opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2878 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Rubber Chain Harvesters
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2878

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH 2026

## RUBBER CHAIN HARVESTERS

2878.  SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that in many districts of Bihar, including Buxar,  Kaimur  and  Rohtas,  waterlogging  and  high  humidity  during  paddy  harvesting  are preventing tyre-mounted harvesters from working effectively, leading to delayed harvesting, delayed  wheat  sowing,  and  heat  termination  problems,  thereby  affecting  production  and farmers' income;
- (b) whether  rubber-chain  harvesters  are  more  useful  in  wet  and  muddy  fields  and  can ensure timely harvesting;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to increase the subsidy on rubber-chain harvesters to 710 lakh or more; and
- (d) if so, the current status thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

- (a) to (d):   The Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas belt is a major paddy-growing region in Bihar. As per the information provided by the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, these areas have  the  access  of  canal  water  and  hence  the  large  area  under  paddy  crop  remains waterlogged that affects harvesting, leading to delayed sowing of wheat and heat termination.

Track-type (rubber-chain) combine harvesters operate better in waterlogged fields.  Financial assistance under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is also provided on tracktype (rubber-chain) combine harvesters under the Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) projects. The financial assistance for establishing CHCs is provided to Rural Entrepreneurs (Rural youth and farmer  as  an  entrepreneur),  DAY-NRLM  Self  Help  Groups  (SHGs),  Farmer  Producer Organizations (FPOs), Panchayats, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies/ Cooperative Societies of Farmers (Agriculture/Horticulture/ Makhana etc.) as under:

| Type of combine harvester                                      | Pattern of Assistance   |   Maximum permissible subsidy per machine (Rs. in Lakhs) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| (i) Combine Harvester (Track Type)- <6 feet cutter bar width   | 40%                     |                                                     6.72 |
| (ii) Combine Harvester (Track Type)- > 6 feet cutter bar width | 40%                     |                                                    10    |

*****

O.I.H
Lok Sabha Question No. 2874 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Export Performance to US
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2874 ANSWERED ON 10/03/2026

## EXPORT PERFORMANCE TO US

## 2874.  SHRI ESWARASAMY K:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  a  sector-wise  and  State-wise  assessment  of  export performance to the United States (US) and other major trading partners following the imposition or revision of tariff measures since April 2025, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of product categories where Indian exports currently face tariffs exceeding 20 per cent in major destination markets and the details, where India imposes tariffs exceeding 20 per cent on imports from key trading partners, country and sector-wise; and
- (c) the details of export growth or decline in key sectors such as electronics (including smartphones), pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, engineering goods, solar equipment, metals and auto components, along with the estimated impact on production and employment?

## 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)   The  Government  continues  to  work  with  stakeholders  (Exporters  and  Industry)  to  mitigate  the impact  of  the  US  tariff  measures  on  Indian  exports  through  a  comprehensive  multi-pronged  strategy encompassing  intensive  engagement  with  the  US  Government  for  a  mutually  beneficial  India-US Bilateral  Trade  Agreement,  immediate  relief  through  Trade  relief  measures  of  RBI,  Credit  Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, enhancement of domestic demand through next generation GST reforms, Export Promotion measures such as the new Export Promotion Mission which provide support and assistance to our exporters, pursuing FTAs with new countries and better utilization of existing FTA. It is expected that these measures will also enhance diversification and resilience in India's trade relationships.
- (b)  Country-wise Most Favoured Nation (MFN) applied duty rates may be seen on the WTO Tariff and Trade  Data  portal  at https://ttd.wto.org/en/download/six-digit. Further, product-wise  applied  duties applicable  on  imports  into  and  exports  from  India,  including  the  Trade  Agreements,  are  publicly accessible on the Trade Connect Portal under the 'Tariff Explorer' section at https://www.trade.gov.in/apps/free-trade-agreements
- (c)  During  April-January  (2025-26),  India's  exports  to  the  US  stood  at  $20.86  billion  in  electronics (including  smartphones),  $5.98  billion  in  engineering  goods,  $0.96  billion  in  solar  equipment, $4.83 billion  in  metals  and  equipment,  $2.03  billion  in  auto  components,  $7.25  billion  in  pharmaceuticals, $7.88 billion in textiles, and $4.19 billion in gems and jewellery.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2873 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Projects under PMGSY
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Dr. Bachhav Shobha Dinesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2873 ANSWERED ON 10/03/2026

## PROJECTS UNDER PMGSY

## 2873. Dr. Bachhav Shobha Dinesh:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the fact that projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are assessed and sanctioned on the basis of Census 2011 data, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  continued  reliance  on  outdated  population  and habitation data has resulted in exclusion of deserving districts and habitations from road connectivity, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any district has been accorded special consideration or  exemption  from  the  2011  Census  criteria  for  sanction  of roads; and
- (d) the criteria, norms and guidelines on the basis of which such relaxation was granted?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

- (a) to (d): The  Pradhan  Mantri  Gram  Sadak  Yojana-IV  (PMGSY-IV) was approved by the  Union  Cabinet  on  11th    September  2024    to provide  all  weather  road  connectivity  to  previously  unconnected 25,000 habitations by constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads with  necessary  cross  drainage  and  culvert  with  a  total  financial outlay of ₹70,125 crore (Central share: ₹49,087.50 crore; State share: ₹21,037.50  crore).  To  ensure  objective  selection,  Census  2011 remains the standard benchmark  for population data, though significant relaxations are provided for specific geographies:
- (i) General Areas: Habitations with a population of 500 or more.

(ii) Special Category Areas: A threshold of 250 or more applies to Hill States, North-Eastern Regions, Desert Areas, and Tribal (Schedule V) Areas.

(iii) Aspirational Districts/Blocks: These regions also benefit from the relaxed 250 or more population criteria.

(iv) LWE-Affected Districts: Connectivity is extended to habitations with a population of 100 or more as identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The scheme further prioritises social inclusion through convergence with Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) for ST-dominated habitations and PM-Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) for SC-concentrated areas.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2871 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Montha Cyclone
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2871

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

MONTHA CYCLONE

2871.     SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government has assessed loss suffered by the State of Andhra Pradesh due to Montha Cyclone recently;
- (b)  whether  the  Union  Government  sent  its  Central  Team  to  assess  the damage  caused  to  agriculture,  roads  and  buildings,  aqua  sector,  power, irrigation, etc.;
- (c) if so, whether the Central Team submitted its Report to the Government; and

(d) if so, the recommendations made by the team and action taken by the Government so far on the recommendations?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (d): As per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the primary  responsibility  for  disaster  management,  including  assessment  of damages on ground level, rests with the State Governments concerned. The State  Governments  undertake  relief  measures  in  the  wake  of  natural calamities, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) already placed at their  disposal,  in accordance with Government of India approved items and

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2871 FOR 10.03.2026

norms.   The  Central  Government  supplements  the  efforts  of  the  State Governments and provides requisite logistics and financial support. Additional financial assistance is provided from National Disaster Response Fund  (NDRF),  as  per  laid  down  procedure,  in  case of  disaster  of  'severe nature',  which  includes  an  assessment  based  on  the  visit  of  an  Inter -Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

In wake of Cyclone 'Montha' during 2025 in Andhra Pradesh, an IMCT was constituted  by  the  Central  Government  for  on  the  spot  assessment  of damages, without waiting for the Memorandum from the State Government. The IMCT visited the affected areas in the State during 10 th  to 11 th  November, 2025. Based on the report of the IMCT, an additional financial assistance from NDRF is considered as per established procedure.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2870 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Impact on Animal Feed
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Smt. Mala Roy

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

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2870 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  March, 2026

## IMPACT ON ANIMAL FEED

2870. SMT. MALA ROY:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the Government has given permission to import of animal feed Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and other grains from USA and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the details of impact on our Indian animal feed manufacture?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b):  As per information by the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and the United States announced a trade deal on 2 nd February, 2026. A joint statement for the same was released on 7 th February, 2026.

In  the  backdrop  of  growing  demand  for  animal  feed  in  the  country,  animal  feed  Dried Distillers  Grains  with  Solubles  (DDGS)  has  been  considered  for  tariff  concession  within  a quota i.e. with tariff concession limited to a quantity due to which there is no adverse impact on the market for domestically grown feed crops.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2866 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Atul Garg

## AMENDED TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION FUND SCHEME

## 2866. SHRI ATUL GARG:

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

(a) the details regarding implementations status of the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) in the textile units of Uttar Pradesh;

(b) the details regarding the subsidy claims settled and pending by the units in Ghaziabad;

- (c)  the  details  regarding  measures  taken  to  simplify  the  procedure  for  availing  the  benefits  under  the scheme;
- (d)  the  details  regarding  impact  of  the  scheme  on  the  modernization  and  productivity  of  the  textile industry in the State; and
- (e)  the  details  regarding  Government's  plan  to  continue  the  technology  support  beyond  the  current scheme period?

## उत्तर ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

- (a): A total of Rs. 61.84 crores have been released as eligible subsidy to 317 units located in Uttar Pradesh under the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS).

(b): A total of Rs. 4.40 crores have been released as eligible subsidy to 39 units located in Ghaziabad under the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS).

- (c): Government  has  undertaken  several  measures  to  simplify  the  procedure  for  availing  benefits under  ATUFS  such  as  auto-generation  of  Unique  Identification  Numbers  (UIDs),  relaxation  in  the requirement of enlistment of machinery manufacturers prior to applying for Joint Inspection, delegation of financial powers to various levels for expeditious settlement of claims, and online tracking of claim settlement through iTUFS Portal.
- (d): As per an Impact Assessment Study conducted through the NITI Aayog more than six lakh highend/modern  technology  machines  have  been  installed across the country  and  more  than  90% beneficiaries (among those studied) opined that TUFS enhanced the overall productivity, whereas more than 85% opined that TUFS helped significantly in improving the product quality.
- (e): The validity of ATUFS scheme expired on 31.3.2022 and currently only committed liabilities are being cleared under the scheme.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2863 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: SAMARTH Scheme in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri C N Annadurai, Shri Selvam G

## SAMARTH SCHEME IN TAMIL NADU

## 2863. SHRI C N ANNADURAI: SHRI SELVAM G:

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

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building  in  Textile  Sector)  in  Tamil  Nadu,  particularly  in  Tiruvannamalai  districts,  which  have significant handloom, silk and textile worker;
- (b) the details regarding number of candidates enrolled, trained and certified under SAMARTH in these districts during the last three financial years, along with placement and self-employment outcomes;
- (c) the details regarding funds allocated, released and utilised for SAMARTH training programmes in Tamil Nadu, especially in Tiruvannamalai district during the last three years; and
- (d) the details regarding steps being taken by the Government to strengthen market linkages, modernise skills and ensure sustainable employment opportunities for trained youth and artisans under the scheme?

## उत्तर

ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a) & (b): Samarth  (Scheme  for  Capacity  Building  in  Textiles  Sector)  of  Ministry  of  Textiles provides  demand  driven,  placement-oriented  skilling  programmes  to  supplement  the  efforts  of  the industry  in  creating  jobs  in  the  organized  textile  sectors,  covering  the  entire  value  chain  of  textiles, excluding  Spinning  and  Weaving,  on  pan  India  basis.  Under  the  Scheme,  A  total  of  1,07,004 beneficiaries have been trained (passed) & 91,475 beneficiaries have been placed in the State of Tamil Nadu. However, during the last three financial years (2022-23 to 2024-25) 900 beneficiaries have been trained (passed) and 646 beneficiaries have been placed in Tiruvannamalai district.

- (c): There is no state/district wise allocation of funds under the Samarth Scheme.
- (d): The scheme focuses on demand-driven, placement-oriented training to connect youth and artisans with real industry opportunities. Skills are modernized through updated curricula, hands-on training, and certifications across the textile value chain except spinning and weaving and new technologies skilling are promoted to make artisans globally competitive .

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2861 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Women Employment Under SAMARTH 2.0
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2861 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2026

## WOMEN EMPLOYMENT UNDER SAMARTH 2.0

## 2861. DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  enhance  financial  and  marketing  support  to  handloom  and handicraft workers in view of increasing input costs and declining artisan incomes;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, particularly with reference to States such as Uttar Pradesh; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## उत्तर

ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

- (a) to (c): Ministry  of  Textiles  supports  handloom  and  handicraft  workers  across  the  country, including Uttar Pradesh, through various schemes and initiatives which includes:
- (i)  National  Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) Scheme  in  the  handloom  sector  under  which,  financial  assistance  is  provided  to  eligible  handloom agencies  and  workers  for  raw  materials,  upgraded  looms  and  accessories,  solar  lighting,  workshed construction, product diversification, common infrastructure, branding through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and GI tag, e-commerce, domestic and overseas marketing, concessional loans under Weavers' MUDRA Scheme, and social security.
- (ii)   Marketing  Support  &  Services  (MSS)  component  of  NHDP  in  handicraft  sector  under  which Domestic  and  International  Marketing  Events  are  organised  for  artisans.  Financial  assistance  covers space rent, publicity, infrastructure, and TA/DA/Freight charges. For Uttar Pradesh, 72 MSS events, 01 International Marketing Event (RBSM, Moradabad), and 72 CDAP programmes have been sanctioned with a total fund of approx. ₹8.81 Crore during FY 2025-26.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2853 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Swasthya Melas Organised by SAIL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2853

FOR ANSWER ON 10.03.2026

## SWASTHYA MELAS ORGANISED BY SAIL

2853.  SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other undertakings under the  Ministry  of  Steel  spends  money  to  organise  Swasthya  Melas,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) the names of the locations where Swasthya Melas have been organised by SAIL and other undertakings under the said Ministry during the last three years, date-wise and location-wise; and
- (c) the details of the amount spend by SAIL and other undertakings under the said Ministry during the above period, date-wise and location-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a)to(c):     As per provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, companies are mandated to  spend  at  least  two  per  cent  of  average  net  profit  of  three  immediate  preceding financial years towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Steel CPSEs including Steel  Authority  of  India  Limited  (SAIL)  organize Health  Camps  under  their  CSR initiatives focusing on social, environmental, and economic development of the people living in the periphery of plants/mines. In the last three years, total amount spent by steel CPSEs' under Ministry of Steel in CSR is ₹ 846 crore, of which ₹462 crore was spent by SAIL.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Shortage of Foodgrain Capacity
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2850

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  MARCH, 2026

## Shortage of Foodgrain Capacity

## 2850. Shri Jai Prakash:

Will the Minister of COOPERATION ( सहकारिता मंत्री) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that in order to address the shortage of foodgrains capacity in the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the Government has taken an initiative to make the country world's largest grain storage in cooperative sector and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a) to (b): In order to address the shortage of storage capacity for food grains in the country and creation of decentralised scientific grain storage infrastructure, the Government, on 31st May, 2023, has approved the Plan for the 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector', which has been rolled out as a Pilot Project. The Plan entails creation of various agri infrastructure including godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. at PACS/ other cooperative societies level through convergence of various existing schemes of the Government of India (GoI),  such  as,  Agriculture  Infrastructure  Fund  (AIF),  Agricultural  Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), Pradhan  Mantri  Formalization  of  Micro  Food  Processing  Enterprises  Scheme (PMFME), etc.  Under the pilot project, construction of godowns in 11 PACS of 11 States has been completed.

So far, construction of godowns has been completed in 120 PACS across the country (Pilot Phase I - 11, Rajasthan - 90, Maharashtra - 15, Gujarat - 4) creating a total storage capacity of 72,702 MT.

Additionally, agencies such as Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Agricultural Cooperative  Marketing  Federation  of  India  Ltd.  (NAFED),  National  Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) and State Warehousing Corporations

(SWCs) have identified 378 districts/ location across the country as per their storage requirement and States/UTs concerned have been requested for further identification of land in PACS and other Cooperative Societies.

Further,  Food  Corporation  of  India  (FCI)  has  agreed  to  provide  uniform  hiring assurance for 9 years to PACS/ other cooperative societies godowns under the Plan. The following progress has been made:

- In Phase I, FCI has identified 216 potential locations for hiring of godowns of 2500 MT and above (1671 MT and above for North Eastern and Hilly areas)
- About  26.03  LMT  Storage  requirement  has  been  mapped  by  FCI  in  216 potential locations in 18 States /UTs.

In order to broaden implementation capacity and scale, the Plan has been expanded beyond  PACS  to  include  all  Cooperative  Societies,  Cooperative  Federations,  and Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS).

****