opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Income Limit for EWS Category
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4187 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## INCOME LIMIT FOR EWS CATEGORY

4187. SHRI MATHESWARAN V S:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of deliberations made by Ministry to arrive income limit of Rs. 8 Lakh for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category;
- (b) whether it is a fact that Government did not conduct any study or formed any committee to examine it;
- (c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether the Government has any data to set income limit of Rs. 8 Lakh for EWS, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI B.L. VERMA)

- (a) to (d): In the identification of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes more emphasis is given to social backwardness, but to identify the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), only income criteria is applied

After inter-ministerial consultation criteria for EWS was fixed for annual family income limit of Rs. 8.00 lakh for EWS category reservation.

The term "Family" for this purpose includes the person who seeks benefit of reservation, his/her parents and siblings below the age of 18 years as also his/her spouse and children below the age of 18 years.. The income included income from all sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4170 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Cultivation of High Quality Small Onions
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4170

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  AUGUST 2025

## CULTIVATION OF HIGH QUALITY SMALL ONIONS

4170. SMT. D K ARUNA: SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether south Indian small onions are in high demand in domestic market as well as for exports to countries with significant population of South Indian migrants;
- (b) if so, the details of help/assistance given to onion associations for increasing production of high quality small onions in South India;
- (c) whether the small onions recently got their unique identity recognised with the grant of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and revenue generated therefrom till now, State-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a) & (b): The  Government  implements  the  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally Sponsored Scheme, for holistic growth of the horticulture sectors including onion cultivation. Under MIDH, assistance is provided for area expansion in case of open pollinated vegetables, including onions, @ 40% of  the maximum cost of Rs. 50,000/ha. for a maximum area of 2 hectares per beneficiary in general areas and in case  of  North-East  and  Himalayan  States,  Scheduled  areas,  Andaman  &  Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, assistance is 50% of the maximum cost. In case of vibrant villages assistance is provided @ 80% of the maximum cost. There is no specific data on domestic demand & exports of South Indian small onions available with this Ministry.
- (c) & (d): As  per  Department  for  Promotion  of  Industry  and  Internal  Trade  (DPIIT), Chettikulam Small Onion from Tamil Nadu, for which the application was filed on 4 July 2022, has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) in the agricultural category under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This Ministry does not maintain data on the revenue generated from South Indian small onions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4169 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Backlog of Vacancies
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Vijay Kumar Hansdak

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4169

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19 TH  AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 28, 1947 (SAKA)

BACKLOG OF VACANCIES

4169. SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the abolition clause in backlog vacancy and which agencies are exempted from this clause and under what conditions;

(b) whether the category-wise reservation for OBC/SC/ST/EWS is applicable to backlog vacancy;

- (c) if so, the details thereon and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) the reasons behind recruitment being done through LDCE and not through SSC/UPSC; and

(e) whether the backlog vacancy be converted to any other vacancy diluting or abolishing the reservation in respect of OBC/EWS?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (e): As per available information, reserved vacancies in all cases of direct recruitment and promotion which have remained unfilled in the earlier years,  including  backlog  vacancies,  would  be  treated  as  a  separate  and distinct group for recruitments and will not be considered together with the reserved  vacancies  of  the  year  in which they are being filled up. Further,

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 4169 FOR 19.08.2025

occurrence  and  filling  up  of  vacancies,  along  with  backlog  reserved vacancies, is a continuous process which may include conduct of Special Recruitment Drive and filling up vacancies through LDCE or SSC/ UPSC in accordance with the relevant Recruitment Rules.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4166 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Darjeeling Tea Gardens
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4166 ANSWERED ON 19/08/2025

## DARJEELING TEA GARDENS

## 4166.  MR PATHAN YUSUF

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering a special package exclusively for Darjeeling tea gardens  to  support  uprooting,  replanting  and  rejuvenation  pruning,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether most tea gardens in Darjeeling Hills have been unable to access the uprooting and replanting scheme introduced in 2014 and the condition be reviewed to make it more inclusive, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government reinstate the subsidy scheme of rejuvenation pruning that was discontinued in 2019, considering its importance for the sustainability of Darjeeling tea gardens, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Tea Board will ensure proper monitoring and simplified implementation of any revived or new schemes so that small and medium sized gardens can benefit, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद

## )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (c): Government of India, through Tea Board, is currently implementing the scheme 'Tea Development and Promotion Scheme', under which assistance is being provided for uprooting & re-plantation of old and senile tea bushes, throughout the country, including in Darjeeling. Under the replantation component of this scheme, preference is given to tea gardens located in Darjeeling  Hills  which  fulfill  all  other  criteria.  In  addition,  the  minimum  area  condition  for replantation of 4 hectare has been relaxed for Darjeeling hills to 1 hectare. Rejuvenation pruning is currently not a part of the above scheme.

(d):  Tea  Board has formed a Scheme Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee (SC&MC) & Steering Committee for monitoring the implementation and progress of the scheme. Further, nodal officers have been appointed by Tea Board for various components/sub-components of the scheme. The SC&MC meets on monthly basis to oversee the implementation of the scheme and to review the physical and financial progress. Further, the services for implementation of the various sub-components of the scheme are provided through online mode at "ServicePlus" portal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4164 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Indigenous Production of Lithium Batteries
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4164

ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION OF LITHIUM BATTERIES

## 4164.  MS. S JOTHIMANI:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  to  manufacture  Lithium  batteries  for  e-vehicles indigenously to reduce dependence on imports;
- (b) if so, the details of the scheme or plan including the timeline for its implementation; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

- (a) & (b): The Government of India has approved the PLI ACC scheme under "National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage" in May 2021, with an outlay of Rs. 18,100 Crore for 50 GWh capacity for a period of 5 years after gestation period of 2 years.  The PLI ACC scheme aims to enhance domestic cell production, reducing reliance on imports and lowering the overall costs of cell manufacturing.

Out of 50 GWh ACC capacity, 40 GWh ACC capacity has already been awarded in two rounds to four beneficiary firms.  The 40 GWh Capacity is end-use agnostic and can be utilized for any application, including e-vehicles and Stationary Energy Storage Systems apart from consumer electronics, rail, defence, etc.  Further, 10 GWh capacity has been earmarked for Grid Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS) applications.

- (c): Does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4161 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: US Trade Agreement and Impact on Indian Agriculture
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4161 ANSWERED ON 19/08/2025

## US TRADE AGREEMENT AND IMPACT ON INDIAN AGRICULTURE

## 4161. SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering a trade agreement with the US related to agriculture and farming, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has assessed the impact of a fair trade agreement with the US on India's rural economy, farmers and the agriculture sector, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government has consulted economists and agriculture farming experts before  proposing the  terms of a bilateral  trade  agreement  with  the  US,  if  so,  the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद

)

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) India and USA are negotiating a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). As a part of negotiations, among other things, both sides are engaged in discussions on liberalization of trade in goods including non-sensitive agricultural products, with the aim to expand trade and deepen the India-US trade relationship.

(b) & (c) Government is engaged with all relevant stakeholders including agriculture, farming experts, to assess the interests and requirements of India's rural economy, farmers and agricultural  sector.  Government  is  committed  to  take  all  necessary  steps  to  secure  and advance country's national interest and protect the welfare of our farmers, rural economy and agriculture sector.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4155 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: EVs and Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4155

ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## EVs AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

## 4155.  SHRI ESWARASAMY K:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has set a sales target of EVs and hybrid electric vehicles annually and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether a battery capacity of about 400 Gigawatt hours (GWh) each year would be required to meet this demand;

(c) if so, how the Government plans to meet the expected demand;

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  planned  to  invest  in  battery  research  and  development ecosystem domestically, considering that lithium is an important mineral used in production of batteries and its global demand is increasing; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

(a) to (c): Government  has  not  set  any  annual  sales  target  of  EVs  and  hybrid  electric vehicles.  Requirement of batteries is demand driven and no such assessment for battery capacity requirement has been done.

(d) & (e): Yes,  under  the  Production  Linked  Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  for  Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, investment in R&D is part of the programme agreement. The PLI ACC scheme incentivizes beneficiary firms for technology transfer by considering it as an eligible investment and the scheme emphasizes achieving a value addition of at least 60% within five years from the appointed date, which encourages technology transfer, Research and Development  (R&D),  and  localization.  This  focus  is  expected  to  benefit  domestic  cell component  manufacturers  by  integrating  them  into  the  local  supply  chain,  developing technological advancements and reducing import dependence.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4152 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Modernisation of Sericulture Infrastructure
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4152 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## MODERNISATION OF SERICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

4152. DR. MALLU RAVI:

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

(a) the progress on setting up PM MITRA parks and modernization of sericulture infrastructure in the country; and

(b) the measures being taken to improve India's global ranking in textile manufacturing?

उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a)&(b): The Government has approved seven PM MITRA Parks. The PM MITRA scheme envisages to develop large-scale, integrated, world-class textile facilities to improve the competitiveness of Indian textile industry.  Under the scheme, infrastructure works worth ₹1,197.33 crore have been initiated by State Governments with an expenditure of ₹291.61 crore incurred so far.

For  modernisation  of  sericulture  infrastructure,  the  Government  through  Central  Silk  Board  (CSB)  is implementing following  measures under Silk Samagra-2 scheme:

- i. Introducing modern technologies/machineries to enhance silk quality and productivity, mechanisation of silkworm rearing and seed production, and improving post-cocoon processes to reduce drudgery and improve economic returns.
- ii. Establishing Automatic Reeling Machines (ARM)/Units for production of 3A-4A grade raw silk from bivoltine cocoons.
- iii. Strengthening cold storage and grainage facilities to produce, store, and supply quality silkworm seed.
- iv. Strengthening  R&D  to  improve  cocoon  production  and  productivity  by  developing  improved mulberry/host plant varieties, silkworm hybrids, and technology packages.
- v. Under  the  Silk  Samagra-2  scheme  (2021-26),  measures  such  as  raising  of  kisaan  nurseries, silkworm  rearing  packages  (plantation,  irrigation,  rearing  houses,  equipment,  prophylactic measures),  establishment  of  chawki  rearing  centres,  silkworm  seed  sector  infrastructure,  silk reeling, spinning, weaving, and processing, are implemented for the overall development of the sericulture industry.

The  Government has launched Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Textiles, with an outlay of ₹10,683  crore  to  promote  production  of  Man  Made  Fibre  (MMF)  apparel,  MMF  fabrics,  and products  of  technical  textiles,  aiming  to  achieve  size  and  scale  for  global  competitiveness  and  to improve India's global ranking in textile manufacturing.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4146 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Increase Productivity of Jute Plantation in Jammu and Kashmir
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore

## INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF JUTE PLANTATION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

## 4146. SHRI JUGAL KISHORE:

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

- (a)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  increase  the  productivity  of  jute  plantations  in  Jammu  and Kashmir;
- (b) the details of the steps taken for sustainable development of the jute sector;
- (c) the details with regard to of procurement of raw jute under Minimum Support Price (MSP) campaign during the last five years, and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to increase the demand for jute bags to promote the jute industry?

उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

- (a): UT  of  Jammu  &  Kashmir  does  not  fall  under  the  category  of  jute  growing  states  due  to  non supporting climatic conditions for jute cultivation.
- (b): The Government has been implementing National Jute Development Program (NJDP) an Umbrella scheme for overall development and promotion of Jute Sector with financial outlay of Rs.485.58 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26 which ensures sustainable development in this sector.
- (c): The Government under Minimum Support Price (MSP) campaign has procured around 24.69 lakhs quintals of raw jute from farmers during the last five years.
- (d): To  increase  the  demand  for  jute  bags  to  promote  the  jute  industry,  the  Government  encourages production  of  light  weight  low  cost  jute  carry  bags  by  facilitating  participation  of  jute  artisans  / entrepreneurs.  It  also  organizes  awareness  &  outreach  programmes  in  association  with  local  bodies  / voluntary organizations/educational institutions, social media, print media, and participation in Regional / National level exhibitions/ fairs through displaying and promotion of jute shopping bags.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4145 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Allowing Automobile Firms to use Chinese-made Motors
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Manish Jaiswal, Shri Chavan Ravindra Vasantrao, Shri Sudheer Gupta, Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4145

ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025

## ALLOWING AUTOMOBILE FIRMS TO USE CHINESE-MADE MOTORS

## 4145.  SHRI CHAVAN RAVINDRA VASANTRAO: SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE: SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA: SHRI MANISH JAISWAL:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has allowed the automobile firms to use fully built Chinese-made motors  in  their  vehicles  to  skirt  China's  magnet  export  curbs  in  order  to  continue  availing Government Subsidies of Production (SOPs);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the likely impact on manufacturers and their localization;
- (c) the safeguards or conditions imposed to ensure that such usage does not compromise national interests or security;
- (d) whether the Government has set any criteria for vehicle manufacturers to be eligible to get Central assistance or claim benefits under its domestic manufacturing policy and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government is considering to review or revise the subsidy policies to encourage greater domestic content in auto manufacturing; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof including the steps taken in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

- (a)  to  (c): No such notification has been issued by MHI under Production Linked Incentive Scheme  for  Automobile  &  Auto  Component  Industry  (PLI  Auto  Scheme)  and  Scheme  to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) to allow automobile firms to use fully built Chinese-made motors in their vehicles to skirt China's magnet export curbs.
- (d): Under PLI Auto scheme, approved applicants are required to achieve the investment thresholds, incremental sales thresholds and Domestic Value Addition (DVA) of minimum 50% for  availing  incentives  under  the  scheme.    To  avail  the  benefits  under  SPMEPCI,  approved applicants have to set up manufacturing facilities of e-4W in India with a minimum investment of Rs. 4,150 crore and make the facilities operational within a period of 3 years from the date of issuance of approval by MHI and achieve minimum DVA of 25% by 3 rd  year and 50% by 5 th year.
- (e) & (f): No such proposal is under consideration.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4144 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-19
Subject: Revival of Swadeshi Cotton Mills
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Rajeev Rai

## 4144. SHRI RAJEEV RAI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has closed the operation of Swadeshi Cotton Mills at Mau for over a decade, if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Government is considering any proposal for its revival and re-opening in the near future, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, whether the Government is considering establishing any alternate industry on this land located at the heart of Mau city; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the details regarding the Government plan to make productive use of this asset for the betterment of Mau region?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

- (a) & (b): Swadeshi Cotton Mill at Maunath Bhanjan was Nationalized and brought under National Textile Corporation Ltd. (NTC) through The Swadeshi Cotton Mills Company Limited (Acquisition and Transfer  of  Undertakings)  Act,  1986.  On  account  of  technical  obsolescence,  excess  manpower,  poor productivity, etc., the net worth of NTC mills got totally eroded by early 1990s, necessitating reference to  Board  for  Industrial  and  Financial  Reconstruction  (BIFR)  under  the  Sick   Industrial  Companies (Special Provisions) Act in the year 1993-94 and subsequently NTC was declared sick. As per the BIFR approved  revival  scheme  of  NTC,  Swadeshi  Cotton  Mills  at  Maunath  Bhanjan  was  slated  for modernization  through  Joint  Ventures  (JV)  route.  Accordingly,  NTC  signed  a  Memorandum  of Understanding (MoU) for the modernization of Swadeshi Cotton Mills at Maunath Bhanjan along with another 10 mills through JV route. The said MoU was cancelled on 14.09.2010 due to non-execution of various transaction documents by Strategic Partners within stipulated time of 240 days. Presently, the matter is sub-judice before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi.
- (c) & (d): No such proposal is under consideration at this stage as the matter is sub-judice.

## REVIVAL OF SWADESHI COTTON MILLS