  Odisha  both  in  domestic and  global  markets.  Promotion  is  carried  out  through  various initiatives including events and Social Media.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  provides  Central  Financial  Assistance (CFA) to the State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Government Agencies for development of Tourism including Cruise Tourism and Cruising along rivers.

Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan Scheme has sanctioned  Rs.70.82  crore  for  development  of  Gopalpur,  Barkul, Satapada and Tampara as Coastal Circuit.

- (b): The  Ministry  of  External  Affairs  has  been  organising  the  Kailash Manasarovar Yatra every year between June and September, through the two official routes of Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in

Sikkim, in pursuance of the protocol signed in May 2013 and Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2014 between the two countries for the two  routes, respectively. The  Yatra has been  taking place in cooperation with the state governments of Delhi, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and also the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The  Kailash  Manasarovar  Yatra  did  not  take  place  in  2020,  2021,  2022, 2023 and 2024 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the consequent international travel restrictions and also the primary conditions involving safety and security of the Yatris that need to be ensured for resumption of the Yatra. (c): Ministry  of  Tourism  has  revised  the  guidelines  for  the  Scheme  of Market Development Assistance (MDA) for promotion of Domestic Tourism in November 2020 to enhance the scope and reach of the Scheme, so as to provide maximum benefits to the stakeholders. As per the revised MDA guidelines,  the  stakeholders  are  provided  with  financial  support  for  the promotion of Domestic Tourism. Tourism Departments of State Governments/UT  Administrations  are  now  also  eligible for obtaining financial  support  under  the  scheme.  Ministry  of  Tourism  participates  in major travel trade fairs in India and overseas along with State Governments, Travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers etc. for engaging in meetings with various stakeholders and business organizations.

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