opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 286 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Fake Universities
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Sudheer Gupta, Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 286 ANSWERED ON - 16/12/2024

## Fake Universities

*286. Shri Sudheer Gupta Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any data about the fake universities in the country, if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (b) whether any legal action has been taken against the fake universities owner and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has any data about the students studying in fake universities and if so, the steps taken by the Government in favour of students; and
- (d) the remedial steps taken by the Government apart from issuing a notice to alert the public against such fake University?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *286 FOR 16/12/2024 ASKED BY HON'BLE MEMBERS OF  PARLIAMENT  SHRI  SUDHEER  GUPTA  AND  SHRI  DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE REGARDING FAKE UNIVERSITIES

(a)  to  (c):  The  list  of  fake  universities  is  available  on  the  website  of  the  University  Grants Commission (UGC) at https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity. Currently, 21 Institutions figure in the list. Maintenance of Law and order is a subject matter of respective State Government. Accordingly, the Central Government has requested to Chief Secretaries of all the States and U.T. Administration to take legal action for closure of these institutions and take  appropriate  action  against  those  involved  in  defrauding  and  cheating  students  by misrepresenting themselves as "Universities", awarding degrees and using the  word "University" with their name. It was also requested to intimate the Central Government /UGC if there are other fake universities functioning in their States/UTs which are not included in the UGC list of Fake Universities.

(d): Apart from issuing public Notices for general awareness through social media and UGC website for cautioning the general public, students, parents and other stakeholder, the following steps have also been taken by the UGC/ Government against such fake Universities:

- i. The  Government  as  well  as  the  UGC  have  requested  the  Chief  Secretaries  of  all State/UT Governments to take appropriate action against those involved in defrauding and  cheating  students  by  misrepresenting  themselves  as  'Universities',  awarding degrees and using the word 'University' with their name.
- ii. FIRs have been lodged against several self-styled institutions/universities.
- iii. Show  Causes  Notices/Warning  Notices  have  also  been  issued  to  the  unauthorized institutes awarding invalid degrees.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 281 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Maharani Laxmibai Rashtriya Smarak
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. †*281

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## MAHARANI LAXMIBAI RASHTRIYA SMARAK

## †*281.    SHRI BHARAT SINGH KUSHWAH :

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to upgrade/renovate the 'Maharani Laxmibai Rashtriya Smarak', Gwalior under the ambit of 'National Culture Fund';
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor along with the time by which the said upgradation/renovation work is likely to be carried out?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND  TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

to

(c)

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  THE  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 281 FOR 16.12.2024.

(a) to (c) Maharani  Laxmibai  Rashtriya  Smarak,  Gwalior  is  not  a  protected  monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).  There is no such  proposal to upgrade/renovate the Maharani Laxmibai Rashtriya Smarak, Gwalior under the

- ambit of National Culture Fund (NCF).
- ----
Lok Sabha Question No. 3445 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Museum Grant Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri G Lakshminarayana

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.3445

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## 'MUSEUM GRANT SCHEME IN ANDHRA PRADESH'.

## 3445 Shri G. Lakshminarayana

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state :

- (a) the  details  of  the  proposals  received  from  Andhra  Pradesh  under  the  Museum  Grant Scheme across its  different components, along with the current status of each proposal, district-wise;
- (b) the details of the projects approved under the said Scheme in Andhra Pradesh, including the funds allocated, released, utilized, and the current status of these projects;
- (c) whether any Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has submitted proposals for grants under the said  Scheme as per the revised guidelines, especially for the Andhra Pradesh State and if so, the details of such proposals; and
- (d) the details of any museums in the said State that are planned or proposed to be upgraded as  Virtual  Experiential  Museums  (VEM)  under  the  revised  guidelines,  including  their current status and funding allocation?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

## (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) 09  (nine)    proposals  received  from  the  State  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh  under Museum Grant Scheme in different components in the last three years - 2021-22 to 202324.   The details of the proposals are   at Annexure-I.
- (b) 03 (three) proposals were  approved and  funds released in the last three years under the Museum Grant Scheme - 2021-22 to 2023-24.  The details of the approved proposals  are at Annexure-II.
- (c) No
- (d) There  is  no  proposal  for  upgradation  of  museums  as  Virtual  Experiential  Museums (VEM) under the revised guidelines of Museum Grant Scheme.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3443 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Eligibility Condition for Getting CSR Funds
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

*****

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3443 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 th  DECEMBER, 2024

## Eligibility Condition for Getting CSR Funds

## 3443. Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian: Thiru D M Kathir Anand:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the CPSUs have imposed very strict eligibility conditions to comply with such as AAA Ratings for getting  CSR  funds  from  such  CPSUs  and  as  a  result  only  few  have access to CSR funds and most of the CSR funds are being utilised only in constituencies of Union Ministers and Members of the ruling dispensation; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b) : Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of corporates including Central Public  Sector  Enterprises  (CPSEs),  are  governed  in  terms  of  provisions  of  Section  135  of Companies Act, 2013. In terms of these provisions, CSR Committee of the Board shall inter alia formulate and recommend the CSR policy to the Board and monitor the CSR policy of the  company  from  time  to  time.  These  provisions  also  provide  that  CSR  policy  includes guiding  principles  for  selection,  implementation  and  monitoring  of  activities  as  well  as formulation  of  annual  action  plan  and  the  manner  of  execution  of  such  projects  or programmes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3442 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Gumti of Shaikh Ali  in Defence Colony
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3442

## ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## GUMTI OF SHAIKH ALI IN DEFENCE COLONY

## 3442. SHRI MATHESWARAN V S:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a)

the  reasons  for  not  declaring  Gumti  of  Shaikh  Ali  in  Defence  Colony  as monument of National Importance; (b) the details of the legal basis on which the Defence Colony Welfare association is using the Gumti as office; (c) whether the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken any action against the Defence colony welfare association for using the Gumti as office without any legal basis; and

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

## ANSWER

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

(a)to(d)  The matter is subjudice.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3441 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: State Assessment and Ranking on Rural Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3441 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## STATE ASSESSMENT AND RANKING ON RURAL TOURISM

## 3441. SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken the State Assessment and  Ranking  on  Rural  Tourism  as  mentioned  in  the  National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve digital  infrastructure  in  tea  estates  in  the  State  of  Assam  for tourism  and  the  funds  disbursed  towards  achieving  the  same; and
- (c) the details of the number of familiarisation tours that have been conducted to tea estates in the State of Assam as mentioned in the said Strategy?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM     (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products, including rural tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central  sector  schemes  of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage  Augmentation  Drive  (PRASHAD)'  and  'Assistance  to  Central Agencies  for  Tourism  Infrastructure  Development'  complements  the efforts  of  tourism  infrastructure  development  in  the  country  by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations including the State of Assam.  Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations,  following  a  destination  &  tourist-centric  approach.  The central financial assistance is being extended according to guidelines and  based  on  proposals/detailed  project  reports  received  from  the

States and UT Governments. During the recently concluded 12 th  edition of the International Tourism Mart  held  at  Kaziranga,  Assam  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  organized technical tours and familiarization trips for international participants, domestic buyers and sellers and other tourism stakeholders to various tourist destinations including tea estates of Assam.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3438 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Prevention of Over-Tourism in Sensitive Areas
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3438

## ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## PREVENTION OF OVER-TOURISM IN SENSITIVE AREAS

## 3438. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  engaging  with  indigenous  and  local communities for eco-tourism projects;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  measures  in  place  to  prevent over-tourism in sensitive areas; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d):   Development  and  promotion  of  tourism  in  the  country  is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments (SGs)/Union Territory  Administrations  (UTs).  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  complements the  development  efforts  by  providing  financial  assistance  under  its 'Swadesh Darshan' and 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive  (PRASHAD)' for  development  of  tourism  amenities. This assistance is provided on receipt of project proposals from SGs/UTs in  line  with  the  relevant  scheme guidelines, availability of funds under relevant  schemes  etc.  The  Ministry  has  now  revamped  the ' Swadesh Darshan ' Scheme as ' Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) ' , with the objective to  develop  sustainable  and  responsible  tourism  destinations  in  the country.

The scheme guidelines of Swadesh Darshan emphasis on development of sustainable and responsible tourism at the core of future development and  encourage  adoption  of  principles  of  sustainable  tourism  which encourages  the  State  Governments/UT  Administrations  to  ensure  due consultation  with  local  communities  and  stakeholders  while  preparing the projects for development of destinations. The  Ministry  of  Tourism  is  also  encouraging  the  State  Governments/ Union Territory Administrations to explore the possibilities of promoting alternate destinations in order to decongest existing destinations as a sustainable  tourism  measure.  In  addition,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  has envisaged 'Travel  for  LiFE  (TFL)',  a  program  for  tourism  sector  under ' Mission  LiFE ' ,  to  create  awareness  about  sustainable  tourism  and  to nudge the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices  synchronous  with  nature.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  also formulated 'National Strategy  on Sustainable  Tourism'  and  'National Strategy on EcoTourism' with the vision to position India as a preferred destination  for  sustainable  &  responsible  tourism  and  eco-tourism globally.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3430 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Inclusion of Temples in PRASHAD
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Parimal Suklabaidya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.

## †3430 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## INCLUSION OF TEMPLES IN PRASHAD

## SHRI PARIMAL SUKLABAIDYA:

## †3430 .

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  names  of  the  religious  places  included  under  the  Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme in Assam so far;
- (b) whether the historical Bhuban Tirtha, Maa Kachakhanti Temple and Siddheshwar Temple located in Silchar Parliamentary Constituency have been included under the said Scheme; and
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof and if not, the steps likely to be taken for the inclusion of the said religious places under the said Scheme?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  the  'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive'  (PRASHAD)  provides  financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territories Administrations  for  development  of  tourism  infrastructure  at  identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. Under the scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned a project 'Development of Pilgrimage amenities at Kamakhya Temple' in Assam at the cost of Rs.29.80 Crore.
- (b) & (c): The identification/selection of pilgrimage sites under the PRASHAD scheme is done in synergy with scheme guidelines and in close consultation with the concerned State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.  The  proposals  received  from  the  State  Governments/UT Administrations  are  examined  with  reference  to  the  prescribed  scheme guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

The  Bhuban  Tirtha,  Maa  Kachakhanti  Temple  and  Siddheshwar Temple in Silchar Parliamentary Constituency is not under the consideration of this Ministry.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3428 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Tourism Improvement in Rameshwaram Temple Area
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Navaskani K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3428 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## TOURISM IMPROVEMENT IN RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE AREA

## 3428. SHRI NAVASKANI K:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  any  special  plan  to  improve tourism  in  the  surrounding  areas  of  Rameshwaram  temple  where lakhs of people from all over the country visit every day, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to develop the beautiful beaches in Ramanathapuram district and make them to attract tourist, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  develop  the  historic Dhanushkodi area, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  the  ongoing  schemes  of 'Swadesh  Darshan'  and  'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual  Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' complements the efforts of the State Governments (SGs)/UT Administrations (UTs) by extending financial assistance to SGs/UTs/Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development at various tourism destinations in the country including Tamil Nadu.

The Ministry of Tourism under  the  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  has sanctioned a project under coastal circuit namely  'Development  of (Chennai- Mamamallapuram -Rameshwaram -Manpadu -Kanyakumari)' at the cost of Rs.73.13 Crore.

In  addition,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  issued  guidelines  for  'Challenge Based  Destination  Development  (CBDD)',  a  sub -scheme  under  Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This sub-scheme aims for holistic development of destination to enhance tourist experience and the Ministry has identified 42 destinations under CBDD in the country including 'Rameswaram Island' and 'Thanjavur' in Tamil Nadu.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Disposing of Remains of Puja Materials
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Utkarsh Verma Madhur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † 3426

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## DISPOSING OF REMAINS OF PUJA MATERIALS

## †3426  SHRI  UTKARSH VERMA MADHUR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether people throw the remains or wastes of puja materials in the garbage after puja ceremony and also dump them into the nearby water bodies;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Government  has any plan for disposing of puja materials, remains and ashes so that the religious sentiments of the people are not hurt; and
- (c) whether there is any plan to construct a separate ghat at the bank of rivers and water bodies to immerse  idols, as to prevent contamination of water bodies/rivers and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to  (c):  Yes.    However,  National  Mission  for  Clean  Ganga  issued  directions,  from  time  to time,  to  the  State  Govts./authorities  in  Ganga  basin  States  and  all  other  states,  i nteralia prohibiting immersion of such idols, puja material and other items of religious offering in  water  bodies  like  river,  lakes,  ponds,  wells  etc.  during  festivals  like  Ganesh  Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Deepawali (Lakshmi Puja/ Kali Puja), Chhath Puja (Surya Sasthi), Viswakarma Puja, etc. Many Ghats have been constructed under Namami Gange Programme. However, no separate Ghat has been constructed to immerse idols. Regular public awareness programs have been organized through a volunteer cadre of Ganga Parhari, Ganga Doot, and  Ganga Mitra  to  encourage  behavioral  changes  in  the  public  regarding  the  disposal  of  waste materials,  including  puja  offerings  and  idol  immersion,  along  the  River  Ganga  and  its tributaries. Behavioral change initiatives are also emphasized through the Ganga Task Force (GTF)  in  Uttar  Pradesh,  which  undertakes  activities  such  as  public  awareness  programs, patrolling of sensitive river areas and to monitor Ghats to address polluting practices and promote sustainable behaviour.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3425 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Maithili and Magadhi Languages
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vivek Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3425

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## MAITHILI AND MAGADHI LANGUAGES

## 3425. SHRI VIVEK THAKUR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether  any  proposal  to  declare  Maithili  and  Magadhi  languages  as  classical  languages lying pending with or under consideration before the Government; and
- (b)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) & (b):   There is no proposal currently under consideration to declare Maithili and Magadhi as classical  languages. As  per  the  procedure  established  for  declaring  a  language  as  a Classical Language, a detailed proposal with recommendations from respective State Government  is  required  which  is  placed  before  the  linguistic  expert  committee  to assess the eligibility.

***