opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1760 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Promotion of Energy in Rural Areas
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1760

ANSWERED ON 10.02.2026

## PROMOTION OF RENEWALENERGYIN RURALAREAS

## 1760.THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN:

## Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Union Government is implementing Gram Urja Swaraj scheme for Promoting Renewable Energy in rural areas by adopting renewable energy and using it in their community, reducing carbon emissions and establishing sustainable energy practices in rural areas, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the total number of activities/programmes are being implemented under this scheme in various rural areas and utilized State-wise;

(c) the fund earmarked, released and utilised under such scheme to various States as on date, State-wise; and

(d) whether the incentives being given to gram panchayats for implementing this scheme, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a): Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is not implementing any formal scheme having a budgetary allocation for promoting Renewable Energy in rural areas. The Gram Urja Swaraj is being implemented as an awareness and coordination campaign. Through this campaign, the Ministry seeks to promote awareness in Panchayats on renewable energy adoption. Ministry also supports the existing schemes of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) which is the nodal Ministry for all matters relating to new and renewable energy.

(b) and (c): Do not arise, in view of the above.

(d): Incentivization of Panchayats is one of the components of Centrally Sponsored scheme of revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) of MoPR. Under this scheme, 'National Panchayat Awards' are given to the best performing Panchayats, annually on 24 th April, which is celebrated as the National Panchayati Raj Day to commemorate 73 rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992. As a part of this initiative, awards have been given to PRIs, under 2 special categories including 'Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar' and 'Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar'. The 'Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar' is given to 3 Gram Panchayats (GPs) for their performance regarding

adoption and usage of renewable sources of energy whereas the 'Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar' is given to 3 GPs who have done exemplary work towards achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions similar to Gram Urja Swaraj Puraskar. In 2025, the 'Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar' and the 'Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar' have been merged to form the 'Climate Action Special Panchayat Award' with an aim to encourage Panchayats to act as climate-responsive local governments. The award includes a financial incentive of Rs.1 crore (Rank 1), Rs.75 lakh (Rank 2), and Rs.50 lakh (Rank 3) respectively. The awardees are also presented with specially designed trophies and certificates.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1758 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Handloom Industry
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Dharmendra Yadav, Shri Anand Bhadauria

## HANDLOOM INDUSTRY

## 1758. SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV: SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  handloom  industry  in  the  country,  especially  in  Uttar Pradesh, is  on  the  verge  of  collapse  due  to  cheap  imports  of  goods  produced  by  handloom  industries from countries like China, Bangladesh and Vietnam and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government strictly enforce the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985 to save the handloom industry and handloom weavers in the country; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## उत्तर ANSWER )

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा

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

(a): The Government is implementing various schemes and taking supporting measures to support handloom weavers, promote domestic production and strengthen the sector. In this context, handloom exports from Uttar Pradesh stood at ₹281.5 crore in 2024-25, registering a growth of about 2% (CAGR) from ₹270.4 crore in 2022-23, while, India's imports of handloom products have remained nominal, with an average of about ₹14.1 crore over the last three  years, indicating limited impact of imports on the domestic handloom industry.

(b) & (c): The  Government  of India, Ministry of Textiles is  implementing  the  Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985 for protection of handloom weavers from production of reserved articles under the ibid Act on power looms through various measures including powerloom inspections. The details  of enforcement action taken in last 03  years and current financial  year are as under:

|   S. No. | years   | Total No. of Powerloom Inspected   |   No. of case Filed |
|----------|---------|------------------------------------|---------------------|
|        1 | 2025-26 | 2,05,282                           |                  34 |
|        2 | 2024-25 | 3,97,777                           |                  57 |
|        3 | 2023-24 | 3,84,860                           |                  98 |
|        4 | 2022-23 | 1,88,642                           |                  53 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 1756 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Prevention of Atrocities
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1756 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2026

## PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES

## 1756. DR. MALLU RAVI:

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

- (a) the number of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Telangana during 2023-24 and 2024-25, district-wise data for Nagarkurnool;
- (b) the number of cases in which chargesheets were filed within sixty days, trials completed, and convictions secured;
- (c) the details of conviction rate for such cases in Nagarkurnool compared to the State and National averages; and
- (d) the number of Exclusive Special Courts and Special Public Prosecutors operational for SC/ST cases covering this constituency?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a): National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes year wise statistical data on crimes in its publication 'Crime in India'. The published reports are available till the year 2023. As per the NCRB data for the year 2023, number of cases registered in Telangana under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is 2284 and in Nagarkurnool district is 51.
- (b): As per NCRB data, 1555 charge sheets have been filed in Telangana during 2023 and trials have been completed in 1136 cases.Conviction has been secured in 58 cases during the year 2023.
- (c): As per the information provided by the State of Telengana, no case has been secured for conviction in Nagarkurnool district during the year 2023. As per NCRB data for 2023, conviction rate of the State of Telegana is 4.2% for SCs and 7.7% for STs. Similarly, at National Level, conviction rate for SCs is 31.9% and for STs is 24.6%.
- (d): As per the information received from State of Telengana, no Exclusive Special Courts and Special Public Prosecutors in Nagarkurnool district have been established, however, lInd Additional District Judge Court, Mahabudnagar and additional public prosecutor (APP) at District court Mahabubnagar are there to handle cases under the SC/ST (PoA), Act, 1989.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1755 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Transfer of BSP Land to State Government
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Vijay Baghel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1755

FOR ANSWER ON 10.02.2026

## TRANSFER OF BSP LAND TO STATE GOVERNMENT

1755.  SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  any  urgent  need  to  provide  basic  amenities  to  the  densely populated labour colony like Nevai Basti, Maroda, Tehsil and District Durg (Chhattisgarh) under the  Bhilai  Steel  Plant  (BSP)  jurisdiction  where  population  has

increased at a very fast pace; (b) whether it is essential that the BSP land be transferred to the State Government through the SAIL Board, as in absence of it, the general public is not able to avail the benefits of the ambitious schemes like lease distribution, Prime Minister Housing and basic amenities of life, etc.; and (c) the status of transfer of land of the densely populated colonies like Nevai Basti, Maroda etc. to the Municipal Corporation Risali of Chhattisgarh Government at the

- level of SAIL Board and Government-Administration along with the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(c):  Steel Authority of India Limited/Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL/BSP) has handed over  land  parcel   comprising  290.26  acres  of  land  (located  at  Village  Ruabandha, Maroda, Joratarai,  Purena,  Chhaoni  and  Khursipara)  and  151.46  acres  of  land  at village Newai (Mouhari Baghicha, Station Maroda, Newai (HSCL Colony), Newai Old Basti  and  Newai  Bhata) land  parcel  to  State  Government  of  Chhattisgarh. All necessary formalities have been completed by SAIL towards title transfer of abovementioned land to State Government.

As  per  the  MoUs  signed  between  SAIL/BSP  and  State  Government  of Chhattisgarh,  the  basic  civic  amenities  like  roads,  drinking  water,  electricity  and community toilets under the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) jurisdiction including Nevai Basti, Maroda,  Tehsil  and  District  Durg  are to  be  provided  by  the  local  authority/State Government.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1750 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: India–Iran Trade
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1750 ANSWERED ON 10/02/2026

## INDIA-IRAN TRADE

## 1750. THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND

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

- (a) whether India and Iran share a significant trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching $2 billion in Financial Year 2025-26, driven by key exports and imports and strategic projects like the Chabahar port and the INSTC, if so, the details of items imported and exported between India and Iran;
- (b) whether  India  has  invested  $500  million  in  Chabahar  Port  and  depends  on the International  North-South  Transport  Corridor  links  India  to  Russia  and Europe  via  Iran,  reducing transit  times  and  costs  compared  to  traditional maritime routes and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran by US would adversely affect India's trade equation with Iran and if so, the Government action in this regard?

## 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) During the current financial year (April-December, 2025), India's total merchandise trade with Iran stood at USD 1,145.29 million, comprising exports of USD 883.10 million and imports of USD 262.19 million. India's trade is mostly humanitarian in  nature,  encompassing  agricultural  products  and  pharmaceuticals.  The  details  of India's merchandise imports and exports with Iran, item-wise and value-wise, for the period April-November 2025, may be accessed at the following link:

https://tradestat.commerce.gov.in/meidb/country\_wise\_all\_commodities\_export https://tradestat.commerce.gov.in/meidb/country\_wise\_all\_commodities\_import

- (b)    The  Chabahar  Port  project  was  conceptualized  to  provide  much-needed connectivity to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and economic development and for boosting  trade  and  economic  linkages  with  Central  Asia.An  Indian  company,  India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has been operating the port since 2018. On 13 May 2024, IPGL signed a ten-year contract with the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for equipping and operating the Shahid Beheshti Terminal of Chabahar Port. As per the provisions of the contract, India has fulfilled its commitment of USD 120 million for the procurement of port equipment.
- (c) No such communication has been received.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1749 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Environmental Clearances for SAIL Plants in West Bengal
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Azad Kirti Jha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1749 FOR ANSWER ON 10.02.2026

## ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES FOR SAIL PLANTS IN WEST BENGAL

1749.  SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of environmental clearances for Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) plants in West Bengal including inspections, violations, penalties and  public access to these records;
- (b) the details of technology upgrades using Best Available Technology at SAIL plants serving West Bengal, the timelines and expenditure incurred, especially for Durgapur Steel Plant;
- (c) the steps taken to ensure SAIL has enough raw material for its plants following Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act amendments impacting West Bengal; and
- (d)  the  Government's  role  in  monitoring  SAIL's  environmental  compliance,  project spending and whether independent audits or inspections are publicly accessible?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(c):   Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) plants in West Bengal are presently working  with  valid  Environmental  Clearance  (EC).   The  relevant  statutory  records pertaining to these units are available on PARIVESH portal of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.

At  the  plants  of Steel  Authority  of  India  Limited (SAIL)  serving  West  Bengal, technology upgradation initiatives  based  on Best Available Technology  (BAT) have been undertaken as part of modernisation and capacity augmentation programmes.

SAIL has adequate raw materials for its plants. Further measures to enhance iron ore production have been taken including accelerated exploration & strengthening of mining infrastructure and development of new mining areas.

- (d)       Environmental compliance at the units of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is monitored by regulatory bodies including MoEFCC, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1746 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Vacancies in Ministry of Steel
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Dr. Sharmila Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1746

FOR ANSWER ON 10.02.2026

## VACANCIES IN MINISTRY OF STEEL

1746.  DR. SHARMILA SARKAR:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  number  of  sanctioned  posts  in  position  and  the  number  of vacancies including reserved posts across all categories the Ministry of Steel;
- (b) the details of the number of vacancies in the Ministry and Department, including to reserved posts since 2014, year-wise and category-wise; and
- (c) the details of the number of contractual employees hired since 2014, year-wise and category-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

- (a)   The Sanctioned Strength, in position and number of vacancies including reserved posts across all categories in the Ministry of Steel are as under:-
- (b)   As regards vacancies in the Ministry since 2014, the occurrence and filling up of vacancies in various grades is a continuous process. The vacancies reported by this Ministry  to  the  respective  Cadre  Controlling  Authorities,  are  filled  up  by  them,  in compliance with the Reservation norms/guidelines of Government of India.
- (c)   Contractual employees are engaged in the Ministry from time to time as per the functional requirement.

| Sanctioned Strength   | In Position   | Vacancy   | Persons In Position Category Wise (Reserved posts)   | Persons In Position Category Wise (Reserved posts)   | Persons In Position Category Wise (Reserved posts)   | Persons In Position Category Wise (Reserved posts)   | Persons In Position Category Wise (Reserved posts)   |
|-----------------------|---------------|-----------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
|                       |               |           | OBC                                                  | SC                                                   | ST                                                   | EWS                                                  | PwBD                                                 |
| 244                   | 185           | 59        | 45                                                   | 39                                                   | 11                                                   | 4                                                    | 5                                                    |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1745 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Muthalappozhy Fishing Harbour in Kerala
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1745 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## Muthalappozhy Fishing Harbour in Kerala

## 1745.  Adv. Adoor Prakash :

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of the implementation of the project of Rs. 177 crore approved by the Union Government in November, 2024 for ensuring safety and smooth operation of Muthalappozhy Fishing Harbour in Kerala;
- (b) the details of funds released, utilized and the progress of works till date;
- (c) whether the  Government has noticed  any  delay  in  the  implementation  of  the  approved project while the Government have set a deadline of eighteen months for the implementation of approved project; and
- (d) whether the Government will take urgent measures for the implementation of this project without further delay?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

- (a)  :  The  Department  of  Fisheries,  Ministry  of  Fisheries,  Animal  Husbandry,  and  Dairying, Government of India has accorded administrative approval on 01 st  November, 2024 for Expansion of Muthalapozhy Fishing Harbour at Thiruvananthapuram District in Kerala at an estimated cost of Rs.177 Crore with central share of Rs 106.20 Crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The project is being implemented by the State Government of Kerala.
- (b): During the FY 2025-26, the central funds of Rs 100 Crore in the form of Mother Sanction as per latest guidelines of Ministry of Finance has been released to the State Government of Kerala towards various components/activities approved under PMMSY including Muthalappozhy Fishing Harbour project. The State Government of Kerala has reported utilisation of funds of Rs 8.23 Crores in this project. The physical progress reported is 7.7%.
- (c) and (d): The State Government of Kerala has reported the delay in finalisation of tendering and other  pre-construction  activities  and  stated  that  the  agreement  with  agency  was  executed  on 15.05.2025 and work commenced on 25.05.2025. The State Government of Kerala has stated that the due date of completion of work is 24.11.2026.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1741 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Impact of delay in Sinter Plant Project on BSL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1741 FOR ANSWER ON 10.02.2026

## IMPACT OF DELAY IN SINTER PLANT PROJECT ON BSL

1741.  SHRI DULU MAHATO:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the Sinter Plant project worth Rs. 400 crore awarded in 2019 to Bhilai Engineering Corporation, still remains incomplete, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government acknowledges that the prolonged delay in this project has adversely affected the daily production of Blast Furnace -I, resulting in heavy financial losses to Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL); (c) whether the Government has received any representations regarding this matter and the details of the action in this regard; (d) whether the Government can explain the reasons for such an inordinate delay in completing the project and indicate the authorities accountable for it, if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Government has instituted any effective monitoring mechanism for this
- project and if so, the progress achieved so far; and
- (f) whether the Government will take immediate steps to ensure early completion of this project so as to prevent further losses to BSL?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(f):      The  contract  for  the  Sinter  Plant  project  at  Steel  Authority  of  India Limited/Bokaro Steel Plant (SAIL/BSL) was awarded in 2015. However, progress of the project was adversely affected due to non-performance of a consortium partner responsible for design, engineering and resource deployment; disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, etc. Due to continued poor performance of the defaulting consortium partner, the concerned firm was banned from business dealings, and risk

& cost action was also initiated

SAIL/  BSL was able  to meet the  sinter requirement  for its  current  operating levels  by  carrying  out  by  repair  and  debottlenecking  of  the  existing  Sinter  Plant. SAIL/BSL has awarded the balance works for completion of the main package to new agencies in 2025, execution against which has begun.

For improved execution and monitoring of projects, Digital Project Management Solutions  and  Electronic  Drawing  Management  Systems  have  been  introduced. Government has a structured way of monitoring all projects of SAIL regularly.

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