opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1169 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Establishing Benches of Supreme Court in Southern States
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1169 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 06 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## Establishing Benches of Supreme Court in Southern States

## 1169. Shri Ve Vaithilingam:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  examined  the  feasibility  of  establishing permanent benches of the Supreme Court of India in southern States and Union Territories,  including  Tamil  Nadu,  Kerala,  Karnataka,  Andhra  Pradesh  and Puducherry, for improving access to justice and reducing hardships to litigants;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  consultations  held  by  the  Government  with  the Supreme Court, High Courts concerned Bar Councils and advocates' associations on the above proposal; and
- (c) the  measures  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  for  evaluating regional case-load, logistical requirements and legal steps for placing a reasoned proposal before the competent authorities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (c): Article 130 of the Constitution of India provides that the Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.

The Eleventh Law Commission in its 125 th  Report titled 'The Supreme Court  - A  Fresh  Look',  submitted  in  1988,  reiterated  the  recommendations made by Tenth Law Commission in its 95 th  Report for splitting the Supreme Court  into  two  namely  (i)  Constitutional  Court  at  Delhi  and  (ii)  Court  of appeal or Federal Court sitting in North, South, East, West and Central India. The Eighteenth Law Commission in its 229 th  Report had also suggested that a Constitutional Bench be set up at Delhi and four Cassation Benches be set up in  the  Northern  region  at  Delhi,  Southern  region  at  Chennai/Hyderabad, Eastern region at Kolkata and Western region at Mumbai.

The matter was referred to the Chief Justice of India, who has informed that after consideration of the matter, the Full Court in its meeting held on 18 th February, 2010, found no justification for setting up of benches of the Supreme Court outside Delhi.

In Writ Petition WP(C) No. 36/2016 on establishment of National Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 13.07.2016 deemed it proper to refer the aforementioned issue to Constitutional Bench for authoritative pronouncement. The matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1159 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Female Workers with ECR  Category Passport
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms. Mahua Moitra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1159

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## FEMALE WORKERS WITH ECR CATEGORY PASSPORT

1159. MS. MAHUA MOITRA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is true that only state-run recruiting agencies are authorized to hire Indian female workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) category passports for overseas employment to ECR notified countries, if so, the details thereof;

(b)   whether   the   Government   is   aware   that   such   a   policy   restricts opportunities for women compared to their male counterparts, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is true that there is a minimum age criteria of 30 years for female workers with ECR category passports for overseas employment but similar restriction does not apply to male workers;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government is aware that such discriminatory policies violate fundamental rights of equality, non-discrimination, etc?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) & (e) The Government attaches high priority to the safety, security and well-being of  Indian nationals, especially Indian women, in foreign countries. Recruitment of Indian female ECR category workers is regulated through the provisions of Emigration Act, 1983 in view of their vulnerability based   on   complaints   received   from   Indian   female   workers.   On   the recommendation of the National Commission for Women, a ban was imposed on grant of emigration clearance to women holding ECR passport below the age thirty (30) years for all kind of employment in any ECR country. Incidents of confinement, abandonment of domestic workers by their sponsors have also been reported. The restriction imposed by the Government of India in 2016 restricting the recruitment of Indian female ECR category workers for employment in ECR countries through state-run RAs only is to ensure informed, safe and legal emigration with proper documentation, thereby safeguarding their welfare and preventing exploitation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1154 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Invitation to US President
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1154

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## INVITATION TO US PRESIDENT

1154.  THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that Prime Minister of India has extended any invitation to the US President to visit India, as per the recent press statement issued by the US President;

(b) is so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any response has been received from the US President on the invitation; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d) During his visit to the United States of America in February 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended an invitation to President Donald J. Trump to visit India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 100 (STARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Proposal for Upgradation of Chharra Airfield
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. : 100

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  5th February 2026 )

## PROPOSAL FOR UPGRADATION OF CHHARRA AIRFIELD

## 100.    SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  State  Government  of  West  Bengal  has  submitted  any  proposal  for upgrading the World War II-era Chharra Airfield in Purulia district into a commercial airport and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) if not, whether the absence of such a proposal has delayed further action in this regard;
- (c)  whether  any  feasibility  study,  technical  assessment  or  Detailed  Project  Report (DPR) has been carried out for the said airfield and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  lack  of  requisite  inputs  or  approvals  from  the  State  Government  has adversely affected its progress and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is involved in the planning process and  its  role  is  presently  constrained  due  to  decisions  pending  from  the  State Government and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether any proposal has been received from the State Government of West Bengal in this regard, if so, the current status thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION                               (Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu)

- (a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (F) IN RESPECT OF LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  100  FOR  ANSWER  ON  05.02.2026 REGARDING "PROPOSAL FOR UPGRADATION OF CHHARRA AIRFIELD" BY SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO

(a) to (f): On the request of the State Government of West Bengal, Airports Authority of  India  (AAI)  carried  out  a  Pre-feasibility  study  in  2023  for  development  and upgradation  of  existing  airfield  at  Chharra  and  submitted  the  report  to  the  State Government. No proposal for the development of this airstrip has so far been received from the Government of West Bengal.
Lok Sabha Question No. 83 (STARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Financial Assistance to Telangana for Greenfield Developments
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 83 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TELANGANA FOR GREENFIELD DEVELOPMENTS

83.    SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Government  is  aware  that  the  State  Government  of Telangana has proposed to extend the growth of Hyderabad city beyond the Outer  Ring  Road  (ORR)  by  opening  up  new  areas  for  the  development  of integrated  townships,  residential  and  industrial  clusters  and  other  thematic hubs and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether it is also true the said State Government is planning to develop ten new greenfield developments along metro-corridor radial roads connecting the  ORR  to  the  proposed  Regional  Ring  Road  (RRR)  and  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (c) whether the said State Government has requested financial assistance of Rs. 45,000 crore for the said initiatives and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) to (c)        A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 83 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026 ASKED BY SHRI EATALA RAJENDER REGARDING 'FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TELANGANA FOR GREENFIELD DEVELOPMENTS'. (a)  and  (b)  The  Government  in  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  &  Highways  is primarily  responsible  for  development  and  maintenance  of  the  National Highways (NHs). The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Development of  Northern side of Regional  Ring  Road  for  Hyderabad  city  having  length  of  about  162  km  has been prepared. For  this  project,  the  Government  of  Telangana  has  conveyed  their consent for sharing 50% of the land acquisition cost. In addition to this, the State Government has also agreed for granting the exemption from royalty on extraction of minor minerals and reimbursement of State portion of Goods and Service Tax (GST). Decision  for  project  investment  and  implementation  is  taken  based  on the outcome of DPR, traffic density and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. (c)      The  development  of  Highways  infrastructure  is  a  continuous  process. For development of State roads, financial assistance is provided under Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) subject to accrual as per applicable guidelines thereon. The accrual under CRIF for the current Financial Year for the State of Telangana is Rs. 367.17  crore.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 82 (STARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass in Ernakulam
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 82

## ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## ANGAMALY-KUNDANNOOR BYPASS IN ERNAKULAM

## 82.    SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  current  stage  of  planning  and  approvals  of  the  proposed  AngamalyKundannoor  Bypass  in  Ernakulam  district  including  progress  in  feasibility studies,  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  preparation  and  identification  of  the final alignment;
- (b) whether the Government has taken a decision on the mode of execution of the said bypass project and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is proposed to be taken up under Engineering, Procurement and Construction  (EPC),  Hybrid  Annuity  Mode  (HAM)  or  any  other  model  and  the rationale behind the choice;
- (d)  whether any indecision or change in the proposed implementation model has led to delays in initiating land acquisition proceedings, obtaining statutory/environmental  clearances  or  inviting  bids  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (e)  whether  the  project  is  proposed  to  be  funded  entirely  through  National Highways  Authority  of  India  (NHAI)  resources  or  through  a  public-private participation framework and if so, the details thereof along with the tentative cost assessment under the proposed structure?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) to (e)        A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 82 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026 ASKED BY SHRI  BENNY  BEHANAN  REGARDING  ANGAMALY-KUNDANNOOR  BYPASS  IN ERNAKULAM. (a) Government  in  Ministry  of  Road  Transport  &  Highways  undertakes feasibility Study/Detailed Project Report (DPR) for improvement/widening/construction of National Highways  in the country including  in  the  State  of  Kerala.  Decision  for  project  implementation  and investment is taken based on the outcome of DPR, requirement of connectivity, traffic density and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The work for preparation of DPR for the project having tentative length of 50 km from Angamaly to Aroor to bypass Angamaly - Edappally section of NH-544 and Edappally to Kundanoor/ Aroor has been awarded. The project is at pre-alignment approval stage. (b) to (e) Mode  of  execution  will  be  decided  as  per  outcome  of  Detailed Project Report (DPR) during appraisal & approval of the project.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1149 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Toll Collection on Incomplete NHs in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Pushpendra Saroj

be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the National Highway (NH) stretches in Uttar Pradesh where toll collection began during the last five years despite incomplete safety  works  including  service  roads,  access  controls  and  pedestrian crossings;
- (b)  the  number  of  toll  plazas  and  highway  sections  where  such  safety deficiencies were recorded, district-wise;
- (c)  the  number  of  fatal  and  serious  accidents  reported  on  these  tolled stretches during 2023-24 and 2024-25;
- (d)  the  criteria  or  justification  used  to  permit  toll  collection  before completion of safety infrastructure; and
- (e) the steps taken to ensure that tolling decisions are aligned with full compliance of safety, access and operational standards on NHs in Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) & (e) User fee at Fee Plaza on National Highways (NHs) is collected after publication of respective user fee notification in Gazette of India in accordance with the provisions of the National Highways Fee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1149 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## TOLL COLLECTION ON INCOMPLETE NHS IN UTTAR PRADESH

1149.  SHRI PUSHPENDRA SAROJ:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

(Determination  of  Rates  and  Collection)  Rules,  2008  and  respective Concession Agreement. User Fee Collection on any National Highway is commenced only after the issuance of Provisional Completion Certificate (PCC) or Completion Certificate (CC) as the case may be and after the safety report certifying that the concerned section of the National Highway is fit for operation. Accordingly,  user  fee  is  collected  only  for  completed  sections  of  the National Highway. (b) to (d) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1144 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Affordable Food Options at Airports
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1144

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  5th February 2026 )

## AFFORDABLE FOOD OPTIONS AT AIRPORTS

1144.    DR. SANJAY JAISWAL Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has any plan or initiative to provide affordable breakfast, tea  and  snacks  at  airports  across  the  country,  particularly  for  passengers  travelling under the UDAN Scheme in view of the complaints received regarding high food prices at airports;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the measures taken/proposed to be taken to ensure availability of quality, budget-friendly food options for the UDAN passengers and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to consider such a measure to make air travel more inclusive and affordable and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION      (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a)  to  (c):  To  address  the  demand  for  affordable  food  and  beverage  options  for passengers, initiatives have been undertaken at several airports, to introduce low-cost outlets  such  as  UDAN Yatri Cafes. These outlets provide basic food and beverage items at affordable prices. The facility of UDAN Yatri Cafe has been introduced at Kolkata,  Chennai,  Ahmedabad,  Pune,  Bhubaneswar,  Vijayawada  and  Hollongi airports. The introduction of UDAN Yatri Cafes or similar low-cost food outlets at other airports is at the discretion of the respective airport operators.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1142 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Greenfield Expressway Connecting Bengaluru and Chennai
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Selvam G

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1142 ANSWERED ON 5 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## GREENFIELD EXPRESSWAY CONNECTING BENGALURU AND CHENNAI

1142.  SHRI SELVAM G:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that while most sections of the four-lane access-controlled greenfield expressway connecting Bengaluru  and  Chennai  are  nearing  completion,  the  ArakkonamKanchipuram stretch in Tamil Nadu has witnessed significant delays, with only about 11 km completed out of 25.5 km and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the delay in this stretch is adversely affecting the overall commissioning timeline of the expressway and causing traffic congestion and economic disruption in Kanchipuram district and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the reasons for the slow progress in the Arakkonam-Kanchipuram section including issues relating to railway overbridges, land acquisition or inter-agency clearances; and
- (d)  the  time-bound  action  plan  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Union Government to complete the remaining works and ensure full operationalisation of the expressway at the earliest?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) In  respect  of  Arakkonam  -  Kancheepuram  stretch  (25.5  Km), work has stopped since May 2025 due to financial constraints of the

Concessionaire.  Subsequent  to  intention  to  terminate  notice  to  the Concessionaire by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) dated 10.11.2025 and Speaking Order dated 08.01.2026 of NHAI as per Court direction,  Senior  Lenders  have  proposed  to  exercise  their  right  to substitute the Concessionaire vide letter dated 20.01.2026. (b) Being  a  Greenfield  Corridor  Project,  the  Expressway  can  be commissioned  only  on  completion  of  all  the  Packages,  including Arakkonam - Kancheepuram stretch. (c) Main  reason  for  slow  progress  of  Arakkonam  -  Kancheepuram section  is  financial  constraints  faced  by  the  Concessionaire.   As  on date, no other issue is affecting the project. (d) Subsequent  to  substitution  of  the  Concessionaire  by  Senior

Lenders, the balance work shall be taken up and completed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1138 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Exhaustion of Fossil Fuels
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1138

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/02/2026

## Exhaustion of Fossil Fuels

11 38. Dr. D Ravi Kumar:

पेůोिलयम और ÿाक ृ ितक गैस मंýी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: -

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any study or assessment regarding the estimated year by which fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and natural gas are likely to be exhausted in the country, if so, the details thereof along with the findings of such study, fuel-wise;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  potential  economic  and  energy  security  implications arising from the depletion of these fossil fuels, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  or  proposes  to  formulate  any  alternative  strategies  or policies to manage or mitigate the exhaustion of fossil fuels, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेůोिलयम और ÿाक ृ ितक गैस मंýालय म¤ राºयमंýी (®ी सुरेश गोपी)

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c): Directorate General of Hydrocarbons has informed that reserve status of Oil & Gas in the country  is  calculated  as  per  PRMS  (Petroleum  Reserve  Management  System),  a  globally  adopted practice, to estimate the crude oil and natural gas reserves every year. Based on the PRMS status as on 01st April, 2025, the Reserve/Production ratio (R/P ratio) of Country for Crude Oil and Natural Gas are approximately 15 and 17 years respectively. The R/P ratio is a method used to assess the size of reserves. Its value represents the number of years that current reserves would last if their rate of use did not change. Hydrocarbon exploration is a dynamic process and additional volumes of Oil and Gas are continuously accreted based on new discoveries/reserve accretion leading to change in R/P values. Hence, the above R/P values are indicative only.

Government is aware of the economic and energy security issues that may arise due to the gradual phaseout  of  fossil  fuels  such  as  high  initial  investments  in  renewable  energy,  shifting  to  domestic renewable sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy.

Government is taking concerted efforts to increase share of natural gas, biofuels, green hydrogen and renewable energy in the energy mix. This inter-alia, includes increasing share of natural gas in primary energy  mix;  increasing  ethanol  blending  in  petrol,  blending  of  biodiesel  in  diesel;  setting  up compressed biogas plants under Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT); developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum and installation of Alternate FuelStations (EV charging). This will enhance self- reliance and reduce risks related to global price volatility and supply disruptions.

******