opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: PDS and Oil Depot Infrastructure in Mizoram
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Richard Vanlalhmangaiha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1922

TO BE ANSWERED ON lITII  FEBRUARY, 2026

## PDS AND OIL DEPOT INFRASTRUCTURE IN MIZORAM

## 1922. SHRI RICHARD VANLALHMANGAIHA:

Will  the Minister  of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND  PUBLIC  DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a): whether the Government has reviewed the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and availability of  essential commodities in  the State of  Mizoram and if  so, the details thereof:
- (b): whether adequate oil  depots and fuel  storage infrastructure (including  petrol, diesel and LPG storage) are available in the said State  to meet regular demand and  emergency requirements, particularly  in remote and border areas;
- (c): if  not,  whether the  Government proposes to  establish new  oil  depots or  upgrade existing facilities in Mizoram; and
- (d): if  so, the details thereof along with  the proposed  time-frame?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

- (a) : Yes. The Government continuously reviews the functioning  of the Public Distribution  System (PDS) and availability of essential commodities  in Mizoram.

As part of technological reforms, the scheme of End-to-End Computerization  of PDS has been implemented all over the country. A significant progress has been achieved at the national level in terms of  100% digitization  of ration cards, installation of electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices, implementation of One Nation One Ration Card, computerisation of  supply chain management, online  grievance  redressal systems and initiation  of transparency portals that ensures transparency and rightful  targeting of NFS A beneficiaries in the country through Aadhar-biometric authentication.

(b) to (d): The installation of new Oil  Terminals/ Depots, expansion of Retail Outlet network and appointment of Liquefied  Petroleum Gas (LPG)  Distributorships by Public Sector Undertaking Oil Marketing Companies (PSU OMCs) is  a continuous process to ensure adequate availability of petroleum products including  Motor  Spirit  (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD) and LPG throughout the country, depending upon the requirement of  a particular region including fulfillment  of statutory norms and commercial viability.

As on 01.02.2026, PSU OMCs have 117 operational Retail  Outlets (IOCL-77,  BPCL-15 & HPCL-25) in Mizoram including Rural & Remote areas. Also, PSU OMCs have total 59 number of LPG distributorship in Mizoram  to meet the domestic LPG requirement  of consumers. As such, there is adequate capacity to meet both regular and emergency requirements.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Notification of Rules for Opening of Coal Mine
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1921 ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026

## Notification of Rules for Opening of Coal Mine

1921. Shri Selvaganapathi T.M:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government has notified rules that dispense with the Coal Controller Organization's nod for opening a coal mine;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether the amendment entrusts the board of the concerned coal firm with the authority to accord the requisite permissions and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether it is also a fact that the amendment would also apply to permission for restarting mines that were non-operational for 180 days or more and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether it is a fact that the role of the Coal Controller Organization would be limited to receive information about the approval already granted by the board and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL & MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) & (b): Yes, the Government has notified the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules on 23.12.2025, which dispense with the requirement of prior approval from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) for opening a coal mine or a seam or a section of a seam. However, an Intimation has to be sent to the Coal Controller Organisation by the concerned company within a period of fifteen days.

(c): Yes, after notification of the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules on 23.12.2025, the authority to approve the opening of a coal mine, seam, or section of a seam has been  entrusted  to  the  Board  of  the  concerned  company,  which  shall  grant  such permission after obtaining requisite approvals from the Central/ State Government and statutory bodies.

(d): Yes,  the  amendment  is  also  applicable  for  the  commencement  of  mining operations in such mines that were non-operational for 180 days or more.

(e): With respect to a company, amendment to the Colliery Control Rules provides that after grant of permission by Board of the company for opening of their coal mine, or a seam or a section  of  seam,  requisite  information  has  to  be  submitted  to  the  Coal Controller Organisation. However, collieries other than companies shall be required to obtain prior approval of the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) before opening a coal mine or a seam or a section of a seam.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1918 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Increasing of MPLADS Funds
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Shri Vijay Baghel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1918

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026

## INCREASING OF MPLADS FUNDS

1918. SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  current  annual  allocation  of  Rs.  5  crore  under  the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is insufficient  for  the  comprehensive  development  of  the  Parliamentary Constituencies, especially those with large geographical areas comprising 8-9 Assembly segments and predominantly rural populations;
- (b) whether the limitation of funds often deprives the general public of various critical and essential developmental works;
- (c) whether there is an urgent need to increase the annual allocation under the MPLADS; and
- (d) whether the Government propose to increase the annual allocation
- of funds under the MPLADS?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION;  MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a)  Under  Members  of  Parliament  Local  Area  Development  Scheme (MPLADS), each Hon'ble Member of Parliament is entitled for Rs.5 crore annually, irrespective of the size of their Lok Sabha Constituency.
- (b) to (d) The objective of the MPLAD Scheme is to enable each Member of Parliament to recommend works of developmental in nature with

emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs. The works permitted under the Scheme cover a wide range of sectors, including public conveniences, safety and security, education,  public  health,  drinking  water,  and  sanitation.  Many  such development  activities  are  primarily  undertaken  through  dedicated schemes implemented by the concerned Ministries and Departments. The MPLADS is not intended to substitute or duplicate these schemes; rather,  it  is  designed  to  complement  them  by  providing  viability  gap support,  particularly  for  last-mile  connectivity  and  essential  local infrastructure. The Ministry regularly receives and examines suggestions from various stakeholders, including proposals for revision of fund entitlements, in accordance  with  the  prescribed  procedures.  At  present,  there  is  no proposal under consideration to increase the annual allocation under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) beyond the existing limit of Rs. 5 crore per annum.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1913 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Nuclear Power Plants
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Ranjan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1913

ANSWERED ON  11/02/2026

## NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

## 1913.   SHRI RAJESH RANJAN

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of the total number of nuclear power plants operational as on date and their total installed capacity;
- (b) the details of the road-map of the Government for increasing nuclear power production from 2030 to 2047;
- (c) whether  India  has  made  any  significant  progress  in  regard  to  commercialisation  of thorium-based nuclear energy, and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to set up a nuclear research or training institutions in backward regions of the country such as Bihar and Eastern India and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTE R'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) Presently,  there  are  24  nuclear  power  plants  (excluding  RAPS-1)  in  commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW.
- (b) The Government has drawn up a roadmap for reaching the 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 as announced in the Nuclear Energy Mission. As per the roadmap, the present nuclear power capacity of 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1) is expected to reach about 22 GW by 2031-32 on progressive completion of projects presently at various stages of implementation. Another 32 GW of nuclear power capacity is envisaged to be set  up  beyond  2032  by NPCIL, comprising of indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and Light Water Reactors (LWR) by 2047 taking the capacity to about 54 GW. As per the roadmap, the balance of 46 GW is expected to be set up by other Public Sector Enterprises (Central & State), State Governments, Private sector and Joint Ventures in different business models, comprising of reactors of different technologies.

BHAVINI is currently commissioning a 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Government has accorded approval to carry out pre-project activities for 2 x 500 MWe twin unit of FBR 1&2 project at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. On attaining first criticality of PFBR, Government will be approached for financial sanction of FBR 1 & 2 projects.

- (c) The  Department  of  Atomic  Energy  is  in  the  process  of  development  of  a  small demonstration molten salt reactor aimed to demonstrate the technologies required for the efficient utilisation of thorium. R&D on development and qualification of special materials, molten fluoride salt chemistry, component development is in progress for molten salt demonstration reactor. Commercial operation of a higher power version of this reactor will be taken up on successful operation of this demonstration reactor.
- (d) A  nuclear  research  and  development  centre  is  being  established  at  Vizag,  Andhra Pradesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1912 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Production of Nuclear Energy
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Biplab Kumar Deb

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1912

ANSWERED ON  11/02/2026

## PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

## 1912.   SHRI BIPLAB KUMAR DEB

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details and current status of nuclear energy production in the country along with the nuclear energy produced during the last five years, year-wise; and
- (b) the details of specific measures undertaken by the Government for achieving the 100 GW nuclear power capacity target by 2047?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTE R'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) Presently,  there  are  24  nuclear  power  plants  (excluding  RAPS-1)  in  commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW. Details of commercial nuclear energy produced during last five years as below:
- (b) The Government has announced a Nuclear Energy Mission to reach a capacity of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 and formulated a roadmap for the  same.  The Government has also enacted the SHANTI Act to enable wider participation of private sector in nuclear power towards the accomplishment of the Nuclear energy Mission .

| Year      |   Electricity Generation (Million Units) |
|-----------|------------------------------------------|
| 2024-2025 |                                    56681 |
| 2023-2024 |                                    47971 |
| 2022-2023 |                                    45855 |
| 2021-2022 |                                    47112 |
| 2020-2021 |                                    43029 |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1910 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Proposed closure of Payyanangadi Post Office in Tirur and Tanur Nagaram Branch Post Office, Kerala
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1910 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PAYYANANGADI POST OFFICE IN TIRUR AND TANUR NAGARAM BRANCH POST OFFICE, KERALA

## 1910.   DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the reported proposal to close the Payyanangadi Post Office  functioning  under  the  Tirur  Postal  Division  and  Tanur  Nagaram  Branch  Post  Office  in Malappuram district of Kerala;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor, particularly in view of the fact that the said post office is a long standing and highly active public utility serving a densely populated area;
- (c) whether  the  existence  of  a  Head  Post  Office  within  a  three-kilometre  radius  is  the  sole criterion being relied upon for such closure and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to review the applicability of such distance-based norms in densely populated States like Kerala and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken to ensure continuity of essential postal services to senior citizens, small traders and other dependent sections in the area?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

- (a) There is no post office in Tirur Postal Division having the name of Payyanangadi Post office. Since  Tanur  Nagaram  Non-Delivery  Branch  Post  Office  was  not  fulfilling  the  prescribed departmental norms, it has been merged with Tanur MBR Sub Post Office.
- (b) Tanur Nagaram Non-Delivery Branch Post Office is situated at a distance of only 750 metres from Tanur MBR Sub Post Office. Moreover, all facilities available at Tanur Nagaram Non-Delivery Branch Post Office are also available at Tanur MBR Sub Post Office.
- (c) Population, Distance and Income Norms exist in this regard. As such, distance is not the sole criterion for rationalization of Post Offices.
- (d) No, Sir. There is no such proposal to review.
- (e) Melas and Special drives are conducted for popularizing various products and services of India Post. The Department of Posts has been providing all essential postal services including mail delivery services as well as financial inclusion services through its extensive network of post offices and  the  same  shall  remain  continued  across  the  country  to  ensure  continuity  of  essential  postal services to senior citizens, small traders, and other dependent sections in the area.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1907 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Bharatiya Antariksh Station
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Kalyan Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1907

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

## BHARATIYA ANTARIKSH STATION

1907.  SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to setup Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) as a platform for microgravity research and scientific studies in various fields including life sciences and medicines;
- (b) if  so,  the present status and the manner in which it will help the  human  space  flight  and  life  support  research  process thereof; and
- (c) the details of the module of finance for setting up such station and the foreign technical collaboration thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****

- (a) Yes. As part of the Space Vision 2047, Indian Space Research Organisation  (ISRO)  aims  to  establish  Bharatiya  Antariksh Station (BAS). BAS  will provide a  platform  to  undertake
- microgravity  research  and  scientific  studies  in  various  fields including life sciences and medicine.
- (b) ISRO has worked out overall configuration of Bharatiya Antariksh  Station  comprising  of  five  modules.  The  overall configuration has been reviewed by the National Level Review Committee. In September,2024, Union Cabinet approved development and launch of first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station  (BAS-01)  by  2028  as  part  of  revision  in  scope  of Gaganyaan Programme. Overall system engineering of BAS-01 module  and  technology  development  activities  of  various subsystems are progressing in ISRO Centres/Units.

BAS  with  its  technology  elements  such  as  advanced  life support systems will enable long duration human habitation in Low Earth  Orbit  (LEO).  This  will  allow  undertaking  advanced scientific  research  and  technology  demonstration  activities with  potential  socio-economic  impact  in  LEO  as  well  as support  further  Indian  human  space  exploration  missions beyond LEO.

- (c) The budgetary allocation towards various precursor missions, development and launch of BAS-1 are included in the revised scope  of  Gaganyaan  Programme,  which  has  been  enhanced with an additional funding in the already approved Gaganyaan Programme  to  ₹20,193 Cr . based  on  approval  from  Union Cabinet  in  September,2024.    Currently,  there  are  no  specific technical collaboration agreements with other space agencies or organisation for BAS.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1906 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Decline in Number of Telecom Service Providers and Safeguarding Consumer Interests
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Deepender Singh Hooda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1906 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## DECLINE IN NUMBER OF TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS AND SAFEGUARDING CONSUMER INTERESTS

## 1906.   SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the number of telecom service providers in the country has declined significantly to effectively just three major private operators at present;
- (b) if so, the reasons identified by the Government for the substantial reduction in the number of telecom companies over the years;
- (c) whether the Government has taken note of concerns regarding reduced competition in the telecom sector and the possibility of monopolistic or duopolistic market tendencies;
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  taking  or  proposes  to  take  any  measures  to  promote  healthy competition and encourage more players to enter the telecom sector and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has taken cognisance of the fact that fewer market players may be taking advantage of rising tariffs and if so, the steps being taken to safeguard consumer interests and ensure affordable and quality telecom services?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) to (c) In  the  mobile  services market,  most  comparable  economies  generally  have  3  to  4 service providers. In India, there are also three private sector Telecom Service Providers and one public sector Telecom Service Provider offering mobile services.

- (d) Government has taken measures to promote healthy competition and encourage more players to enter the telecom sector. These initiatives, inter-alia , include the following
-  Rationalization of Definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
-  Rationalization of Interest rates and removal of Penalties for delayed payments of License Fee (LF).
-  Rationalization of Bank Guarantee requirements under the license agreement.
-  Removal of levy of Spectrum Usage Charges on the spectrum acquired in auctions held after September 2021.
-  Provision for payment of Spectrum in 20 equal annual instalments for auctions held after September 2021.
-  To encourage investment, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under automatic route permitted in Telecom Sector with applicable safeguards.

(e) As per the existing regulatory framework, tariff including rates and related conditions for telecommunication  services  is  under  forbearance  except  for  national  roaming,  rural  fixed  line services and leased circuits, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). It may also be noted that the Indian telecom tariffs are amongst the lowest in the world.

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