opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3034 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Indian Institute of Creative Technologies
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar, Shri Haribhai Patel, Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3034

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

3034:  SMT. MAHIMA KUMARI MEWAR SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI SHRI HARIBHAI PATEL

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- a)      the details of progress on Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) Mumbai as National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and  Extended  Reality  (AVGC-XR)  including  infrastructure,  courses  launched  and students enrolled;
- b)      the details of partnerships with Google, Meta, NVIDIA with startups incubated, Statewise including Rajsamand Lok Sabha Constituency of Rajasthan;
- c)      whether  there  has  been  an  evaluation  of  impact  on  skill  development  and  industry alignment; and
- d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

## (a)  to (d):

The  Indian  Institute  of  Creative  Technologies  (IICT),  Mumbai,  is  a  National  Centre  of Excellence established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)  and  Confederation  of  Indian  Industry  (CII)  to  promote  innovation  and  capacity building in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector.  The  institute  is  currently  operating  from  the  IICT-National  Film  Development Corporation  (NFDC)  campus.  The  development  of  a  permanent  campus  at  Film  City, Goregaon,  Mumbai  is  ongoing.  The  institute  is  now  operational  with  modern  classrooms, immersive studios, and specialized facilities for sound and editing to support both academic learning and industry collaboration. To date, 18 distinct courses have been introduced across various domains of the  AVGC-XR sector with 136 students' enrolment in these programs. Moreover, 15 participants have successfully completed the 'Train-the-Trainer' initiative.

IICT has collaborated with global technology leaders to strengthen skilling and technology capabilities in the AVGC-XR sector. These collaborations will benefit creators enrolled with IICT  from  all  across  India.  Further,  startups  supported  under  the  institute's  incubation initiatives are drawn from different parts of the country and supporting 11 startups.

To review progress and provide strategic  guidance,  the  IICT has  also  established  advisory councils  involving  industry  experts,  namely  the  Academic  Council,  Industry  Development Council, Research and Development Council, and Skills Council.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3030 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: National e‑Vidhan Application (NeVA)
Ministry: PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan, Shri Tejasvi Surya, Shri Ramesh Awasthi, Shri Khagen Murmu, Shri Satish Kumar Gautam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3030

ANSWERED ON - 11/03/2026

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

3030. Shri Ramesh Awasthi,

Shri Tejaswi Surya,

Shri Satish Kumar Gautam,

Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal,

Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan,

Shri Khagen Murmu

Will the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with  the  State  Legislative  Assemblies  under  the  National  eVidhan Application alongwith the key provisions thereof and the current status of their implementation;
- (b)  the  details  of  the  progress  made  in  the  Digitalization  of legislative workflow;
- (c)  the  details  of  facilities  such  as  ICT-based  tools  for  the availability of documents, submission of questions and participation in House proceedings;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  progress  of transformation to a "Digital House" and proposes to implement it nationwide; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## 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)   National  e-Vidhan  Application  (NeVA)  is  a  unified  digital initiative developed as a generic software platform designed to meet the diverse needs of all State/UT Legislative Bodies and to transform  them  into  Digital  Houses.  Implementation  of  the project in a Legislature is governed through a Tripartite Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  signed  between  the Government of India, the concerned State Government and the respective State Legislature. At present, 28 State/UT Legislatures have signed MoUs for adoption of NeVA. The MoUs, inter alia, specify the cost-sharing pattern between the Centre and the State and lay down conditions for release of funds.
- (b)   At  present,  21  State/UT  Legislatures  are  conducting  their legislative business in digital mode through the NeVA platform and other 7 are at various stages of implementation.
- (c)   The  NeVA  software  suite  comprises  Mobile  and  Web Applications,  a  Public  Portal  and  e-Book  modules  designed  to facilitate  end-to-end  digitalisation  of  legislative  workflow.  It enables electronic submission of questions and notices, digital processing  of  legislative  business,  and  online  availability  of legislative documents. The project also provides for installation of necessary ICT infrastructure and hardware to support paperless functioning of Legislatures.

(d) & (e) Yes. The Government has made provision for adoption of NeVA by all State/UT Legislatures in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3012 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Disposal of Scrap/Obsolete Assets of Railways
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3012

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## DISPOSAL OF SCRAP/OBSOLETE ASSETS OF RAILWAYS

## 3012. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  total  revenue  realised  from  auction  of  scrap, waste material and obsolete assets of the Indian Railways during the last five years, year-wise;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognisance  of  large  quantities  of condemned coaches, wagons, unused tracks and other scrap lying for long periods at stations and yards, resulting in corrosion, depreciation and revenue loss and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to issue binding/time-bound instructions  to  all  stations  and  divisions  for  identification  and  prompt auction  of  unusable  scrap  to  maximise  revenue  and  improve  asset management and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a):    Scrap  generated  during  maintenance,  production  activities,  track renewal and from obsolete rolling stock, etc. is an important source of nonfare  revenue  for  Indian  Railways.  The  Scrap  sale  figures  for  the  last  five financial years are as follows:

| Year    |   Scrap Sale (Rs. in crores) |
|---------|------------------------------|
| 2020-21 |                      4575.29 |
| 2021-22 |                      5316.24 |
| 2022-23 |                      5756.98 |
| 2023-24 |                      5773.26 |
| 2024-25 |                      6641.78 |

(b)  &  (c):  Scrap  generation  and  disposal  is  a  continuous  ongoing process  over  Indian  Railways.  Scrap  disposal  is  done  through e-auction using the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS) to ensure transparency, wider participation, competitive pricing and to  maximise  revenue  realisation.  Scrap  sale  figures  have  shown of disposal  mechanisms.  Monitoring  mechanisms  are  in  place  at various  levels  to  ensure  that  scrap  is  identified,  segregated  and consistent growth, reflecting improved operationalisation disposed of promptly. Government has taken several measures to strengthen scrap identification and disposal mechanism including e-Auction through IREPS, Zero Scrap Balance Targets, Special Campaign, etc. These measures  form  part  of  continuous  efforts  by  Indian  Railways  to improve asset lifecycle management, minimise depreciation/ corrosion losses from condemned coaches, wagons, unused tracks and enhance revenue from scrap disposal. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3007 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Kisan Rail Circuits
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kesineni Sivanath, Shri B K Parthasarathi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3007 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## KISAN RAIL CIRCUITS

## 3007. SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH: SHRI B K PARTHASARATHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  number  of  consultations  held  by  the  Government during the last two years with State Governments to identify potential Kisan Rail circuits with specific details for Andhra Pradesh;
- (b)  the  details  of  the  number  of  potential  Kisan  Rail  circuits  identified through  such  consultations  along  with  their  route  alignments  and commodities proposed to be transported, State-wise;
- (c)  whether the  Government has conducted any operational and financial feasibility studies for the identified circuits and if so, the details of the findings  and  if  not,  the  reasons  for  not  undertaking  such  feasible studies;
- (d) whether any Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are under preparation for the  proposed  Kisan  Rail  circuits  and  if  so,  the  details  of  the  same, State-wise; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e):  Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by Indian Railways - to move  perishables  including  fruits  and  vegetables  from  production  or surplus  regions  to  consumption  or  deficient  regions.    Since  its  launch  in August  2020,  a  total  of  2,364  Kisan  Rail  services  have  operated  on  167 routes across various states including 116 outward services from Andhra Pradesh.

Potential circuits of Kisan Rail are identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries  Departments  of  State  Governments  as  well  as  local bodies  and  agencies,  Mandis  etc.,  and  services  at  applicable  tariff  are planned on the basis of demands placed and the operational feasibility. Besides,  Business  Development  Units  functional  at  all  Railway  Divisions are engaging with various stakeholders to assess the business requirement including  transportation  of  perishables  which  can  also  be  seasonal  and need  based.    In  the  recent  past,  consultations  were  held  by  Railway Authorities with Government of Andhra Pradesh, officials of CONCOR and with District Administration of Ananthapuram for transportation of bananas from Tadipatri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

A Detailed project Report (DPR) on Kisan Rail was submitted by M/s RITES in July 2021  which  was  shared  with  all Zonal railways  and other stakeholder Ministries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Thorium-based Power Projects
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -3005 ANSWERED ON 11/03/2026

## THORIUM-BASED POWER PROJECTS

## 3005.  SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) the  details  of  the  number  and  location  of  thorium-based  power  projects  currently operational in the country along with the amount of power generated by each of them since 2020, year-wise;
- (b) whether the Government has any project underway to establish thorium-based plants and if so, the details thereof including expected timeline, location and capacity and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether any public sector undertaking has entered into or has plans to enter into any joint  venture  with  any  foreign  company/organisation/country  to  develop  thoriumbased fuel technology, fuel fabrication capability or any other thorium-related project and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the long-term energy, economic and environmental implications of deploying thorium-based power at scale in the country and if so, the details and the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a), (b),(c)& (d)  Deployment of thorium-based power at scale in the country in a manner so as to ensure a long term self-sustainable indigenous power production is one of the cornerstones of the Indian three stage nuclear power programme.  Its advantages in  the  long-term  energy  scenario  have  been  well  established.    Thorium  based reactors are also expected to produce less amounts of long-lived nuclear wastes as compared to uranium based reactors.  Molten salt reactor (MSR) is envisaged as one  of  suitable  technologies  for  thorium  utilization.    The  molten  salt  breeder reactor (MSBR) using thorium based fuel, which are expected to be deployed in the third stage, operates at near  atmospheric pressure.  This enhances its safety. However,  this  technology  is  not  yet  matured  and  economic  implications  of deploying the technology can be examined, once it is demonstrated in a limited scale.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Campaign to Surrender Subsidy on Rail Ticket
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

§

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3003 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## CAMPAIGN TO SURRENDER SUBSIDY ON RAIL TICKET

## †3003. SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  action  plan  to  launch  a campaign to give up/discontinue the subsidy on railway tickets like the gas subsidy and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) the details of the progress made so far on the said action plan?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) & (b): Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society and gave subsidy of Rs. 60,239 crore on passenger tickets in 2024-25.  This  amounts  to  concession  of  43%  on  an  average,  to  every person,  travelling  on  Railways.  In  other  words,  if  the  cost  of  providing service is Rs. 100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 57 only. This subsidy is continuing  for  all  passengers.  Further,  concessions  beyond  this  subsidy amount  are  continuing  for  many  categories  like  4  categories  of  Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.

Further, there is no campaign planned on passenger tickets.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3001 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Zero Custom Duty on Imports for Nuclear Sector
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -3001

ANSWERED ON 11/03/2026

## ZERO CUSTOM DUTY ON IMPORTS FOR NUCLEAR SECTOR

3001.   SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE SMT. BHARTI PARDHI SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) the details of benefits and advantages of the zero customs duty on imports for nuclear power projects announced in the Union Budget 2026-27;
- (b) the objectives sought to be achieved through this tax exemption in terms of project viability,  cost  reduction,  timely  capacity  expansion  and  overall  strengthening  of  the nuclear energy sector;
- (c) the categories of equipments, components or technologies covered under the zero-duty regime including reactors, turbines and related systems;
- (d) the manner in which this measure is expected to facilitate timely execution of upcoming nuclear power projects and attract domestic and foreign investment; and
- (e) the manner in which this incentive aligns with long-term national goals of clean energy transition, energy security and low-carbon growth along with the expected impact on India's nuclear energy capacity?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Zero customs duty on the imports of goods required for nuclear power projects will result in reduction of the project cost and the unit cost of electricity generated. This will make the projects more viable.
- (b) The customs duty exemption on imports of goods required for Nuclear Power Projects will make the projects more economically viable and result in reduced tariffs for the consumers. This will also enable wider private participation in backdrop of SHANTI Act, 2025.
- (c) The categories of equipment expected to be covered under the zero custom duty regime are  critical  equipment  such  as  Reactor  Pressure  Vessels  (RPVs),  Steam  Generators (SGs), Pressurizers, Turbines and other related equipment for Light Water Reactors being set up with foreign cooperation
- (d) The custom duty exemption on imported components will reduce timelines involved in custom clearances and result in faster deliveries of equipment to projects.
- (e) The customs duty exemption will augment addition of nuclear energy at faster pace thereby achieving the goals  of 100 GW nuclear energy capacity by 2047 and clean energy transition towards Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2070.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2997 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Expansion of National Green Hydrogen Mission
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2997

ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## EXPANSION OF NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION

## 2997. SHRI RAMASAHAYAM RAGHURAM REDDY

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to expand the National Green Hydrogen Mission in line with the goal of net zero carbon production by the year 2050 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  identified  possible  sites  for  the  setting  up  of  green hydrogen plants and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted an environmental impact assessment of such plants; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a) The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. India's Green Hydrogen production capacity is likely to reach 5 Million Metric Tonnes per annum by 2030.

- (b) Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), incentives are being provided to promote the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. In this regard:
- 8,62,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production capacity has been awarded to 18 companies.
- Prices have been discovered by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the production and  supply  of  7,24,000  Metric  Tonnes  per  Annum  (MTPA)  of  Green  Ammonia  (a derivative of Green Hydrogen) to 13 fertilizer units across India.

Site  identification  is  the  prerogative  of  the  respective  companies  based  on  commercial consideration.

(c) & (d) Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, vide Office Memorandum dated 28 th July 2023 regarding 'Clarification on the applicability of EIA Notification 2006 for manufacturing  Green  Ammonia  /  Green  Hydrogen,'  have  clarified  that  Standalone  plants producing Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia by way of electrolysis of water using Renewable Energy, shall not require prior Environmental Clearance under the provisions of Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2992 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Central Government Ministries/Departments
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2992

(ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026)

## USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS

## 2992. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  comprehensive  policy  or  programme  for upskilling and reskilling Central Government employees in the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools for public administration and governance;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  such  initiatives  including  the  Ministries/Departments  covered  and  the nature of training imparted;
- (c)  whether  any  timelines  and  measurable  outcomes  have  been  fixed  to  integrate  AI  tools  in decision-making, service delivery and grievance redressal; and
- (d)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  ethical  use,  data  protection, transparency and accountability in the deployment of AI by Government officials?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d):  Recognizing  the need to  upskill government employees in Artificial Intelligence and  emerging  technologies,  high  priority  has  been  accorded  to  building  civil  services' capacity in AI and to empower public workforce with skills and knowledge in this field.

At  present,  the  iGOT  Karmayogi  platform  -  which  has  over  1.5  crore  government employees  onboarded  from  across  all  Ministries,  Departments  and  Organizations  of  the Government of India and from 30 State and UT governments - has 105 courses on Artificial Intelligence  and  Emerging  Technologies  designed  to  equip  government  officials  with essential digital knowledge and skills. These courses focus on use of AI in different domains like  education  and  skilling,  office  productivity,  agriculture,  public  health,  AI  security  and cybersecurity.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ('Act'), and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 ('Rules'), were notified on 13 November 2025. These ensure that personal data is processed for a lawful purpose with a free, specific, informed, unconditional and unambiguous consent from the individual. The Rules require Data Fiduciaries to implement appropriate security safeguards, such as encryption or masking, to protect data and prevent breaches. The Act requires every Significant Data Fiduciary to appoint an independent data auditor to assess compliance with its provisions.

*****