opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1733 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Status of Construction Cess
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Shyamkumar Daulat Barve

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1733 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION CESS

1733. SHRI SHYAMKUMAR DAULAT BARVE:

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

- (a)whether it is a fact that the State Governments have raised thousands of  crores  for  welfare  of  urban  labourers  through  construction  cess paid by home buyers, but only a fraction of that amount has been spent for the benefits of daily wage earners;
- (b)whether BOCWWB has collected Rs. 1,17,507.22 crore cess for the welfare  of  BOC  workers  till  December  2024  and  if  so,  the  details thereof, State-wise;
- (c)whether BOCWWB has spent Rs. 70,744 crores out of the aforesaid collected cess and if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the unspent amount so far; and
- (d)whether it is true that the total accumulated building cess in the last 19  years  in  Maharashtra  is  Rs.  19,489.25  crores,  if  so,  the  details thereof, district-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Building  and  Other  Construction  Workers'  Welfare Cess Act, 1996 [BOCW Act, 1996] provides for levy and collection of cess at such rate not exceeding two per cent but not less than one per cent of the cost of construction incurred by an employer, as the Central Government may notify. At present cess is levied at the rate of 1% of the cost of construction.

The cess is collected and utilized by the respective State BOCW  Welfare  Boards.  The  updated  data  on  the  same  is  also maintained by the respective Boards.

The  cess  is  collected  by  the  State  Governments/Union Territory Administrations and utilized for the welfare of the building and  other  construction  workers  by  the  State  Building  and  Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards. The Boards are empowered to incur expenditure from the cess fund.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1731 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Generating 37 Lakh Green Jobs
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Smt. Anita Subhadarshini

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1731

## ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## GENERATING 37 LAKH GREEN JOBS

1731.  SMT. ANITA SUBHADARSHINI:

SHRI MAHESH KASHYAP:

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

(a) whether  the  Government  has  plan  to  achieve  the  target  of  generating  37  lakh green jobs in the country by the year 2030 and if so, the details thereof;

- (b) the details on the types of green jobs that are being targeted and the plans made by the Government to achieve this ambitious target;
- (c) whether  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY)  4.0  aligning  its training  modules  with  the  growing  demand  for  sustainable  practices  and  green technologies; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN:

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a)  and  (b)  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has not fixed any such target.

(c)  and  (d)  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  4.0  has  focused  on  introducing courses relevant to emerging technology and Industry 4.0, such as AI, robotics, green hydrogen, environmental sustainability, mechatronics, IoT, 3D printing, drone technology,  etc.  Till  date,  National  Council  for  Vocational  Education  and  Training (NCVET) has approved around 540 futuristic job roles in various sector including green sector. Presently, there are 57 job roles, approved by NCVET, on sustainable practices and Green Tech.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1729 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Building Cess Collection
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1729

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## BUILDING CESS COLLECTION

1729. SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

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

- (a)whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  implementation  of  the  new  labour codes  could  lead  to  a  fall  in  building  cess  collection,  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (b)whether it is also true that this will specifically affect the welfare activities of institutions like Kerala Building Construction Welfare Board, etc.;
- (c)whether this issue was discussed in the recently held State Labour Ministers and Secretaries meeting in Delhi; and (d)if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (d): The  Building  and  Other  Construction  Workers'  Welfare Cess Act, 1996, inter alia, provides for levy and collection of cess at such rate not exceeding two per cent but not less than one per cent of the cost of construction incurred by an employer, as the Central Government may notify. The provisions of Act, including levy of cess, have been subsumed in the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The utilization of cess fund as per the mandate of the Act was  also  discussed  in  the  meeting  of  State  Labour  Ministers  and Secretaries held in Delhi during 29 th  to 30 th  January, 2025.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1728 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: FDI in Insurance Sector
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1728

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 10 MARCH, 2025/PHALGUNA 19, 1946 (SAKA)

## FDI in Insurance Sector

1728. Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the decision of the Government to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance sector from 74% to 100% has been announced and the manner in which this move will safeguard the interests of domestic consumers and ensure that foreign investors do not dominate the sector;
- (b) the manner in which the Government plan to ensure that the increase in FDI will not result in  reduced  market  competition  or  put  domestic  insurance  companies  at  a  disadvantage, particularly smaller, Indian-owned players;
- (c) the measures put in place to prevent undue foreign influence on insurance policy formulation and  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  ensure  that  country's  interests  remain  at  the forefront of the sector's development; and
- (d) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  the  increased  foreign investment do not lead to a rise in premiums or reduced accessibility of insurance products for the common people, particularly in rural and underserved areas?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): In the Budget 2025, announcement has been made to increase the FDI limit for the insurance sector from 74 to 100 per cent.  This enhanced limit will be available to those companies which invest their entire premium in India. The Government aims to unlock the full potential of the Indian insurance sector, which is projected to grow at 7.1% annually over the next five years, outpacing global and emerging market growth. Raising limit of FDI in insurance sector to 100% will  help  in  attracting  stable  and  sustainable  investment  and facilitate  technology  transfer and improve insurance penetration across India. Increased FDI will complement domestic initiatives and drive inclusive growth. This will increase the number of insurers in the country resulting in greater competition which in turn would lead to a more structured and balanced approach to premium pricing.

Insurance  Regulatory  and  Development  Authority  of  India  (IRDAI)  is  the  sector  regulator established  under  IRDA  Act,  to  protect  the  interests  of  holders  of  insurance  policies,  and  to regulate,  promote  and  ensure  orderly  growth  of  the  insurance  industry.  The  IRDAI  issues regulatory directives for the insurance industry based on the evolving landscape, following an industry-wide consultation process. Regulatory oversight by the IRDAI will ensure that the sector operates in the best interest of the citizens
Lok Sabha Question No. 1726 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: National Library Mission
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†1726 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## NATIONAL LIBRARY MISSION

## † 1726. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- a) whether  the  Government  plans  to  provide  financial  assistance  to  the  State Central Library and District Library in every State and Union Territory of the country under the National Library Mission;
- b) if so, the details thereof;
- c) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  digitize  libraries  across  the country; and
- d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  number  of  such  libraries  that  are planned to be digitized?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b)  Yes,  financial  assistance  is  provided  under  National  Mission  on  Libraries (NML) Scheme. An amount of Rs.4822.16 lakh (Central + State share) stands released under  the  Mission  from  2014-15  to  February  2025,  out  of  which  Central  share amounts to Rs.3860.25 lakh.

(c)  &  (d)  Digitization  of  Seven  Libraries  under  jurisdiction  of  this  Ministry  is  a continuous process. Indian Culture Portal (https://indianculture.gov.in/ ) is already in place as a repository of digitized documents. Digitization may include use of software for Library Management Services, issuing of smart cards for issuing/receipt of books, digitization  of  Copyright  Free  Manuscripts,  Rare  Books,  Rare  Documents,  Old Journals, Record of History and other Materials.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1720 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Current Tax Exemption Framework
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1720

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025/PHALGUNA 19, 1946 (SAKA)

## CURRENT TAX EXEMPTION FRAMEWORK

## 1720. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any assessments to identify gaps in the current tax exemption framework, if so, the steps being taken to address the same; and
- (b) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  plans  to  balance  the  provision  of  tax  benefits  for corporations with the need  to enhance  disposable  income  for  individual taxpayers particularly the middle class?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b)  It  is  the  stated  policy  of  the  Government  to  remove  exemptions,  deductions  and incentives while at the same time reduce the rates of income-tax applicable to corporates and individuals.

In line with the stated policy above, -

-  The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019, inter-alia , inserted section 115BAA in the Act  to  provide  an  option  for  existing  domestic  companies  to  pay  income-tax  at concessional rate of 22% subject to certain conditions including the condition that they do not avail any specified deductions or incentives.
-  Finance Act, 2020, inter-alia, introduced the new tax regime under section 115BAC of the Act, wherein individual and HUF had an option to pay income-tax at the lower slab rates  subject  to  certain  conditions  including  that  they  do  not  avail  specified  tax exemptions or deductions.  The said regime was improved to reduce the tax liability and extended to certain other persons vide Finance Act, 2023.
-  Finance Act, 2020, inter-alia , abolished Dividend Distribution tax paid by corporates at the rate of 15% thereby relieving them of this tax liability. Now, dividend is taxed in the hands of shareholders at the applicable slab rates leaving more income in the hands of individual taxpayers whose income is chargeable to tax at lower slab rates.

Further,  to  enhance  disposable  income  for  individual  taxpayers  particularly  the  middle  class, Finance Bill, 2025 has proposed to revise the tax rate structure in the new tax regime which will substantially reduce the tax liability of the middle class and leave more money in their hands.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1714 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Promotion of Research in Indian Archaeology and Ancient Scripts
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † 1714

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## PROMOTION OF RESEARCH IN INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANCIENT SCRIPTS

## † 1714. SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

## Will the Minister of CULTUREbe pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  plans  to  collaborate  with  State  Governments  to  organize competitions  or  initiatives  to  enhance  research  on  India's  ancient  history  and  scripts, particularly  focusing  on  Maharashtra's  archaeological  sites,  such  as  the  Harappan-era settlement in Daimabad;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  such  initiatives,  including  funding,  institutional  collaborations,  and public  engagement  and  whether  similar  research  efforts  are  planned  for  Maharashtra, particularly in historically significant regions like Sangli, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is taking steps to incentivize research and innovation in Indian archaeology  and  ancient  languages,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether the Government plans to establish a national research grant or challenge fund to support scholars, linguists and technology experts in deciphering ancient scripts, particularly in States like Maharashtra, which has a strong tradition of historical research and conservation?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carries out exploration, excavation and study of  archaeological  remains  all  over  the  country.  At  present  there  is  no  such  proposal  to organise such competitions.
- (c)  &(d) The Indian Institute of Heritage has recently created department of Archaeology and Paleography,  Epigraphy  &  Numismatics  and  offering  Post  Graduate  Degree  in  it.  Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology by PanditDeendayalUpadhyayaInstitute of Archaeology (PDUIA), ASI also includes Epigraphy as one of the paper.

Besides, PDUIA also conducts short term training programme in Epigraphy and Numismatics for in-service personals.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1712 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Protection of Culture Rights
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1712

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## Protection of Culture Rights

## 1712.  SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  ensuring  that  the  cultural  rights  of minorities,  indigenous  communities  and  marginalized  groups  are  protected under the law;
- (b)  the manner in which the Government is ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights for artists, performers, and creators of traditional knowledge and folklore;
- (c) the details of the initiatives that are in place to protect and promote indigenous languages, particularly those at risk of extinction and the manner in which these are being funded;
- (d)  the details of the steps being taken by the Government to address the issue of cultural appropriation, especially when traditional elements of Indian culture are commercialized without due credit or respect for their origins; and
- (e)  the manner in which the Government balance the protection of cultural heritage with the demand for economic development, particularly in areas where culture may be at risk of exploitation?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e); Govt. of India, Ministry of Culture works for preservation andconservation of cultural  heritage  and  promotion  of  tangible  and  intangible  art  and  culture  through  its attached, subordinate and autonomous organizations. The Government provides equal opportunities for all artists across the country in the field of art & culture.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken various steps to conserve, promote and protect the indigenous tribal languages, culture, tradition and customs. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes 'Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)' and Central Sector Scheme  'Tribal Research, Information, Education, Communication and Events (TRI-ECE)' under which  100% funds are sanctioned for various activities undertaken by Tribal Research Institutes and Research Organizations/ NGOs/ Universities/ State Governments/ PSUs. The objective of these schemes inter alia includes preservation, protection, conservation and promotion of the socio-cultural  heritage  of  tribal  communities,  including  tribal  languages,  customs and traditions and other tangible and intangible heritage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1711 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Welfare Measures in Budget 2025-26
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Smt. Pratima Mondal

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

## LOK SABHA

## UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 1711

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 10 th  MARCH, 2025 PHALGUNA 19, 1946 (SAKA)

## Welfare Measures in Budget 2025-26

## 1711. Smt. Pratima Mondal:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Budget  for  2025-26  favours  Bihar  with  multiple  financial commitment disproportionately, if so, the manner in which the Government is ensuring equitable development across States;
- (b)  the  reasons  for  critical  provisions  like  school  breakfasts,  milk  for  students  and increased honorariums for Anganwadi workers are omitted in the Budget;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  include  these  essential  welfare  measures  as recommended by the Ministries of Education and Women & Child Development; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a to d): The Union Budget 2025-26 was prepared based on development priorities and catering  the  needs  of  Stakeholders.  As  part  of  pre-budget  consultations,  suggestions were  received  from  various  Stakeholders  such  as  State  Governments,  Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, etc. Considering the suggestions, the allocations in  the  Union  Budget  2025-26  have  been  made.  The  Budget  allocation  for  various schemes under different Ministries/Departments is  available in Expenditure Budget at https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1710 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Gyan Bharat Mission
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1710

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 TH  MARCH, 2025

## GYAN BHARAT MISSION

## 1710.  SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether  it  is  a  fact  that  Gyan  Bharat  Mission  will  cover  more  than  one  crore manuscripts;
- (b) If so, the details thereof;
- (c) Whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  steps  in  deciphering  the  scripts  of  the Indus Valley Civilization for everyone to understand;
- (d) If so, the details thereof; and
- (e) Whether the Government is aware that the State Government of Tamil Nadu is putting a lot of efforts for decoding Indus Valley Scripts?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b):  Yes, the Gyan Bharatam Mission is an initiative under the Ministry of Culture that seeks to document, digitize, and preserve India's vast manuscript heritage. It aims to cover more than one crore manuscripts across the country. The mission includes  a  comprehensive  survey,  registration,  conservation,  and  digitization  of manuscripts housed in various institutions, libraries, and private collections.
- (c)  &  (d)  Ministry  of  Culture  through  the  Indira  Gandhi  National  Centre  for  the  Arts (IGNCA)  has  taken  some  initiatives  towards  deciphering  the  Indus  Script  and exploring  its  connections  to  other  ancient  scripts.  The  activities  to  promote research  into  deciphering  the  Indus  Script,  include  organizing  seminars  and publishing  relevant  works  etc.  Prime  objective  of  the  Epigraphy  Branch  of  the ASI is also to study ancient scripts and advancing research in this area.
- (e)   Ministry of Culture appreciates and encourages regional initiatives that contribute to national and global knowledge.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1708 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-10
Subject: Death of Leopards in Road Accidents
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Lumbaram Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1708

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2025

## Death of Leopards in Road Accidents

## 1708.   SHRI LUMBA RAM CHAUDHARY:

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

- (a) the  number  of  leopards  died  in  road  accidents  at  the  tunnel  situated  at  Pindwara Vyawar Fourlane of Sirohi district in Rajasthan forest area during the last three years, year and district wise along with the details of action taken against the drivers found guilty of such accidents;
- (b) the number and details of the places identified at Pindwara Vyawar Fourlane where leopard and other wild animals cross the road to go to otherside;
- (c) whether the forest department has devised any concrete plan to safeguard the wild animals from road accidents during night at the tunnel situated on Pindwara Vyawar Fourlane; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) and (b)  As  informed  by  the  State  Government  of  Rajasthan,  leopard  deaths  on  the Pindwara-Beawar Highway in the last three years have occurred near Baharighata Hanumanji Bridge, Baharighata Hanumanji Temple, Sirohi Tunnel and opposite Sirohi  Law  College.  First  Information  Reports  have  been  registered  for  further investigations into the incidents. The details of the deaths of leopards in the last three years on the Pindwara Beawar  road in Sirohi District are as follows:-
- (c) and (d)  The State Government of Rajasthan has collaborated with the National Highways Authority of India for the development of a mitigation plan aimed at preventing deaths of wild animals due to road accidents .

|   Year |   Number of leopard deaths |
|--------|----------------------------|
|   2022 |                          0 |
|   2023 |                          1 |
|   2024 |                          3 |

*****