opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 29 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Implementation of the Codes
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 29 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODES

## 29. SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

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

- (a)whether the Government has sought the co-operation of various trade  unions  to  implement  the  controversial  legislation  as  the Codes are not yet operational owing to their objections;
- (b)whether some States are yet to frame the Rules for the said Codes and the Government is helping those States which could not draft the Rules to complete the process, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)whether  the  Central  Trade  Unions  (CTUs)  had  opposed  the implementation of the Codes citing that the rights of Trade Union and social security measures for workers are curtailed, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)the present status of their implementation along with corrective steps being taken by the Government in this direction, Code-wise and State-wise?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): 'Labour'  as  a  subject  is  in  the  Concurrent  List  of  th e Constitution of India and under the Codes, the power to make rules has  been  entrusted  to Central Government  as  well  as  State Governments.  As  a  step  towards  implementation  of  four  Labour Codes, the Central Government has pre-published the draft Rules.

After notifying Codes, Government has undertaken three tripartite consultations on the draft Central Rules under all the four Codes on 21.12.2020, 12.01.2021 and 20.01.2021.

As per available information, 32, 31, 31 and 31 States/Union Territories have pre-published the draft Rules under the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, respectively. For remaining States/ UTs, several meetings were held for facilitating them to frame their respective Rules within the ambit of Labour Codes.

- (c): With a view to strengthen the collective bargaining power, Government has incorporated the concept of Negotiating Union and Negotiating  Council  for  industrial  establishments  in  the  Industrial Relations Code, 2020. Further, provisions for extending the coverage of  social  security  benefits  to  unorganized  workers,  including  gig workers and platform workers have also been envisaged in the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- (d): As per available information, 04, 05, 05 and 05 States/Union  Territories  have  not  pre-published  their  draft  Rules under the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the  Code  on  Social  Security,  2020  and  the  Occupational,  Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, respectively. Meetings were held with those States/UTs to facilitate them for framing draft Rules within the ambit of Labour Codes.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 23 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Robust Internship Ecosystem
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 23

ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## Robust Internship Ecosystem

## 23.   SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that by working hand in hand, students, Educational Institutions, industry partners and the Government can create a robust internship ecosystem that enhances employability, addresses the current job market challenges, and contributes to the country's overall economic growth;
- (b) if so, the details of the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in  mind  that  by  immersing  students  in  professional  environments,  internships  can  connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing graduates' employability; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): Government of India launched National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with an aim to  provide  holistic  development  of  students.  NEP  2020  envisages  integration  of  pratcical exposure and skill courses with regular programs. NEP 2020 also emphasizes the importance of industry-academic connect to enhance employability of students/youth.

To  achieve  the  objectives  of  NEP  2020  and  to  create  a  robust  ecosysytem  of internship  in  Higher  Education  Institutions  (HEIs),  University  Grants  Commission  (UGC) has issued Internship Embeded Degree Programe Guidelines. This has enabled HEIs to offer programs with practical exposure approved by UGC. To ensure general exposure of industry to technical education students, AICTE has made intership mandatory component of model curriculum/programmes  approved  by  AICTE.  With  an  aim  to  provide  intership  to  every student/learner,  Ministry  of  Education  in  collaboration  with  AICTE  has  launched  National Internship Portal.

As  informed  by  Ministry  of  Corporate  Affairs,  the  'Prime  Minister's  Internship Scheme',  has  been  launched  in  the year  2024  to create  a  skilled,  empowered  and knowledgeable  workforce.  This  ambitious  initiative  implemented  through  an  online  portal aims  to  provide  internship  opportunities  to  students/youth  allowing  them  to  immerse themselves  in  diverse  business  environments  and  explore  a  variety  of  professions.  The internship  provides  opportunity  for  students/youth  to  gain  real-world  experience  while benefiting from financial support and comprehensive training

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 22 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Encroachment in Forest Areas
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Smt. Manju Sharma

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 22

TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## Encroachment in Forest Areas

## 22.   SMT. MANJU SHARMA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has made any land demarcation by identifying the forest area in view of conserving environment in the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware of encroachment in forest area at many places in the country; and
- (c) if so, the details of the measures taken by the Government to prevent such encroachment?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) 'Land' being a State subject, the identification, survey and demarcation of the various  types  of  land  including  forest  land  is  done  by  the  concerned  State Government/UT Administration.
- (b)&(c) The details of encroachment in forest area are maintained by the respective State Government/UT Administration and the report in this regard is submitted to the Ministry.

The Protection and management of forests is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/UT Administration. To prevent the encroachment, appropriate legal provisions are there in the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Wild Life (Protection)  Act,  1972  and  the  Local  Forest  Acts/Rules.    Further,  in  order  to prevent encroachments, various measures are taken by the State Forest Departments,  which  include  survey  and  demarcation  of  forest  areas,  fixing  of pillars along forest boundary and regular patrolling by field staff. The Joint Forest Management  Committees  have  also  been  established  at  the  village  levels involving the local communities for protection, conservation and management of the forests.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 17 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Work Related Stress in Corporate Sector
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose, Prof. Sougata Ray, Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 17 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## WORK RELATED STRESS IN CORPORATE SECTOR

17. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN: ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE: PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

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

- (a)whether the Government has taken note of the tragic death of a woman in her twenties due to severe work stress who work in a
- major consultancy firm in Pune;
- (b)if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether the Government initiated an inquiry into the matter on the
- report, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)whether the inquiry report has been received;
- (e)if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  action  taken  by  the
- Government and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (f)whether the Government is concerned about toxic work culture in large number of multinational companies of the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (g)whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  regulate  the practices including working hours in multinational companies; and (h)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (h): 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.  While  in  the Central  Sphere,  the  enforcement  is  done  through  the  inspecting officers of Central Industrial Relations Machinery, the compliance in the State Sphere is ensured through the State Labour Enforcement Machinery.

As  per  the  existing  labour  laws,  working  conditions including working hours, are regulated through the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and the Shops and Establishments Acts of the respective State Governments.

Major consultancy firms including multinational companies  are  covered  under  the  Shops  and  Establishments  Act, appropriate government for which is the State Government.

Pursuant to the death of a  woman  employee,  the Government of Maharashtra on 28.10.2024 has forwarded a response received from the Pune-based company, providing information on the working conditions and working hours of their employees, as asked by the Central Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 15 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Forex Reserves
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 15 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## FOREX RESERVES

## 15 Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  for  the  first  time  Forex  reserves  have  crossed  US$  700  billion  as  of  last  week  of September, 2024;
- (b) whether India has 4th largest Forex reserves after China, Japan and Switzerland;
- (c)  whether  increasing  Forex  reserves  help  the  country  to  be  in  a  comfortable  position  in  the contemporary geopolitical scenario in the world; and
- (d) the status of Gold reserves in the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

- (a) The Foreign Exchange Reserves (FER) of the country crossed USD 700 billion mark for the first time during the week ended on September 27, 2024 standing at USD 704.88 billion.
- (b) As per official reserve assets data available on IMF website, as at end  September 2024 India had 4 th largest forex reserves after China, Japan, and Switzerland.
- (c) For almost all economies, whether developed, emerging, or developing, holding prudent reserves,  in  conjunction  with  sound  policies  and  fundamentals,  can  bring  significant  benefits. They reduce the likelihood of balance-of-payments crises, help preserve economic and financial stability against pressures on exchange rates and disorderly market conditions and create space for policy autonomy.
- (d) As at end-September 2024, the Reserve Bank of India held 854.73 metric tonnes of gold out of which 510.46 metric tonnes is held domestically. The total value of the gold holdings is USD 65.75 billion as at end-September 2024.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 11 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Development of Sri Kodanda Rama Temple
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.11 ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## DEVELOPMENT OF SRI KODANDA RAMA TEMPLE

- 11 SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  development  of  the  ongoing  projects  under  the PRASAD Scheme in Andhra Pradesh State;
- (b) the details of funds allocated for the development of the temples under the said scheme and the funds utilised;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposals  for  the development of Sri Kodanda Rama Temple at Vontimitta;
- (d) if so, the status of the proposal;
- (e) whether the Government has any plan to expand the scope of PRASAD scheme to include more temples; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f): Ministry of Tourism under its 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive'  (PRASHAD)  Scheme  provides Financial  Assistance  to  the  State  Government  and  Union  Territories Administration for development of Tourism Infrastructure at the PreIdentified  Pilgrimage  destinations/Heritage  Cities.  Ministry  under  its PRASHAD Scheme has sanctioned 3 projects in Andhra Pradesh. The details of which are annexed. Additionally, 2 sites named 'Annavaram, Kakinada  District'  and  'Vedagiri  Lakshmi  Narasimhawamy  Temple, Nellore District' are identified  for  development  under  PRASHAD Scheme in Andhra Pradesh.

The  Ministry  from  time  to  time  receives  proposals  from  various sources,  which  are  evaluated  based  on  the  scheme  guidelines  and established procedures.

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a) TO (f)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.11 ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024 REGARDING  DEVELOPMENT  OF  SRI  KODANDA  RAMA  TEMPLE  BY SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY.

The  details  of  the  projects  sanctioned  under  PRASHAD  Scheme  of Ministry of Tourism in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

(Rs. in Crore)

| State/UT       |   S. No. | Project Name                                                                                             | Sanction Year   |   Approved Cost |   Amount Released |
|----------------|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Andhra Pradesh |        1 | Development of Pilgrim Amenities at Amaravati                                                            | 2015-16         |           27.77 |             27.77 |
| Andhra Pradesh |        2 | Development of Srisailam Temple                                                                          | 2017-18         |           43.08 |             43.08 |
| Andhra Pradesh |        3 | Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha Swami Vari Devasthanam at Simhachalam | 2022-23         |           54.04 |             13.69 |

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 10 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Skill Gap Task Force
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## 10.  Ms. S Jothimani:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government had partnered with the World Economic Forum and Infosys to constitute a Task Force for Closing the Skills Gap in 2018;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the milestones achieved by the task force during the last five years and the current year;

(c) whether it is a fact that the National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 declared that 25% of the country's schools would integrate skilling with formal education by 2020 as an objective; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the number of schools that have integrated skilling with formal education in the country?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b) Yes Sir. A Task Force for Closing the Skills Gap in India was launched in collaboration with Infosys and the World Economic Forum. The goal of the Task Force was to develop an action plan to address skills gaps in India and make the Indian workforce ready for jobs of future.

After its launch, the Closing the Skills Gap Accelerator India convened the leadership group for multiple  physical  meetings  including  one  at  the  India  Economic  Summit  2019,  to  finalize  the national action plan and launching of 4 working groups. Accelerator members had the opportunity to choose and contribute to one or more of 4 Working Groups through innovative collaborative projects. The Accelerator ratified National Action Plan; however, the work was stalled further due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, the discussions reinforced the need for models and initiatives that can accelerate dynamic job transitions, job creation and improving job quality.

- (c)  Yes  Sir. As  per  the  Policy  framework  of  National  Policy  for  Skill  Development  and Entrepreneurship 2015, 25 per cent of the schools would integrate skilling with formal education from class 9 onwards, over the next 5 years, to make skill development aspirational. National Education Policy 2020 also recommended integration of vocational education into mainstream education in all educational institutions.
- (d)  A total of 29,342 schools have been approved for integrating skilling with formal education in the country, out of which it has been implemented in 18,003 schools with a reported enrolment of 24,55,215 students.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 10

ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## SKILL GAP TASK FORCE
Lok Sabha Question No. 5 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Companies Registered under Spice+ Form A
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Arvind Dharmapuri

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 05 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 AGRAHAYANA 04, 1946 (SAKA)

Companies Registered under Spice+ Form A QUESTION

## 5. SHRI ARVIND DHARAMPURI

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of companies registered under Spice+ Form A of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs;
- (b) whether there is any stipulated window within which the Government plans to issue approval for the incorporation of the company and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the list of the total number of companies registered as Section 8 company i.e. nonprofit company under the MCA Act, 1956?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a): The number of companies registered during the following Financial Years are as under:

| Financial Year            | Total Companies   |
|---------------------------|-------------------|
| 2021-22                   | 1,67,086          |
| 2022-23                   | 1,59,302          |
| 2023-24                   | 1,85,318          |
| 2024-25[till 31 Oct 2024] | 1,00,320          |

(b): The Central Registration Centre (CRC) was operationalised in January 2016 to provide speedy incorporation related services in line with global best practices. This initiative has provided greater Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) to the stakeholders and has resulted in faster processing of incorporation related applications and uniformity in the application of rules.

(c):  The  number  of  companies  registered  as  Section  8  company  during  the  following Financial Years are as under:

| Financial Year            | Total Section 8 Companies   |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------|
| 2021-22                   | 9,282                       |
| 2022-23                   | 8,271                       |
| 2023-24                   | 11,358                      |
| 2024-25[till 31 Oct 2024] | 6,090                       |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Impact of Digital Competition Bill on CCI
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri B K Parthasarathi, Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, November 25, 2024/AGRAHAYANA 4, 1946 (Saka)

Impact of Digital Competition Bill on CCI

## QUESTION

- 4 Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu:

Shri B K Parthasarathi:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the ongoing examination of the Digital Competition Bill is likely to impact the resources and case workflows of the Competition Commission of India (CCI);
- (b) if so, the steps taken/being taken to address any spillover effect on the funds allocated to CCI for the current financial year and whether additional funding or support will be considered to ensure efficient operations;
- (c) the timeline for finalizing  the  Comprehensive  Cadre  Review  and Restructuring process for CCI and the Director General's office; whether these changes will have an affect on the handling and resolution
- (d) of pending case volumes; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CORPORATE  AFFAIRS  AND MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ROAD  TRANSPORT  AND HIGHWAYS.

(SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA)

(a)&(b): There will be no impact on existing resources and case workflows of CCI and no additional funds would be required for the ongoing examination of Digital Competition Bill.

(c), (d) & (e): Cadre Review and Restructuring is a periodic exercise based on assessment  of  administrative  requirements.  Accordingly,  CCI  has  prepared draft amendments to the Recruitment Rules and invited stakeholders to submit written comments on the same. The purpose of such an administrative exercise is to facilitate expeditious handling and resolution of pending cases.

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