opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3270 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Environmental Impact of Blockchain based Technologies
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri G M Harish Balayogi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3270

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## Environmental Impact of Blockchain based Technologies

## 3270.  SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI:

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

- (a) Whether the Government has conducted or plans to conduct any studies/surveys on the Environmental Impact of blockchain based technologies, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) Whether the Government has undertaken or planning to undertake any plans/initiatives to regulate carbon emissions from such blockchain based technology, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) Whether  the  Government  has  any  mechanism  in  place  to  monitor  the  carbon emissions from blockchain based technology, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (b)  :  At  present  there  is  no  proposal  to  conduct  any  studies/surveys  on  the Environmental  Impact  of  block  chain-based  technologies  in  the  Ministry.  Blockchain technology relies on data centers that consume significant amounts of energy. To address carbon emissions in such energy-intensive sectors, the Government of India has launched several initiatives under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), which includes:

Perform,  Achieve,  and  Trade  (PAT) :  Focuses  on  reducing  Specific  Energy Consumption (SEC) in industries.

Market  Transformation  for  Energy  Efficiency  (MTEE) :  Promotes  the  use  of energy-efficient appliances.

Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP) : Connects financial institutions and project developers to support energy efficiency projects.

Framework  for  Energy  Efficient  Economic  Development  (FEEED) :  Develops financial tools to encourage energy efficiency.

Additionally, the government has actively promoted renewable energy, leading to rapid growth in non-fossil fuel-based energy sources.

(c):  India  being  Party  to  the  United  Nations  Framework  Convention  on  Climate  Change (UNFCCC) submits National Communications and Biennial Update Reports to UNFCCC on a  periodic  basis.  As  part  of  these  reports,  National  Greenhouse  Gas  (GHG)  Inventory  is prepared based on relevant Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National  Greenhouse  Gas  Inventories.  There  is  no  'Blockchain  technology'  category/subcategory  under  these  IPCC  guidelines.  However,  greenhouse  gas  emissions  from  energy intensive processes are estimated under the Energy sectors.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3269 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Delay in Completion of ESIC Hospital, Shivamogga in Karnataka
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri B Y Raghavendra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3269 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## DELAY IN COMPLETION OF ESIC HOSPITAL, SHIVAMOGGA IN

## KARNATAKA

3269. SHRI B Y RAGHAVENDRA:

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

- (a)the  reasons  for  the  delay  in  completing  the  ESIC  hospital  in Shivamogga, which was sanctioned in 2019 and began construction in April 2021 with a 15-month timeline;
- (b)the details of steps being taken by the Government to expedite the completion of said hospital to ensure timely healthcare access for workers and residents in the region;
- (c)whether  the  Government  has  set  a  revised  timeline  for  the completion  of  said  hospital  and  any  measures  taken  to  avoid further delays so that the hospital can become operational for the benefit of the people of Shivamogga and surrounding areas; and (d)if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to (d): The  construction  of  Employees'  State  Insurance  (ESI) Hospital  in  Shivamogga  was  delayed  mainly  because  of  Covid pandemic restrictions, hard rock strata on the site which needs to be removed  by  controlled  blasting,  delay  in  obtaining No  Objection Certificate  from  the  local  authorities  for  conducting  "Controlled Blasting Operations", etc.

The  construction  work  has  been  assigned  to  Central Public Works Department (CPWD) on deposit work basis. The physical progress is 52%. ESIC has been conducting periodical meetings with CPWD for speedy execution of works.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3265 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Compensatory Duty on Exporters
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Shivmangal Singh Tomar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3265

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024

## COMPENSATORY DUTY ON EXPORTERS

## †3265. SHRI SHIVMANGAL SINGH TOMAR :

Will the Minister of FINANCE वित्त मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the system of imposition of compensatory duty on exporters;
- (b) whether the incentive schemes implemented for promotion of exports from the country are considered as subsidies by the European Union;
- (c) whether the global rules cause difficulties in encouraging exports; and
- (d) whether any measures have been taken to address the same, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) The term, "compensatory duty on exporters" is unclear. Duty on exports is levied under the Customs Act, 1962 at the rates specified in the Second Schedule of Customs Tariff Act, 1975. (b) Exports are zero rated under GST and in certain cases where exports are done on payment of integrated tax, refund can be claimed of such tax paid. There are certain schemes like Duty Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL, which are exportrelated  schemes  that  provide  rebates  on  central,  state,  and  local  duties,  taxes,  and  levies  on exports from India. Since  these  schemes  provide  only  rebate  of  duties,  taxes  and  levies,  the  same  cannot  be considered as subsidies. (c) The WTO Agreement contains the global rules on trade. These rules apply equally to all the Members,  with  limited  exceptions.  Therefore,  these  global  rules,  if  adhered  to,  cannot  be

- considered as causing difficulties in encouraging exports.
- (d) Does not arise as per response in part (c) above.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3264 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Pension Scheme for Employees of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3264 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## Pension Scheme for Employees of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas

3264. Shri Anto Antony:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the employees of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) covered under any pension schemes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has any plans to start new JNVs in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) The New Pension Scheme (now National Pension System) (NPS), which was  introduced  for  the  Central  Government  employees  w.e.f.  1.1.2004,  was  made applicable  to  the  regular  employees  of  Navodaya  Vidyalaya  Samiti  (NVS)  w.e.f. 1.4.2009. Those employees who had joined NVS on regular basis before 1.4.2009 were given an option to continue with the existing Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) scheme or to join the NPS. The staff of the NVS are already entitled to benefits of either the CPF scheme or the NPS having regard to the option exercised by them.
- (c)  &  (d)          The  Navodaya  Vidyalaya  Scheme  envisages  opening  of  one  Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in each district of the country. With sanctioning of 62 new JNVs  in  November  2016,  all  638  districts  (as  on  31st  May,  2014)  of  the  States/UTs which  have  accepted  the  scheme,  other  than  6  districts  with  100%  urban  population, have  been  covered  under  this  scheme.  Further,  28  new  JNVs  have  also  been sanctioned on 06.12.2024 in uncovered districts of the country. Opening of new JNVs is a  continuous  process  which  depends  on  the  willingness  of  the  concerned  State Government/UT administration to make available requisite suitable land, free of cost, for construction  of  the  permanent  building  and  making  available  required  temporary building,  free  of  rent,  to  run  the  Vidyalaya  till  the  permanent  building  is  constructed. Sanction and opening of new JNVs depend on approval by the competent authority as per extant procedures.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3262 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Assessment of Home based Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3262 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## ASSESSMENT OF HOME BASED WORKERS

3262. SHRI SUBBARAYAN K: COM. SELVARAJ V:

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

- (a)whether the Government has an official assessment of home based workers;
- (b)if so, the details thereof, sector-wise and gender-wise, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether the Government has collected the data of home based workers  of  textiles,  leather,  handicrafts,  etc.,  if  so,  the  details thereof, sector-wise; and
- (d)whether the Government proposes to enact a law on home based workers, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act, 2008, now subsumed in the Code on Social Security, 2020, provides for social security to unorganized workers including homebased workers. In the Code on Social Security, 2020 the Central and State Government are mandated to formulate suitable social security and welfare schemes for unorganized workers.

The  Ministry  of  Labour  and  Employment  has  launched eShram portal, on 26th August, 2021, for registration of unorganised workers, including domestic workers, on eShram portal. It also allows an unorganised worker to register on the portal on a self-declaration basis. The main objective of the eShram portal is to create a national database  of  unorganized  workers,  including  homebased  workers, seeded with Aadhaar, and facilitate registration under existing Social Security and Welfare Schemes to such workers. As on 11.12.2024, 30.45 crores workers have registered on this portal including 2.89 crores Domestic and Household Workers.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Fall in Foreign Exchange Reserves and Rupee Depreciation
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Prof. Sougata Ray

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3260

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## FALL IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES AND RUPEE DEPRECIATION

## 3260. Prof. Sougata Ray:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether foreign exchange reserve of the country recently logged its sharpest weekly fall on record;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the persistent outflows from Indian equities have also kept the rupee under pressure; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b) For  the  week  ended  November  15,  2024,  the  Foreign  Exchange  Reserves  (FER) decreased by 2.63% vis-à-vis the previous week. However, in percentage terms, the highest decline till date  in  the  last  20  years  was  observed  in  the  week  ended  October  24,  2008,  with  FER  declining  by 5.65% over the previous week.

The level of FER during November are given below.

| As on (Week ending)   | FER position (US$ billion)   |
|-----------------------|------------------------------|
| November 01, 2024     | 682.13                       |
| November 08, 2024     | 675.65                       |
| November 15, 2024     | 657.89                       |
| November 22, 2024     | 656.58                       |
| November 29, 2024     | 658.09                       |
| Source: RBI           | Source: RBI                  |

As is evident from the data, the week of 29 November, 2024 has witnessed an upward movement in the level of FER over the previous week.

- (c) & (d) The value of the Indian Rupee (INR) is market-determined, with no target or specific level or band.  Apart  from  capital  flows  (which  include  equity  flows  as  well),  the  factors  that  influence  the exchange  rate  of  INR  include  movement  in  Dollar  index,  level  of  interest  rates,  movement  in  crude prices, current account deficit, etc. Further, RBI intervenes in the forex market to curb undue volatility in INR.

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## ANSWER
Lok Sabha Question No. 3257 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Money Stuck in Sahara India Finance
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3257

## ANSWERED ON- 16/12/2024/ AGRAHAYANA 25, 1946 (SAKA)

## MONEY STUCK IN SAHARA INDIA FINANCE

## †3257   SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether crores of rupees of the poor are stuck in Sahara India Finance;
- (b) if so, whether the Government had opened a portal and invited investors to apply therein to get back their money deposited with Sahara India;
- (c) if so, the number of investors who got their money back;
- (d) whether the Government or SEBI has any plans to return the money to the rest of the people; and
- (e) the time by which the remaining investors are likely to get their money returned?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (e): In terms of the Hon'ble Supreme Court order dated 31.08.2012, Sahara India Real Estate  Corporation  Limited  (SIRECL),  Sahara  Housing  Investment  Corporation  Limited (SHICL) and their Promoters and Directors were directed to deposit an aggregate amount of Rs. 25,781.37 crore with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), within a period of three months from the date of the order. Pursuant to various orders passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the attachment orders of SEBI dated 13.02.2013, an aggregate amount of Rs. 15,775.50 crore was deposited with SEBI as on 31.03.2024.

Hon'ble Supreme Court also directed SEBI to refund the amount to bondholders of SIRECL and SHICL, along with interest, on production of relevant documents evidencing payment and after counter  checking  the  records  produced  by  SIRECL  and  SHICL.  SEBI,  accordingly,  invited applications for refunds through various press releases and advertisements. Based on directions issued  from  time  to  time  by  the  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court,  advice  rendered  by  Justice  (Retd) B.N.Agarwal  appointed  by  the  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court  and  validation  of  the  applications received,  SEBI has made refunds to 17,526 eligible bondholders for an  aggregate amount of Rs. 138.07 crore.

SEBI has, further, filed an interlocutory application dated 21.12.2021 seeking further directions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the matter.  The Hon'ble Supreme Court vide order dated 05.09.2024 has directed that the balance principal amount should be deposited with SEBI within a  period of 9 months. The Hon'ble Supreme Court, further, accepted the proposal of the two companies to enter into a development agreement for a land parcel at Versova, Mumbai, and granted a final opportunity of 4 weeks to seek approval for the agreement and deposit Rs. 1000 crore along with such application.

SEBI,  in  its  order  dated  31.10.2018,  directed  Sahara  India  Commercial  Corporation  Limited (SICCL) and its directors to refund the money collected to its bondholders. The matter is subjudice before the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3254 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Central Universities in Bihar
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Manoj Kumar, Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3254 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## Central Universities in Bihar

3254.   Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal:

Shri Manoj Kumar:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the number of Central Universities in the States particularly in Bihar is very less;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has any plan to establish Central Universities in every State in proportion to its population and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  for  establishing  a  Central  University  in  Bihar particularly in Sasaram Parliamentary Constituency; and
- (d) if so, the details and location thereof along with the time by which the said university is likely to be set up?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): Presently, there are 48 Central Universities under the administrative control of Ministry of  Education.  Apart  from  this,  various  Ministries  have  also  established  their  domain  specific Central  University.  Bihar  already  has  four  Central  Universities  namely  Central  University  of South Bihar, Gaya; Mahatama Gandhi Central University, Motihari; Nalanda University, Nalanda and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur. The  Central Universities  are  envisaged  to  function  more  as  pace  setter  institutions  to  provide  academic leadership to other institutions in the region; not necessarily in proportion to population or as per regional aspiration. There is at least one Central University in all the states except Goa. Following 12 th Five  year  plan  (2012-17),  the  thrust  is  on  consolidation  of  the  higher  education  system. Expansion was to be mainly done by scaling up capacity of the existing institutions in place of setting up  new  institutions.  Moreover,  'Education'  being  a  concurrent subject, the State Governments are also taking various initiatives to provide greater access to higher education in their  respective  States.  However,  the  PM  Package  for  Bihar,  2015  inter-alia  provides  for establishment  of  a  new  Central  university  near  Bhagalpur  at  the  historic  site  of  Vikramshila. Presently,  there  is  no  proposal  under  consideration  of  this  Ministry  to  establish  a  Central University in Sasaram Parliamentary constituency.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3253 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Proposal for Setting up an ESIC Hospital in Jharsuguda, Odisha
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Pradeep Purohit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3253 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

PROPOSAL FOR SETTING UP AN ESIC HOSPITAL IN JHARSUGUDA,

ODISHA

3253. SHRI PRADEEP PUROHIT:

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

- (a)whether the Government is aware of the growing demand for the establishment of an Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital in Jharsuguda, Odisha, considering its prominence as a hub  of  industries  and  the  increasing  population  of  industrial
- workers in the region;
- (b)if so, the steps taken by the Government to address this demand;
- (c)whether any proposal for such a hospital has been submitted to the Government and if so, the details thereof, including the status of approval;
- (d)the timeline, if any, proposed for the establishment of the hospital;
- and
- (e)the measures being taken by the Government to improve access to ESIC healthcare facilities for industrial workers in Odisha?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  to (e): Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has accorded 'in-principle'  approval  for  setting  up  of  100  -bedded  ESI hospital  at  Jharsuguda  in  Odisha  on  11.07.2022.    Lease  deed  has been  executed  on  22.10.2024 for acquisition of land for the construction of ESI hospital.

The  major  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve access to ESIC healthcare facilities for workers in Odisha includes operation of 53 ESIS dispensaries, 4 ESIS Hospitals, 2 ESIC hospitals, empanelment  of  12  Hospitals  /  Nursing  Homes  and  13  Super speciality hospitals.   'In-principle' approval for setting up of 06 new ESI  hospitals  in  Odisha,  one  each  at  at  Paradeep,  Berhampur, Balasore, Jharsuguda, Duburi and Andharua has also been accorded.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3250 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Vacancies of Teachers in Elementary Schools
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Varun Chaudhry

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:- 3250 ANSWERED ON-16/12/2024

## Vacancies of Teachers in Elementary Schools

## 3250. SHRI VARUN CHAUDHRY:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the sanctioned post of teachers in elementary schools and the number of vacancies in such schools;

- (b) the steps being taken by the Government to fill the vacancies; and
- (c) the timeline fixed by the Government for filling the sanctioned posts?

## A N S W E R

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

(a) to (c): Education being a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, an overwhelming majority of  the  schools  in  the  country  comes  under  the  administrative  control  of  States/UTs.  The  recruitment, service conditions and rational deployment of teachers come under the purview of the respective State Governments/UT  Administrations.  Further,  Recruitment  is  a  continuous  process  and  vacancies  get generated due to a number of factors like retirement, resignation, increased requirement of teachers as a result  of  the  enhanced  students'  strength  etc.  As  reported  by  the  State  Governments/Union  Territory administrations, for the Financial Year 2024-25, there are a total of 45,46,395 sanctioned posts at the elementary level of schooling across the country.

The Central Government through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha, provides financial assistance to the States and UTs to maintain appropriate Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) for various levels of schooling, as per norms prescribed in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, as amended from time to time. The progress regarding filling up of teacher vacancies through a competitive selection examination conducted by States/UTs, with due care for consistency and sanctity and after a technology based comprehensive teacher requirement planning and forecasting exercise, is periodically reviewed by the Department of School Education & Literacy with States/UTs.

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